"The main challenge we are facing is poverty, we don't have money, there sometimes when we borrow money so that we can pay health insurance. The other challenge is that my sister has finished learning to use sewing machine and we are worried about where we will get money to buy the machine so that she can start working and get money to support us at home."

"The economic activities in our area are farming and charcoal work. These are energy-intensive activities and they require maximum use of the hands. Last year, I got involved in an accident that broke my right hand. This has compelled me to remain inactive at home since I can not take up strenuous work. I am currently depending on my sons who are casual laborers and their incomes are not enough since they have responsibilities in their families. In most cases, I survive on one meal, a situation that has affected my health. What a life!"

"Imagine the high cost of living, I still depend on charcoal work as my main source of income. This job has not been reliable at the moment because trees are scarce and making $10 will take me at least 3 weeks. Considering this income should cater to my 3 children's education and other household chores, I sometimes survive by the mercy of God since in most cases, I forfeit meals. My children have been sent home severally, and this has affected their studies, a situation which worries me most because 2 of them are in high school. I have always felt this predicament might risk their future. What a great relief to have GiveDirectly in our village! I, therefore, consider the financial crisis as my biggest challenge."

"I bought printer I'm using it to do decker publishing."

"I used my recent transfer to purchase zinc."

"Old age comes with its share of challenges. At 74 years, I can barely fend for my family of 5 despite being the breadwinner. I am left to depend on peasant farming as well as my children for upkeep. This is stressful as at times, I cannot attend to my immediate needs such as medication and clothing for lack of finances."

"Givedirectly sent our money on time and make our dream of building houses of our own came through."

"For life to move on, money has to be involved. I am saddened that my family of 4 has not progressed well in the past 5 years for a lack of finances. My husband Alfred attends casual jobs such as land cultivation to raise the family and me on the other hand, handle any job that comes my way as long there is pay involved. With this, my family lives from hand to mouth and we have nothing to save."

"At 23, I have been staying in my parent's house and I feel I'm not enjoying my privacy. I am physically handicapped and I depend on the transfer for all my needs. Despite my condition, I am planning to buy some building materials that will enable me to build my house. This is what I aim to achieve in the months to come."

"I'm passionate about education, though I wasn't fortunate to acquire an education,seeing other children in school motivates me to work harder. My goal is to educate all of my children to the fullest and relocate them to the city to acquire quality education for a better future."