This year holds a special goal for me: completing the construction of my home. Though it's not yet finished, I am determined to see it through to completion in the coming months. Every brick laid and every beam placed brings me closer to fulfilling this dream. As I envision the final touches being added, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. Finishing my home means more than just completing a building; it signifies creating a sanctuary for my family, a place where we can find comfort, security, and belonging. With determination and perseverance, I am confident that by the end of this year, my home will stand as a testament to hard work and dedication.

I have no recommendations to offer because I am truly impressed by GiveDirectly and all their programs. Their efforts have been outstanding, and I appreciate everything they do. From their various initiatives to their overall approach, GiveDirectly has made a positive impact in my life and in the lives of many others. I admire their dedication and commitment to helping those in need, and I am grateful for the support they provide.

With the recent $450 transfer from GiveDirectly, I made transformative choices for my family's future. First, I allocated $200 to build a new home. Previously, we lived in a temporary makeshift structure, but now, we finally have a place to call home. This new home provides us with comfort and security, a sanctuary where we can thrive. Additionally, I invested the remaining $200 in buying four goats. These goats aren't just animals; they represent a long-term investment in our financial stability. With careful care and breeding, they have the potential to provide us with a sustainable source of income for years to come. Overall, these decisions have brought about positive changes in our lives, offering us both shelter and opportunity for the future.

In the coming year, my primary hope is to finally start developing my new land. I have been away from it for quite some time, even though I have been visiting and doing small-scale farming on it occasionally. This land holds immense potential, and my goal is to harness it fully. I plan to purchase more goats to leverage the vast grazing opportunities available, with the hope of gradually building my wealth. This accumulated wealth will serve as a legacy for my children and grandchildren, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for them. It is a journey I am eager to embark on, as it represents not just personal growth but the promise of a better life for generations to come.

Receiving unconditional money from GiveDirectly has truly transformed our lives, and I can't express how happy and thankful I am for the immense support. It is a program that is truly one of a kind and has successfully alleviated the poverty that many in our community were grappling with. What sets it apart is the fairness and equality with which it operates—every person is treated with the same level of respect and support. Even when we sometimes felt that the transfer might be delayed, the fact that we could call and have welcoming agents respond to us was reassuring. Personally, I appreciate everything about the program, and I believe nothing should be changed. Instead, it should be further implemented in other areas so that more people can experience the same life-changing benefits that we have.

Receiving the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. I decided to use the second transfer to buy 10 iron sheets for $73, intending to construct a new house on my new piece of land. For years, I had been living comfortably in my son's house, but now, with my grandchildren growing up, I felt it was time to have my own space where I could also enjoy the comfort of leaving the current space for them. I allocated $30 for food to support my family of three and spent an additional $17 on transportation for the construction materials and bringing the food home from the shopping center. I also shared the blessing with my two daughters, giving them $40 to purchase food for their own families. Investing in our future, I bought three sheep for $14, which I plan to sell later to provide financial support for my family. The remaining $130 went towards acquiring other essential household goods, and I still have $20 left, which I consider a safety net for any unexpected emergencies. This unconditional cash transfer has not only improved our living conditions but has also allowed me to fulfill my dream of having my own home, promising a comfortable and secure future for my family.

Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly around 4:00 p.m. brought me immense joy. I had my phone with me as I worked on my farm, preparing the land. A few minutes later, my son called and confirmed that it was indeed from GiveDirectly. Since I lived alone with my grandchildren, I couldn't immediately share the news with anyone, but I made sure to inform my grandsons later in the evening when I returned home.

Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly has had a profound impact on my daily life, particularly in terms of the availability of food for my family. Previously, we faced challenges in providing an adequate and nutritious diet for ourselves and my grandchildren. However, thanks to GiveDirectly's support, we now have access to a wider range of healthy food options. This ability to eat healthily has not only improved our physical well-being but also brought a relief. I am immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for their support, as it has made a significant difference in ensuring that my family can enjoy nourishing meals on a regular basis.

At present, I have a family of three, and it hasn't been easy, particularly during the dry season when our farming activities, which we heavily relied upon, were disrupted by drought. I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has brought about significant changes in our household. With the first transfer, I spent $30 to purchase half a sack of maize, which has continued to sustain us until now. Once I receive the second transfer, I plan to restock it. Previously, we had been skipping meals to ensure we could have a substantial one by the end of the day, and although my family couldn't fully comprehend, I made it my utmost priority to find something for them before the day ended. Additionally, I used part of the funds to buy household essentials such as groceries, toiletries, cooking oil, and rice, which have greatly improved our living conditions since we received the first payment. Furthermore, I invested $55 in purchasing three iron sheets and $25 in a chainlink to initiate the construction of goat shelters. Although I don't have the goats yet, it is a future plan that I hope to fulfill with the subsequent transfer, as they can provide a sustainable source of income. Despite the first transfer being the smallest of the expected three, I managed to save $20, which I intend to utilize for any unforeseen emergencies before receiving the next payment.