"I have started preparing to cultivate my land as the rains are about to set in. I have two acres, and since we didn't harvest anything last season, I want to start early this time. If all goes well and we have a good harvest, it will greatly benefit our family and relieve my husband from the strain of burning and selling charcoal to support us. I really appreciate Give Directly for the financial support, which has been a great help to our family. Additionally, it has significantly contributed to our well-being, especially in enabling my children to continue attending school."

"Since separating from my spouse, I shoulder all the responsibilities. I plan to open a small shop to generate additional income to support my son's school fees. However, I haven't been able to start this project yet because we are currently facing hunger due to a poor harvest caused by the scorching sun. The little we get is spent on food. Once I have a good harvest, I will divert my monthly income towards this project. I am optimistic that once this idea becomes a reality, the extra income will allow me to comfortably provide for my son's education, bringing me peace of mind. I am grateful to be part of this program."

"Last year, my daughter finished high school but left with arrears of $240, which prevented her from obtaining her certificates. She received an admission letter to a university; she is supposed to report next month. Clearing her arrears had been a significant challenge for us. We rely entirely on seasonal farming, and with two other children in high school, covering their fees and providing for our family's needs stretched us. Thankfully, with my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I spent $10 on her transport and cleared her arrears, allowing her to finally obtain her certificates. Additionally, I used $60 to reduce the fees for my other two children, paying $30 each. I also invested in buying two goats at $60 each, totaling $120, to support future school fees for my children. Prioritizing their education is essential for us, as my husband and I did not have the opportunity to attend school ourselves, so we are determined to ensure our children do. Their success tomorrow will be our win. The remaining $20 was used to purchase a few essential food items."

"I intend to go back into crop farming. After losing my land to the lake, I stopped. I have approached a relative who has offered me half an acre of land near the river. I intend to focus on planting vegetables, which grow quickly and have a ready market. I will use the income from the vegetables to provide for my seven children, ensuring they have enough to eat and saving any surplus to cover their school fees. With one of my children set to join high school next year, this investment is crucial in ensuring I can meet their educational needs while sustaining our household."

"Following recent heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, my kitchen, washroom, and chicken house were all destroyed, leaving me without these essential structures. With my last transfer, I immediately purchased iron sheets and nails totaling $106 to repair the damage. Additionally, I sent $20 as pocket money to my son, who is in high school and had accrued debt during a school tour when he needed to borrow money due to my financial constraints. Water scarcity remains a significant challenge in our area, pushing me to spend $10 to refill our water tank. Furthermore, I spent $30 to purchase an additional goat. Goats have always been a reliable source of support during emergencies in our region, and for remembrance of my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I acquired this goat. The remaining $16 was allocated to purchasing essential food items. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support."

"I was having lunch at home after returning from my farm when I received my first transfer. I received a confirmation of receipt of $200, and I couldn't contain my excitement. Meanwhile, my wife was busy with her charcoal production activities in our compound. I called her over, showed her the message, and we both shared a moment of joy. Immediately, we contacted the water delivery company to refill our tank, as we were facing a water crisis. Thank you GiveDirectly for your support."

"Upon receiving my final transfer, I immediately addressed the pressing needs of my family. Firstly, I have taken responsibility for my two grandchildren after they lost their mothers. My other daughter left three of her children under my care. One of them finished high school last year with arrears totaling $400, which prevented her from picking up her certificate. I used $300 to reduce the arrears, leaving a balance of $100 to be settled later, although I later paid an additional $50, pending a balance of $50. She had been accepted to university, but I lacked the funds to facilitate her immediate admission. Currently, I am raising money to hopefully enroll her in medical school. The remaining $150 from the transfer was allocated to the construction of a bridge. Living across the river had posed challenges, as it was difficult for both my aging self and visiting relatives who had to leave their vehicles on one side."

"It hurt so much to have my wife sick at home and not be able to get her to the hospital. My job was mainly casual, which I couldn't tend to as I had to care for our son while my wife was sick and we faced severe food shortages. We even accumulated debts at the shop getting food items on credit. The financial strain made it impossible to afford medical care for her. Thanks to GiveDirectly, everything has changed. I was able to take my wife to the hospital, and now she's doing well. We have adequate supply of food, and I've paid off our debts at the shop."

"For many years, I had to sell my livestock to raise capital for my crop farming activities and pay school fees for my children. However, thanks to GiveDirectly’s support, I ventured into vegetable farming this time without selling any livestock. The income from selling vegetables will help cover the costs of post-harvest handling of my seed maize crop and sustain us while we wait for the maize income. This allows my livestock to multiply, which is indeed a blessing. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"Living without a toilet for nearly two years was a major challenge because using the bush was neither hygienic nor safe for the environment. We had to go at night to avoid being seen, which caused us a lot of stress. Saving money from casual jobs to build a toilet was difficult and slowed the process. After receiving support from GiveDirectly, I set aside money to complete it. Seeing the progress and knowing that my toilet construction is about to start melts my heart. GiveDirectly's support has brought me hope again."