"Receiving those transfers brought a wave of excitement into my life. It allowed me to address various needs and provide a sense of joy and comfort for my family of five. I allocated $50 for a goat, a valuable asset that not only signifies sustainability but also holds the potential for future income. Understanding the importance of food, I spent $50 on a bag of maize, ensuring that our kitchen remained well-stocked. The festive season brought the desire to make it special, so I allocated $130 for clothing for my children. It was a heartwarming Christmas, filled with smiles and new outfits. Prioritizing the education of my child in grade 12, I dedicated $50 to clearing the arrears for school fees. An additional $10 went towards school requirements, while $100 was wisely spent on utensils to enhance our daily lives. Recognizing the need for communication, $50 was allocated for a phone, and $10 was saved for future needs. With these thoughtful allocations, I could temporarily step away from the demanding nature of casual jobs like firewood picking and farming. As an elderly individual, this relief has been a blessing, allowing me to rest and enjoy the sense of financial stability that the transfers provided. I am grateful for the support that has brought both tangible and intangible benefits to my family, making a significant impact on our quality of life."

"In the approaching months, my primary objective is to provide financial support to my wife by covering her school fees. The culmination of her two-year course holds the promise of substantial benefits for our family. I eagerly anticipate witnessing her undertake her examinations and acquire the essential certifications to enhance her employment prospects. I express profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated my college completion but also enabled me to procure sustenance for my young family and invest in the acquisition of two cows."

"Looking ahead, my primary focus in the upcoming months is to expand my investment in acquiring livestock. As the herd expands, it will generate income through future sales. Concurrently, I aim to finalize the construction of my house, having completed the walls and now progressing to the remaining task of roofing. Subsequently, I intend to utilize my forthcoming transfers to procure the necessary iron sheets and complete the construction. I am grateful for the support provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated the purchase of food during the drought but also has enabled us to prepare our land as we embrace the arrival of rainfall."

"Life has become so tougher because of the lack of a reliable source of income. Imagine with a family of 7, I have for a long period of time depending on charcoal work. This job is very tiresome and its income is usually low, mostly $40 per month. Considering the many needs of my family, it has never been easy to take care of them. Sometimes, my children are sent home due to lack of fees while at home we forfeit meals or survive on one in a day. Looking at my house is also another reason to shed tears because it's grass-thatched and during the rainy season, I always change my bed position. What a life of worries!"

"Having separated from my husband for 7 months now is something that has left me desperately taking care of my 2 children single-handedly. Since I do not have a job to depend on, I have survived at the mercy of my parents. Casual jobs and some farm work are what I am actively engaged in, activities that can not earn me cash. This has affected my children because they are yet to join school despite being of age. This has devoured my mind as a mother, a situation that has made me unhappy. Hence, the lack of a reliable job is basically what has made my life harder."

"I WAS AT HOME DOING HOUSE CHORES, WHEN I SAW A MESSAGE I FELT SO OVER JOYED. THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WAS GETTING A COW"

"The feeling of not achieving my ambitions has made me unhappy because life has become harder. The charcoal work which I have depended on, all my life is very strenuous and low-paying. Currently, this job is not reliable since our area is now deforested and I am forced to dig out the tree remains to make charcoal. In a month, I make only $30 which I spend on food and school fees for my daughter. Considering the many and recurrent needs at home, I have for a long time lived a life full of stress. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income stands out as my biggest challenge."

"As I await my college enrollment in September, I recognize the considerable duration until then. To stay engaged and secure an additional income stream, I intend to establish a small vegetable-selling business. This venture will not only keep me occupied but also provide me with a source of revenue. I plan to set aside a portion of the earnings as savings to support me as I transition into college. The financial assistance I have received has been invaluable, enabling me to complete my education without the previous burden of lingering school fee debts, which often confined me to staying at home."

"In my eyes, GiveDirectly is an uplifting organization. Its support has made a huge difference in my life, providing me with the means to overcome challenges and strive for a better future. The direct assistance it offers, without any strings attached, has allowed me to take control of my circumstances and work towards my goals. The impact of the help is not just financial; it has lifted my spirits, giving me the confidence and motivation to pursue positive changes in my life. I am genuinely grateful for the uplifting support that GiveDirectly has provided, empowering me to build a brighter and more secure future."

"My foremost goal is to initiate a new venture focused on buying and selling chickens, with a planned launch by February. The crucial capital for this endeavor will be sourced from my merry-go-round savings. The primary objective behind delving into entrepreneurship is to secure a steady stream of income that can be dedicated to funding my children's educational journey until they successfully graduate. It's not just about creating a business; it's about laying the financial foundation for my family's future and ensuring that my children have the necessary support for their education. As February approaches, I am filled with a mix of excitement and determination, envisioning a business that not only sustains itself but becomes a cornerstone for the academic aspirations of my beloved children."