"With a vision to expand my salon business into a cosmetics shop, I aim to raise $700 for this venture. The profits generated by the salon, coupled with income from my farming job, will be crucial in achieving this goal. Each satisfied customer and every moment spent tending to the farm contribute to the financial foundation for my dream. The synergy between the salon and the farm creates a dynamic partnership, bringing me closer to the realization of my entrepreneurial vision. As the profits accumulate and the funds grow, the prospect of transforming my business becomes not just a goal but a tangible step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for my family of two."

"In the coming year, I am excited about venturing into maize farming on my 2-acre piece of land. To fund this agricultural endeavor, I will allocate a capital of $200, and I am prepared to work various casual jobs to raise this amount. The primary aim is to ensure a steady and sustainable food source for my family of four. With meticulous planning and dedication, I intend to use the capital to acquire essential resources such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs necessary for successful maize cultivation. The prospect of transforming the barren land into a productive maize field brings a sense of hope and purpose. Despite the challenges that may arise, I am determined to overcome them through hard work and resilience. This venture is not only about meeting immediate nutritional needs but also about laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and secure future. I am optimistic that the fruits of my labor will not only nourish my family of four but also contribute to an improved livelihood. The vision is to see the land flourish, yielding a bountiful harvest that sustains us and fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency."

"My wife and I depend on farming for our livelihood, and we have one child. Upon learning that we would be receiving funds from GiveDirectly, we anticipated a significant transformation in our lives. We carefully planned how to make the most of the money. We decided to spend $46 towards fencing our land to protect it from goat invasions, which had been damaging our crops. Subsequently, we invested $50 in purchasing fertilizers to enhance the yields on our farm. An additional $20 was spent on fuel for the generator used to pump water on the farm. To ensure food security, especially during drought seasons, I used $50 to buy a sack of maize. The remaining amount was utilized for clothing and transportation. Due to prolonged drought affecting our farms, we had struggled to obtain sufficient yields to meet all our needs, and fencing the land had been a challenge. I am deeply grateful for the support that has elevated our lives to a higher level."

"In the upcoming year, I have aspirations to venture into a retail business, aiming to provide support for my family of seven. To kickstart this entrepreneurial endeavor, I am planning to use a capital of $1000. This financial investment will be strategically employed to cover initial expenses such as acquiring inventory, setting up the business, and ensuring a smooth start for the retail venture. To further support this business initiative, I am considering taking a loan from the Sacco. This additional financial assistance will not only supplement the capital but also provide the necessary resources to ensure the success and sustainability of the retail business. The goal is to establish a source of income that will contribute to the financial stability of my family. By delving into the retail sector, I aim to create opportunities for growth and prosperity. With careful planning and the right financial support, I am optimistic that this venture will prove to be a stepping stone towards a more secure and prosperous future for my family."

"The transformative impact of GiveDirectly's approach is evident in the positive changes it brings to individuals and families. The unconditionality of the transfers provides recipients with the autonomy to decide how to allocate the funds, allowing for a tailored approach that addresses specific needs and challenges. This flexibility contributes to uplifting lives in meaningful ways. As for my own experience, everything has been fine, and the assistance from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in boosting my salary from the cooking job. The additional financial support has not only alleviated immediate burdens but has also provided a foundation for greater financial stability for my family of three. The approach of GiveDirectly, with its focus on direct and unconditional support, stands out as an effective way to empower individuals to make decisions that best suit their unique circumstances. The positive impact on my financial situation is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, and I am grateful for the support that has contributed to improving the quality of life for myself and my family."

"In the upcoming year, I have set my sights on cultivating maize and millet to ensure a stable food supply for my family of five. To achieve this, I plan to approach my children and request a 0.5-acre piece of land for cultivation. With their support, we will collectively cover the costs associated with labor, making this agricultural venture a collaborative effort. To kickstart this plan, I estimate that I would need $50 to facilitate the necessary expenses for planting and maintaining the crops. This financial support will go towards acquiring seeds, fertilizers, and any additional resources required for a successful harvest. By involving my children in this initiative, not only do I hope to secure a reliable source of food for the family, but it also fosters a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility among us. I am optimistic that, with the right support and resources, this cultivation endeavor will not only contribute to our food security but also serve as a meaningful family project that reinforces unity and independence."

"As a retired teacher with limited resources, pushing my seven children through university, secondary, and primary schools was an uphill battle. I directed a significant portion of the funds, approximately $320, towards settling school fees for my kids. This ensured that they could continue their education without disruption, allowing me to fulfill my role as the breadwinner for our family of nine. The relief was immense; knowing that I could support my children's academic journeys and witness them pursue nursing careers filled me with pride. Realizing the need for diversification, I allocated $60 to revive my struggling retail shop business. Initially on the verge of collapse, the injection of funds breathed new life into the venture. With careful management, I have managed to turn the business around, generating a profit of $2 where none existed before. This additional income has brought a sense of stability to our household. The remaining cash was wisely used to purchase sufficient food supplies, ensuring that my family's basic needs were met for an extended period of time. The unconditional cash transfer has not only eased the financial burden but has also given us a chance at a more secure and hopeful future."

"At around 3 PM, amidst a heavy downpour, I rushed back from the shop where I had just recharged my phone after days of power outages. As I retrieved my phone, drenched but hopeful, a message notification caught my eye. With a mixture of anticipation and disbelief, I confirmed that GiveDirectly had indeed sent money my way. Overwhelmed with joy, I immediately called my spouse, who was away at the time, and shared the incredible news. The realization that we could now embark on building a new home, especially given the struggles with our current dilapidated one, intensified the joy. The previous dwelling, worn and weary, had proven especially challenging during the rainy seasons. The unconditional cash transfer became not just a financial boon but also a promise of shelter and security."

"My primary goal is to complete my studies and pursue a career in either medicine or engineering. I aim to achieve not only personal success but also to uplift my family from the challenges we currently face. I hope to provide assistance to my parents, creating a positive change and breaking the cycle of our financial struggle. In the end, I aspire to contribute to the holistic development of the village, fostering a brighter future for everyone. I am happy and feel empowered through the assistance that GiveDirectly has provided me."

"Receiving the transfers was a transformative moment for me and my family, allowing me to address several crucial needs. Education is a top priority, and I allocated $150 to cover school fees, ensuring that my children could continue their academic pursuits without hindrance. A significant improvement to our living conditions was made possible by investing $100 in cement for the floor of our two-roomed house. While the construction was completed, financial constraints had previously prevented me from cementing the floor. Now, with the transfers, our home is more comfortable, and the living space has been enhanced. Essentials like bedding and furniture were lacking, but the transfers provided the means to rectify this. I am grateful that I could allocate $100 to create a more comfortable and secure environment for my family of six. Recognizing the importance of access to light, I spent $15 on a solar light. This not only enhances our living conditions but also provides a sustainable and reliable source of illumination. The remainder of the funds were wisely utilized for transportation and the upkeep of my children in college, ensuring that they could continue their education without added financial burdens. I am thankful for the positive impact of these transfers, which have enabled me to address various needs, creating a more conducive and supportive environment for my family's well-being."