"Investing in a more comfortable and secure living situation was a priority for me. I spent $120 on iron sheets to address the issues with our house, which was in bad shape and caused significant concerns, especially during the rainy season. The leaks in the roof exposed us to extreme cold, leading to health issues. Acquiring the iron sheets was a crucial step in ensuring a more stable and comfortable living environment for my family. Another important aspect of my investment was education. I allocated $80 to pay school fees. With the casual job I was engaged in, it was often challenging to gather enough funds to pay school fees on time for my children. The support from GiveDirectly made a significant difference, allowing my children to remain in school throughout the term without the constant worry of being sent home due to outstanding fees. This not only eased the financial burden but also boosted the self-esteem of my children as they could focus on their education without disruptions."

"In the upcoming year, my goal is to use these funds to open a retail shop and sell fast-moving items. I've identified a need in my village for easily accessible everyday goods, and I believe this venture can provide a reliable source of income for my family. This initiative will also contribute positively to the local economy. I intend to save the next two transfers and invest in that retail shop, since school are closing and I won't have to pay school fees for the next two months. I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and how these cash transfers are opening doors to a more prosperous future for me and my loved ones."

"After several years of laboring in low-wage jobs, primarily focused on selling and producing charcoal, I've recently embarked on a new venture within my village: selling second-hand clothing. This represents a significant milestone for me, as it promises to liberate me from the demanding and strenuous task of charcoal production. All my savings are now being directed into expanding this business, which is my sole source of income. Previously, my livelihood was heavily dependent on the laborious process of burning and selling charcoal, a vocation that fell short of meeting the needs of my family. I am overjoyed by the prospect that I will no longer struggle to provide for my children's education. With this new business, I am confident that I can secure a bright future for them and enable them to pursue higher studies, a dream I hold in the highest regard. I have set my sights on growing this business, and I anticipate that the monthly transfers will play a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal."

"Our biggest challenge is hunger. We depend on charcoal burning for a living. The drought has been very long hence we make zero harvests from our farms. We've even given up on farming due to the consistent losses experienced over the years. This has made our ability to put food on the table hard. It affects even the chance of us helping our grandchildren. We're always worried of the next meal."

"In the coming year, My top priority is to prioritize my studies and work diligently towards becoming an engineer. With the financial support from the transfers, I believe I will make progress in my education and secure a better future for myself and my family. Additionally, I plan to invest in livestock as a source of income. This investment not only aligns with my aspiration to pay for my further studies but also allows me to support my family, particularly my mother, who has raised us singlehandedly, and provide her with the support she deserves. The cash transfers have opened up a world of possibilities for us."

"My primary focus is on expanding my livestock farming operation through the transfers, which will not only increase my income but also allow me to save for my child's future. Additionally, I plan to save a portion of the profits from my livestock endeavors. With this savings, I intend to open a grocery shop in my village. The lack of access to groceries has been an issue for the community, and I see an opportunity to address this need while also creating a sustainable source of income for my family. This way, I hope to make a positive impact on the village's accessibility to essential goods."

"My priority is to complete the construction of my house. It's been a dream, and these transfers have given me the means to make it a reality. Additionally, I intend to invest in livestock rearing, starting with buying sheep and reselling them for profit. This will pave the way for me to purchase a dairy cow, sell milk and establish a sustainable source of income. I will then open a shop in the village, selling fast-moving items and further enhance my financial prospects."

"The assistance from Givedirectly has been nothing short of transformative. We have achieved what seemed nearly impossible due to our age and financial constraints. The dream of having a store to secure our valuables was almost fading away, and even seeking help from our children didn't yield any positive response as they were facing their financial struggles. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, we have managed to overcome this hurdle. This gives us a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind knowing that our valuables are safe and accessible whenever needed. The impact of GiveDirectly goes beyond financial relief; it's about restoring a sense of agency and dignity, allowing us to address long-standing concerns that would have otherwise remained unmet. We are truly grateful for this opportunity that has significantly improved the quality of our lives."

"Investing $350 in a dairy cow was a strategic move for me. The idea is not just about having a single cow; it's about initiating a dairy farming venture. The cow is not just an animal; it's a source of potential income and sustenance. As it breeds and produces milk, I envision meeting our family's dairy needs and creating a surplus that I can sell to neighbors. Dairy farming offers a sustainable source of income. By selling the milk, I can save the proceeds to invest in additional cows, gradually expanding the enterprise. This approach aligns with a vision of long-term financial stability, where the farm becomes a self-sufficient unit generating income and meeting our nutritional needs. The $100 spent purchasing food is a deliberate investment in our immediate well-being. Having faced struggles after failed rains and relying on selling goats, I understand the importance of securing a stable food source. By purchasing cereals in bulk, I'm ensuring our current sustenance and planning for the future, mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather patterns."

"The transformative impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly in my life and that of my family is immeasurable. It has opened a new chapter, that symbolizes hope, progress, and a departure from the persistent grip of poverty. This financial assistance, unprecedented in my entire life, is not just a sum of money; it's a gesture of trust and belief in my ability to utilize it wisely for the betterment of our circumstances. With this support, we've manage to build a house, a tangible representation of newfound stability and security. A home that stands as a testament to the positive changes that can come when given the means to break free from the constraints of poverty. This house is more than bricks and mortar; it's a shelter of dreams and aspirations and a symbol of a brighter future. Additionally, the acquisition of goats is more than just the addition of livestock. It's an investment in resilience and sustainability. It's a step towards self-sufficiency, a departure from the constant struggle, and an embrace of a more empowered future. The fact that GiveDirectly chose to trust me with this opportunity has instilled a sense of responsibility and determination. It's not just about escaping poverty but about utilizing this chance to create lasting positive change. This experience has alleviated immediate needs that has sown the seeds for a more prosperous tomorrow, where my family and I can thrive independently."