In the coming years, my primary focus will be on agriculture. I intend to lease land situated near a river, taking advantage of its water supply for irrigation, given the unpredictability of our rainfall. My plan is to cultivate both maize and millet, with the goal of meeting our domestic food needs and generating income through commercial sales. This agricultural venture will not only ensure that my family has an ample food supply but also enable me to comfortably afford my children's school fees.

I truly appreciated the fairness of GD's enrollment process. It was inclusive, ensuring that everyone in my village had the opportunity to benefit without any discrimination. I also found their method of transferring funds directly to our phone accounts to be highly efficient. It not only guaranteed that we received the full promised amount but also ensured the timely delivery of the funds, which was crucial for us.

The third transfer arrived at a critical juncture for my family. My two children were at home as they could not attend school due to unpaid fees, and this was especially worrying for my eldest child, who needed to prepare for his final national exams. Immediately upon receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 to settle their school fees. I am immensely relieved that they can now concentrate on their studies. Moreover, I allocated $120 to purchase food to ensure my family of six does not go hungry. We faced a challenging situation due to a lack of rainfall, resulting in drought and crop failure, which affected our harvest; hence, buying the food was crucial. Additionally, I spent $50 on clothing to expand our wardrobe, providing us with more clothing options and preventing us from having to wear the same clothes repeatedly. This has well boosted my children's self-esteem, allowing them to interact more confidently with their peers without fear of ridicule due to their poor clothing. Lastly, I decided to save the remaining amount for emergencies, particularly food, as we approach December, when droughts are common and can be particularly harsh.

The offspring of the goats brought additional streams of revenue, easing the burden of school fees and other expenses that once seemed daunting. With the goats thriving under our care, I decided to take a break from the arduous business of burning charcoal, focusing instead on nurturing our livestock. The decision to shift my focus was not made lightly, but it was a necessary step to secure a brighter future for my family. The goats required attention, care, and proper management to ensure their health and productivity. As they flourished, so did our financial prospects. By dedicating myself to the goat husbandry, I discovered the art of animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture. I learned to breed and care for the goats, optimize their diet, and provide them with the best living conditions. The knowledge I gained through this venture was not only practical but also empowering, equipping me with valuable skills for the future. Reflecting on this journey, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude to GiveDirectly for their generosity and support.

The cash transfers brought about a wave of positive change in my family's life. I vividly remember the relief and joy in their eyes when they realized they could continue their education without interruptions. They now had the opportunity to learn and grow, unburdened by the worry of school fees. The cash transfers provided a sense of security that had been absent in our lives, and it had a profound impact on our children's academic journey. One of the most significant improvements was the acquisition of a de-light, a simple yet transformative addition to our household. With the de-light, we now had a reliable source of light during the night. Gone were the days of struggling to read and study under dim candlelight or costly kerosene lamps. The nights, once filled with darkness and limitations, now became a time of possibility and growth. Beyond academic benefits, the de-light also brought a sense of togetherness to our family. During the evenings, we would gather around the gentle light, sharing stories and cherishing moments of connection. It became a symbol of hope and unity, fostering a sense of belonging and love. As I watched my children read and learn under the soft glow of the de-light, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for the cash transfers that made it all possible. The financial support had not just alleviated our immediate needs but had also opened doors to a brighter future.

The first priority was to ensure that my family had enough food on our plates. With $100 from the transfers, I stocked our pantry with nutritious groceries, filling the air with the aroma of delicious meals to come. Gone were the days of worrying about where the next meal would come from – we now had the stability to enjoy nourishing food without fear. Next, investing in education was a non-negotiable goal. With $250, I paid my children's school fees, securing their access to quality education. It was a moment of immense pride and relief as I watched them eagerly embrace the opportunities that education provided. Their bright eyes and eager minds gave me hope for a future filled with promise. But the journey didn't end there. Recognizing the potential of agriculture as a source of sustainability, I decided to invest $100 in purchasing two goats. These adorable creatures would not only provide us with fresh milk but also offer a steady stream of income through breeding and selling their offspring. The goats became beloved members of our family. Their playful antics brought joy to our hearts, and their milk enriched our diet. As they multiplied, so did our financial stability, creating a safety net for the future.

I was unwinding at home when my phone notified me of a message. There wasn't much I could do because I am not a proficient reader. I requested my standard-eighth-grade daughter to assist me check my phone when she got home from school. It was at this time that I found out that GiveDirectly had actually sent the anticipated transfer. My heart filled with joy as I joyfully sang while praising the omnipotent God.

We currently have diversified sources of income because I am no longer reliant on the sale of my goats to cover my children's school expenses. Before, I used to constantly sell my goats to cover my children's school expenses, so the fact that this is no longer the case makes me very happy. In order to accomplish this, the transfer from GiveDirectly was very helpful, and it has enabled my goats to expand and grow in number.

My son is in third grade and my daughter is in fourth. When I got my transfer, I used $10 to cover their tuition fee and the remaining $10 for our meals. Prior to GiveDirectly's registration, I used to sell some of my goats to raise money for both school expenses and food purchases. I'm glad that up to this point, I haven't sold any, and we've been able to feed ourselves and keep our kids from being sent back home.