Going forward, my plan for this year and the years to come is to invest in livestock keeping and crop growing. I intend to use the next transfers from GiveDirectly to buy more goats and to invest in farming. This will help ensure that there is a sustainable income in my household, providing financial stability for my family. The thought of having livestock and crops fills me with confidence, knowing that I will have something to rely on in times of emergency. I feel much better knowing that I can build a foundation for the future and take care of my family's needs, even when unexpected challenges arise.

What stood out to me the most was how respectful and kind the GiveDirectly officers were. They took the time to explain everything in detail and gave me the opportunity to ask for any clarifications I needed. I appreciate how patient they were and how they made sure I understood the process. I have no recommendations for changing their program because I truly like it just as it is. The way they treat people and provide support has been very impressive to me.

Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I thanked God for this support. I used $160 to improve my bedding. Before, I used to sleep on the floor with makeshift bedding that was very uncomfortable. With this money, I bought a bed and a comfortable mattress, which has transformed my nights—I now sleep well and wake up feeling well-rested. This change has greatly improved my overall well-being. I spent $110 to buy two goats because I want something that will continue to generate income even after the program ends. Goats are ideal for this, as they multiply and do very well in our hot climate. I also used $68 to buy a comfortable sofa set to improve my living space, so now I have a nice place for visitors to sit. Finally, I used the rest of the money to buy food, ensuring I stay well-fed and energized while caring for my livestock.

One afternoon, as I was relaxing at home, I received a phone notification. When I checked, I saw that it was GiveDirectly who had sent me $180. I was so excited and immediately felt a sense of relief. I knew that with this money, I could finally accomplish one of my goals. The first thought that came to mind was to lease a piece of land so I could start maize farming. It felt like the perfect opportunity to work towards improving my family’s future.

The biggest change since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been the ability to lease a one-acre piece of land for farming. This felt like a dream come true because I have always wanted to start maize farming. With this farm, I can generate more income, which will open up more opportunities for me to develop myself and sustain my farming activities. For this, I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly.

When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I was happy and thankful, but I didn’t let my emotions take over. I quickly focused on my plan. I had always wanted to lease land for farming, but I lacked the capital. With this GiveDirectly transfer, I saw an opportunity to finally explore this venture. I used $120 to lease a one-acre piece of land, where I plan to grow maize. This will help me generate more income and improve my standard of living. I also set aside $30 to buy food, as I had no harvest due to recent floods that destroyed my farm. This had affected my household, leaving us without food, but since buying groceries, we have had enough to eat, even without a harvest. Lastly, I spent $30 on new clothes. I wanted to look different and have a fresh set of clothing because it felt like a new beginning for me. This support from GiveDirectly has given me hope and the chance to start over.