"Seven years ago, my husband left me with three kids. Life has been hard, and I regret our separation, even though he supported the children. I've been doing farm work for $4 a day, which only covers food and not other needs for my children. Recently, with the last transfer I received, I spent $175 to plant maize so we could have enough food and I wouldn't have to work on other people's farms anymore. I also used $50 to pay for maternity bills because I gave birth when the money arrived. I'm thankful for this because my health has improved since then, and I appreciate GiveDirect for the support.I used to run a small hotel business, which helped with some bills, but I had to close it to take care of my young children. So, I spent $125 on food to make sure my kids are well-fed. I saved the remaining $100 to start a grocery business, selling fruits house to house. I expect to make about $8 a day from this, which will greatly improve our lives. I will always be grateful to GiveDirectly for their help."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the transfer is finally being able to farm my own land. I've always admired my friends who farm, as it seems very rewarding. It usually pains me to lease out my land due to a lack of money for farm inputs. I do casual work to make a living, but the income from this is too little to provide for my two children and meet other expenses. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I used part of the recent transfer to buy vegetable seeds that I plan to plant. This will help me earn an income and better provide for my children."

"The second transfer helped me build a good house for my family. With the recent transfer, I focused on improving the living conditions inside our home. First, I purchased a sofa seat and six plastic chairs for $54. Previously, I had no proper seating, so I had to borrow chairs from neighbours when I had visitors, which was embarrassing. Now, we have a comfortable and inviting space for guests. I also bought a bed and mattress for $90 for my children. They used to share one small bed, which was uncomfortable and risky. Now, they each have their own space and can sleep comfortably. Additionally, I replaced my old, worn-out mattress with a new one for $40, ensuring that I can rest well too. To support my children's education, I used $80 to clear fee arrears for my two children in secondary school. This allows them to focus on their studies without the worry of being sent home for unpaid fees. I also invested in our future by buying a goat for $50, adding to my herd of eight. Goats are a good investment because they can multiply, and selling them can help cover pressing needs such as school fees or buying farm inputs. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family of six, ensuring we had enough to eat."

"My greatest challenge currently comes from the recent floods that affected our village. The coming of the floods destroyed my shop and part of the stock I had including sugar, rice and maize. This has left me at a loss without money to replenish the spoiled stock. This has made my life very difficult since I don't have enough stock in my shop."

"The challenge I'm facing currently is the lack of food for my family. I had grown a 2 hector maize farm, however, when flood water came my whole farm got destroyed. This left us without food since we depended on the produce from the farm. This has left us desperate because we cannot afford to purchase food on a daily basis since we depend on occasional casual labor which is not enough to purchase food and other household goods. This has left my husband and I hopeless about the future and I feel stressed up especially whenever my children go hungry without food."

"The biggest challenge I'm facing at the moment is a lack of food. I had planted 5 hectors of maize but because of the floods I lost all my crops. This has left my family without food since this is what we were depending on for food. I have very mixed feelings because I feel happy we have received rain which is rare in our village but also feel sad because I don't have food for my family since I lost everything in the farm."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to ensure that my children consistently attend school. To achieve this goal, I will use my subsequent transfers to pay school fees for my children. I strongly believe that a good education will unlock doors to a bright future. Since I am unable to engage in any work due to my health condition, I want to use the cash transfers to help me achieve my goal of giving my children the best education possible. I am very happy and deeply appreciate the financial boost I am receiving from the transfers."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to clear the $20 fee debt that my daughter owes her school. This will ensure she gets her results and can proceed with her college education. Her aspiration is to become a teacher. To achieve this goal, I plan to use my subsequent transfers to finance her college education. I am very happy with the financial support this far. It has enabled me to support my children's education despite my financial struggles and low income from selling charcoal."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to use the money from my subsequent transfers to pay school fees for my children. Seeing one of my children complete his education this year and another next year fills me with immense joy and happiness. I want my children to have a better future than I had. Although I was unable to receive the best education, I am determined to change this for my children. I will channel all my transfers towards paying school fees for my children so they can continue receiving the best education. Education is a powerful tool, and I want to ensure my children have the opportunities I missed out on. Their success and well-being are my top priorities, and I am deeply grateful for the financial support that allows me to invest in their futures."

"The biggest change in my daily life is owning a motorbike to provide taxi services for a fee. I have never had a reliable source of income, so I've been surviving on menial jobs such as making and selling charcoal and palm leaves for roofing. These jobs are physically demanding and don't pay well, especially considering my advanced age. However, thanks to GiveDirectly, I received the first transfer which allowed me to buy a second-hand motorbike. Now, I'm able to provide taxi services in our area and generate enough income to meet my basic needs. I'm grateful for this new, reliable source of income which will help me take care of my family without struggling."