Over the next year and beyond, my objective is to focus on farming, with a specific plan to specialize in cultivating cowpeas and beans to generate additional income through their sale. To realize this dream, I intend to sell some of my goats and invest the proceeds in farming later on.

GiveDirectly excelled in keeping their word by delivering the unconditional transfer as promised and on time. The full amount was disbursed exactly as they had committed. During my interactions with the staff, I did not encounter any areas that required correction or improvement.

Managing school fees has been a persistent challenge for me over an extended period. I rely on casual labor and goat rearing as sources of income, while my husband serves in the police force. Together, we are blessed with eight children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made the choice to spend $200 to clear the outstanding school fees for my children. I also invested $200 in purchasing five additional goats to add to my existing livestock. Lastly, I utilized the remaining $47 to purchase essential food supplies. All of these actions were previously unattainable due to our numerous financial responsibilities. I am relieved that my children can now comfortably attend school without any outstanding fees, and we have an adequate supply of food for our consumption.

Despite the challenging effects of the ongoing drought, which have left us in a vulnerable state, I hold a vision for the coming year and beyond. My aspiration is to embark on irrigation farming, utilizing a 10-acre parcel of land. Through this venture, I wish to cultivate a diverse range of crops that will not only provide sustenance for my family of nine but also generate surplus for sale. By achieving this goal, I anticipate improved food security and increased income. Furthermore, I intend to invest in a generator to eliminate the need for costly generator rentals, allowing us to save money and allocate resources more efficiently. Through these endeavors, I hope to overcome the hardships imposed by the drought and achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency for my family.

GiveDirectly has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their operations, leaving us all deeply content with the outcomes. The provision of free cash transfers granted us the freedom to allocate the funds according to our individual needs and priorities. Many individuals utilized the support to pay school fees and construct new houses, while others wisely invested in acquiring food supplies. The village has experienced a remarkable transformation, for which I extend my heartfelt appreciation to GiveDirectly. Looking ahead, it is our collective hope that community projects requiring collective efforts, such as establishing water points, will be implemented to further benefit the community as a whole. By addressing these communal needs, GiveDirectly can continue to enhance its impact and foster lasting positive change in the lives of many.

Having faced consistent drought that shattered our hopes in subsistence farming, we had no choice but to rely on purchasing daily food supplies from the local market, despite the high expenses involved. However, I am sincerely grateful for the well-timed financial support provided by GiveDirectly. Out of the second transfer, I spent $86 on purchasing a relatively sufficient amount of food, which included a sack of maize and 20 kg of beans to sustain my family of nine. As a result, we now enjoy at least two satisfying meals each day, a significant improvement from the past when we relied on casual earnings and saved them solely for dinner. In relation to my three daughters' secondary education, I had accumulated a significant arrear in fee payments due to defaults. Thankfully, I was able to settle this arrear with $315, enabling my daughters to study happily without any disruptions. Additionally, part of the remaining $49, which was added to our savings, was utilized to purchase four additional goats, adding to our existing count of 16. I intend to sell these goats in the future to meet the pressing need for school fees. Finally, I used the remaining $50 for household goods and as a contingency fund for any unforeseen emergencies.

The day I received my transfer remains vivid in my memory. I was out in the field, diligently tending to my goats when my tranquility was interrupted by the resounding buzz of a message. Curiosity piqued, I reached for my phone and discovered a text from GiveDirectly, announcing the arrival of the funds. It was like a gust of fresh air on a hot, tiresome day. The news was so exhilarating that I momentarily forgot about the weariness brought upon me by the scorching sun. The excitement stemmed from the realization that I could now pursue the goals I had set for myself with renewed confidence. Upon returning home, I eagerly shared the news with my wife, who expressed her gratitude and shared my happiness.

The most significant difference in my everyday life is the newfound ability to pay my children's school fees. This significant change has brought a tremendous difference as they can now study without the constant fear of being sent home due to unpaid fees. The gift that facilitated this change has had a profound impact on the direction of my life, leading me toward success and a more promising future. I will forever carry gratitude in my heart for this life-altering blessing.

Receiving my initial transfer came as a timely blessing, providing me with the opportunity to alleviate the burden of school fee arrears for my high school children. The transfer arrived precisely when they had been sent home due to unpaid fees, and it happened to be that financially challenging time of the month when resources were scarce. As a farmer, and with my husband working as a security officer, we are entrusted with the care of seven children. With the transfer, we were able to settle a total of $135 in school fees, allowing our children to focus on their studies without the constant worry of being sent home. Additionally, we wisely invested $60 in purchasing a sack of maize, ensuring our family's sustenance. The relief and happiness I feel are immeasurable, as this achievement was once hindered by financial constraints.