"GiveDirectly's approach to providing financial assistance and accompanying it with education on responsible money management has been truly commendable. It's not just about receiving funds; it's about empowering individuals and communities to make the most of these resources for long-term benefit. Through the support and guidance from GiveDirectly, our community has taken significant steps forward from where we once were. We've gained valuable skills and knowledge on handling finances, protecting ourselves from potential scams, and being accountable for the funds we receive. This education has been transformative, giving us the tools to create a better future for ourselves and our families. One of the most crucial aspects of this journey has been accountability. We understand the importance of using these funds wisely, not just for immediate needs but also for building a stable and secure future. GiveDirectly's emphasis on responsible financial practices has instilled a sense of responsibility and prudence within our community. We're grateful for the support we've received from GiveDirectly, not only for the financial assistance but also for the valuable lessons we've learned."

"My vision for the future is filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the goal of expanding my farm and improving its irrigation system, I aim to make the most of the dam we have in our vicinity. By using the hosepipe, I can efficiently channel water into my farm, ensuring that my crops thrive, and our lives would take a positive turn. Additionally, I aspire to expand my fruit business into something bigger, perhaps a well-stocked grocery shop. This would provide a convenient shopping destination for the community and offer me a stable source of income. Furthermore, I plan to establish a tree nursery where I can grow and sell seedlings. This venture has the potential to boost our income and even create job opportunities for others in the community. These aspirations reflect my determination to secure a better future for my family and contribute positively to our community. With the support and opportunities provided by GiveDirectly, I am confident that I can achieve these goals and bring about meaningful change in our lives."

"It's truly heartwarming to see how the GiveDirectly transfers have positively impacted our community. The fact that people have used these funds wisely to build houses is a testament to the responsible and thoughtful way everyone has approached this opportunity. These newly constructed houses provide better living conditions and symbolizes sense of progress and stability within our community. It's a visible sign of positive change, and it's inspiring to know that everyone is actively working towards improving their lives. Moreover, the fact that no one has misused the transfers demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and trust within our community. The development of new skills in managing finances and resources is another remarkable outcome. These skills will benefit us now and in the long run as we continue to make informed decisions about our financial well-being. Overall, it's a source of pride to witness the positive transformations happening in our community, and we can look forward to a prosperous future together."

"I purchased chainlink and barbed wire for $300 to create a sturdy fence around my two acre land where I have planted pawpaw and mangoes. I'm determined to have a bountiful harvest this time, and this investment in security will help me achieve that. It's amazing how the prospect of a good harvest can inspire so much hope. I also allocated $80 to ensure a steady supply of food for my family. Previously, I used to sell vegetables, but the income was inconsistent and often insufficient. This led to frequent borrowing, which only added to my financial worries. With this support, I can now provide for my family's basic needs without the constant anxiety about where the next meal will come from. Clearing my debts was another significant step forward. I used $20 to settle a kiosk debt that had been hanging over my head. Being free from this financial burden is a relief I can't quite put into words. Lastly, I set aside $50 for future needs and opportunities. Having a little financial cushion gives me peace of mind and a sense of security for whatever might come my way. The support from GiveDirectly has been life-changing, not just in terms of financial assistance but in the hope and motivation it has ignited within me."

"It's heartwarming to see the transformation that has swept through our community since the support from GiveDirectly arrived. People here have newfound hope and energy, and there's a palpable sense of purpose and ambition in the air. It's like a long-awaited dawn after a seemingly endless night of hardship. One of the most significant changes has been in our children's education. They are now able to attend school without the constant fear of being sent home due to unpaid fees. Our Form Four candidates, in particular, have had the opportunity to concentrate on their studies without the disruptive worry of school fees. This change is not just about individual families; it's about our entire community coming together to create a brighter future. We're collectively inspired to work hard and make the most of this newfound stability and support. It's incredible how a little assistance can ripple through an entire community, awakening dreams and aspirations that were once buried under the weight of daily struggles. We're immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for being a beacon of hope in our lives and for giving us the opportunity to thrive once again."

"I plan on venturing into business, where I hope to open a wholesale shop. With casual labour I am usually not expecting income to come in all the time but with the business I will have an assured income. From this I believe I will be able to generate income sufficient to pay for my brother's entire school fees as well as take care of my young family and educate my children as they come of age to join school."

"The biggest challenge I currently face is landslides which destroy our crops and property leaving us in poverty and threatening our lives. I also face a problem of oozing from underground and floods which affect our house making us to sleep miserably"

"The cash transfers from GD have been a beacon of hope in my life. I had to defer my tertiary education more than three times due to a lack of school fees. I tried fundraising in my village, but people eventually grew weary of my pleas. Then, like a miracle, the GD money arrived, and it felt like the universe was conspiring to help me complete my studies. I had $140 in unpaid school fees, and I used $70 to cover part of it, with plans to clear the remaining amount using the next transfer. This will enable me to sit for our national exam in January 2024. Additionally, I invested $250 in a livestock rearing project, purchasing two goats and one cow. I chose this investment because it's the primary source of livelihood in our arid area, as it thrives well, unlike crop cultivation, which is challenging. I allocated $80 for purchasing food for my three children, who currently stay with my parents while I attend school, as my spouse has also gone to seek employment in a nearby town. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a way of showing my love and care, even from a distance. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to pay for my school's house rent for two months to avoid any issues with the landlord. These transfers have been a true lifeline for my education and my family's well-being. I can't express how grateful I am for this support."

"My primary goal is to expand my chicken rearing project by incorporating other livestock, specifically goats, in order to diversify and enhance the sustainability of my farming venture. To achieve this, I've devised a strategic plan to allocate my future transfers wisely, dedicating them to purchasing goats and additional chicken alternately. This approach will not only allow me to broaden my agricultural activities but also maximize the benefits and income generated from my livestock."

"My primary goal is to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted educational journey as I navigate through my second year of secondary school. Given the financial challenges my single-parent mother faces with no source of income, I am determined to take proactive steps towards securing my education. To achieve this, I am committed to setting aside a minimum of $20 from my monthly transfers. This financial discipline will not only alleviate the burden on my mother but also provide me with the means to cover my future school fees, ultimately ensuring that I can complete my education without unnecessary hardship."