"My first investment was purchasing a cow for $180. As a farmer, I have always seen livestock as a reliable and valuable investment. The cow will not only provide milk but also breed, ensuring I have a safety net during tough financial times. The next priority was paying $100 in school tuition for three of my children, who had been out of school for over a week due to unpaid fees. This transfer gave me the chance to clear part of the bill and allow them to return to their studies. I also spent $65 on mattresses for my children, who had been sleeping on sisal mats. Seeing them finally rest comfortably has brought me great joy. Additionally, I gave $50 to my husband for motorcycle servicing since it is essential for our charcoal transportation business. I also gave him another $40, which he used to purchase eight sacks of charcoal to stock up for our business. To address an outstanding debt, I paid $70 to my savings committee. This loan had been weighing heavily on me for two years, and I was relieved to reduce it. Part of the money they lent me in the past allowed me to renovate my home by replacing the grass-thatched roof with iron sheets. I spent $32 on two bags of maize flour, each containing 12 packets, to ensure my family had enough food. Finally, I used the remaining $13 to take my son for circumcision, as it was the right time for him to undergo this important rite of passage."

"My first investment was purchasing a cow for $180. As a farmer, I have always seen livestock as a reliable and valuable investment. The cow will not only provide milk but also breed, ensuring I have a safety net during tough financial times. The next priority was paying $100 in school tuition for three of my children, who had been out of school for over a week due to unpaid fees. This transfer gave me the chance to clear part of the bill and allow them to return to their studies. I also spent $65 on mattresses for my children, who had been sleeping on sisal mats. Seeing them finally rest comfortably has brought me great joy. Additionally, I gave $50 to my husband for motorcycle servicing since it is essential for our charcoal transportation business. I also gave him another $40, which he used to purchase eight sacks of charcoal to stock up for our business. To address an outstanding debt, I paid $70 to my savings committee. This loan had been weighing heavily on me for two years, and I was relieved to reduce it. Part of the money they lent me in the past allowed me to renovate my home by replacing the grass-thatched roof with iron sheets. I spent $32 on two bags of maize flour, each containing 12 packets, to ensure my family had enough food. Finally, I used the remaining $13 to take my son for circumcision, as it was the right time for him to undergo this important rite of passage."

"The first thing I did when I received the money was to purchase a bed and mattress for my children. For the longest time, they had been sleeping on a sisal mat on the ground, which I eventually replaced with a sisal-woven bed. However, both options were quite uncomfortable for them, leaving them restless and weak. I decided it was time to provide them with proper sleeping arrangements, so I bought a bed and mattress for $140. I also wanted to address the overcrowding in our home, as we are a family of nine, my husband, our seven children, and myself. Our house was too small to accommodate us comfortably, so I invested $190 in building materials, including timber, nails, 14 pieces of iron sheets, and labor costs. My plan was to build an additional house, which would allow us to split the family into two homes, making everyone more comfortable. Next, I allocated $180 toward nutrition for my family. With a large household, food security was always a challenge, and I wanted to ensure we had enough to eat. This money allowed me to buy several bags of maize flour, sugar, beans, and groceries regularly. I also spent $20 to construct a toilet for my family. Our previous toilet had collapsed two years ago due to heavy rains, and since then, we had been using the bush, which was unsanitary and embarrassing. This transfer gave me the chance to finally hire someone to build a proper toilet. Additionally, I purchased two chairs for $10 because I felt embarrassed whenever we had guests, as we had nowhere to seat them. Finally, I used the remaining $5 to buy a new uniform for one of my children, whose previous uniform was torn and worn out. I wanted him to start the school year with a fresh start."

"I clearly remember how the day unfolded. I was at home doing chores, anxiously waiting for the funds to arrive because the organization had informed us of the approximate date. I spent the entire day checking my phone repeatedly, hoping to see the confirmation message. The money finally arrived at around 4:00 p.m., and I was elated. My excitement was heightened because most of my neighbors had already received their transfers earlier, and I had been eagerly anticipating mine. It felt like a huge relief and a moment of joy when it finally came through."

