"As soon as I found out that the transfers were in my account, I was completely over the moon. I felt an almost immediate surge of energy and fire in me that frankly I have not been able to feel for quite some time. The reason being, I have been utterly stressed out due to my family’s responsibilities, especially considering that I am the breadwinner. I was in debt over my kid’s tuition and my means of putting food on the table, which was farming, was becoming almost non dependable since with the ongoing drought I managed to harvest nothing. This funds were the boost I needed to feel alive again."

"As soon as I found out that the transfers were in my account, I was completely over the moon. I felt an almost immediate surge of energy and fire in me that frankly I have not been able to feel for quite some time. The reason being, I have been utterly stressed out due to my family’s responsibilities, especially considering that I am the breadwinner. I was in debt over my kid’s tuition and my means of putting food on the table, which was farming, was becoming almost non dependable since with the ongoing drought I managed to harvest nothing. This funds were the boost I needed to feel alive again."

"For the first time, I’m on the verge of a long-awaited change that will make my daily routine so much easier. I’m finally installing my very own water tap within my compound—a step that will transform how my family accesses water for our everyday needs. Until now, we’ve had to rely on a distant water source, which meant buying water every day at a high cost. The expense was a constant strain, and there were days when shortages left us struggling. It was a frustrating situation, one that weighed heavily on my shoulders. Determined to find a solution, I decided to install a water tap of my own. I’ve already applied, and now all that’s left is to lay the pipes and install the meter. It’s so close to becoming a reality, and I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This wouldn’t have been possible without the financial boost I recently received. My work as a casual labourer in a quarry never earned enough to make such a goal achievable. But thanks to this opportunity, I can now bring clean, accessible water directly to my family."

"I am deeply grateful that the first transfer has significantly improved my living conditions, which were previously in a pitiable state. My home lacked many necessities that I simply couldn’t afford. I didn’t have enough utensils or chairs, and I was sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress. When I received the transfer, I decided to prioritize improving my living conditions. The first thing I did was buy a new mattress for $40 to replace the old one I had been using. I also purchased new chairs, a table, and utensils, which altogether cost $60. In addition, I spent $60 on new clothes for myself and my children. This not only gave my home a fresh and uplifting look but also boosted my children’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Beyond these purchases, I paid $30 in school fees to ensure my children could continue their education. Knowing they can stay in school gives me great peace of mind. I also made a long-term investment by buying a goat for $50, adding to the single goat I already owned. I’m excited about the prospect of this growing into a herd over time, which could provide a sustainable source of income soon. Another important step I’m taking is installing a water tap in my compound. I have already paid $80 for the meter application and will soon lay the pipes. This will make water easily accessible for my family, which is a huge improvement. The remaining transfer went towards purchasing food staples, including bags of maize and other cereals that should last us for several months. This has eased a significant burden, as my work as a casual labourer in a quarry often doesn’t provide enough to fully support my family. With food secured, I can now allocate my earnings to other pressing needs."

"My current house is in very poor condition. It was built a long time ago, and the walls are now very weak, making it prone to collapse at any time. Therefore, I have decided to focus my transfers on purchasing building materials to construct a better and more spacious house. Having a secure home will bring me peace of mind, as I will no longer live in constant fear that the house might harm us. We have no other place to go, so we must persevere until we can build a safer home. Alongside this, I also plan to invest in livestock keeping. This will serve as my future financial security once the transfers come to an end. If my livestock rearing project succeeds, it will also make it easier for me to educate my children. I am deeply grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly."

"I am grateful that I used my transfer to build a beautiful small house for my son. I get emotional when I reflect on where he used to sleep, which is why I prioritized this project. Now, I have started working on building my own house. In the coming year and beyond, I have two priority projects: completing my house and investing in goat rearing. I am saving through our merry-go-round group, intending to use my transfers partly for construction and partly for buying goats. I have already purchased a lorry of building stones, which shows I am on track. I have seven children—six girls and one boy. My current house is a single room and too small to accommodate me and my six daughters. That’s why I am building a two-roomed house to provide us with a more comfortable living space. As a tailor, my income is modest, so I joined a village loan and savings group to support my savings efforts. Once I finish building my house, I will focus on buying goats to secure my future financial stability when the transfers eventually come to an end."

"I completed my secondary school education in 2021. Since my parents are casual laborers, they cannot afford my college fees, which is why I haven’t joined college yet. However, I am optimistic that with the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will save enough money to pursue my dream of studying hospitality. I had hoped to start college this year, but the money I saved wasn’t enough. Therefore, I plan to continue saving and investing in poultry and goat rearing projects. I am confident that if these projects succeed, I will raise the funds needed to begin my college education. I aspire to study ICT, inspired by my uncle, who has been successful in this field. With my savings and income from my goat investment, I believe I can afford my school fees and fully focus on my studies. My goal is to excel academically, earn good grades, and eventually start my own business after graduation to secure a better future."

"Our house is very small, it cannot comfortably accommodate my growing family, and this has been a constant challenge for us. My dream has always been to add another room to our home, creating the space and comfort we so deeply need. To turn this vision into reality, I have been saving a portion of my transfers in our local savings group. Once these savings mature, I plan to use them to kickstart the house-building project. I know the funds will not be enough to complete the construction all at once, but I am determined. I plan to continue setting aside a portion of my future transfers to gradually work toward finishing the house. Right now, my husband is unable to contribute to the project as he is still paying off the debt for the motorcycle we acquired to give him a source of income. Although it has been a difficult journey, I am proud of the steps we have taken together to improve our situation. I look forward to the day when our house is complete. Having the space and comfort we have always longed for will mean so much to my family and me. I am incredibly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, as it has given me the means to dream bigger and work toward this goal."

"I am currently in college pursuing a certificate course in Cosmetology. As I continue pursuing my studies with the goal of completing my course in 2026, I am steadfast in my determination to see this journey through. My plan is to use a portion of my transfers to pay for my school fees, ensuring I remain on track to achieve my dream. Once I graduate, my vision is to open a vibrant cosmetics store where I will sell beauty products and provide professional services. This store will be my source of income, a platform to further enhance my skills, and a stepping stone to building a fulfilling career. I am eager to create a space that reflects my passion and allows me to share it with others. Alongside my studies, I plan to invest in a small poultry venture by using another portion of my transfers to purchase chickens. My hope is that they will multiply, increasing both in number and value. The proceeds from selling them will serve as an additional source of income to support my education and future goals. I am filled with hope for a brighter future. Each step I take brings me closer to creating a life filled with opportunity, growth, and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the support that has made all this possible, and I am ready to make the most of it."

"Joining a driving school has always been a dream of mine, as I know the skills that I am going to gain will be invaluable for my future because I believe that they will open opportunities for me. To bring this dream to life, I have been diligently saving a portion of my transfers, with the hope of enrolling early next year. My initial plan was to join this year, but life had other plans. I fell ill and had to prioritize my health, using the money I had saved to cover my hospital bills. Although it was a setback, I am deeply thankful to have regained my health, and I am now more determined than ever to pursue this goal. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement at the thought of finally enrolling in driving school next year. Once I complete the course, I plan to continue saving a portion of my transfers to start a small kiosk selling fast-moving consumer goods. This business will provide a means to support my family while I seek opportunities to put my new skills to use. I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received, as it has not only helped me through challenging times but also reignited my hope for a brighter future. This assistance is truly a stepping stone toward a better life, and I am committed to making the most of it."