"The first thing I did when I received the money was to purchase a bed and mattress for my children. For the longest time, they had been sleeping on a sisal mat on the ground, which I eventually replaced with a sisal-woven bed. However, both options were quite uncomfortable for them, leaving them restless and weak. I decided it was time to provide them with proper sleeping arrangements, so I bought a bed and mattress for $140. I also wanted to address the overcrowding in our home, as we are a family of nine, my husband, our seven children, and myself. Our house was too small to accommodate us comfortably, so I invested $190 in building materials, including timber, nails, 14 pieces of iron sheets, and labor costs. My plan was to build an additional house, which would allow us to split the family into two homes, making everyone more comfortable. Next, I allocated $180 toward nutrition for my family. With a large household, food security was always a challenge, and I wanted to ensure we had enough to eat. This money allowed me to buy several bags of maize flour, sugar, beans, and groceries regularly. I also spent $20 to construct a toilet for my family. Our previous toilet had collapsed two years ago due to heavy rains, and since then, we had been using the bush, which was unsanitary and embarrassing. This transfer gave me the chance to finally hire someone to build a proper toilet. Additionally, I purchased two chairs for $10 because I felt embarrassed whenever we had guests, as we had nowhere to seat them. Finally, I used the remaining $5 to buy a new uniform for one of my children, whose previous uniform was torn and worn out. I wanted him to start the school year with a fresh start."

"The most significant difference this money has made is allowing me and my daughter to have better sleeping arrangements. Before receiving this money, I couldn’t imagine when I would ever be able to buy proper beds and mattresses for us. My husband and I always prioritized our children’s nutrition and education, pushing the idea of upgrading our sleeping conditions further down the list. Thanks to this transfer, I now have a comfortable place to rest, free from the back pains I used to endure, and my daughter is also sleeping much better. This has brought us a sense of comfort and relief that we hadn’t experienced before."

"When I got enrolled in this program, my primary goal was to create something sustainable that could provide long-term stability for my family. With my first transfers, I started a store, recognizing the lack of nearby shops in my village and the potential it presented. This store became a source of income for my family, where I sold items like cereals, stationery, and detergents. When I received the second transfers, I decided to reinvest $450 into the business, purchasing more stock, including beans, flour, cooking oil, detergent, sugar, and pens. This additional inventory helped expand the store’s offerings and attract more customers. With the remaining $82, I paid tuition fees for my two children to ensure they would be ready for the next school year. Education is a priority for me, and I wanted to ensure that my children wouldn’t fall behind in their studies. Starting this store and investing in their education have been significant steps in creating a better future for us."

"In the coming year, I hope to invest more in farming to ensure both subsistence and income. With a strong harvest, I aim to sell some of the produce to support my family’s daily needs while also ensuring that my son can stay in school without interruptions. Beyond that, I want to grow the small business I helped my son start, as it has the potential to provide him with a stable income. My ultimate goal is to see my son complete his education and become self-sufficient. Accomplishing this would mean securing a stable future for my son and ensuring he has opportunities I never had. It would bring immense pride and relief to know that he is on a path to independence, and it would reaffirm my efforts to provide for my family despite the challenges we face."

"The most significant change for me is completing the house for my mother-in-law. Before this, she had been living at a neighbor’s home for nearly a year, and three of my children also had to sleep at neighbors' houses due to the cramped conditions in our two-room house. Now, my mother-in-law has moved into her new home, and she can comfortably stay with three of my children as well. This has greatly improved our family’s living conditions and provided us with a sense of stability and dignity. I am incredibly grateful to the organization for making this possible. It has truly transformed our lives, and I applaud the excellent work they are doing."

"The money came in while I was attending a burial late in the afternoon. Despite the somber mood of the event, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw the notification on my phone confirming the transfer. I had to read the message several times to believe it was real. It felt like a blessing at just the right time. After the burial, I hurried home and excitedly shared the news with my husband, who was working in a different town. He was equally thrilled and encouraged me to start implementing the plans we had long discussed."