"First, I used $50 to pay my daughter's Form Four school fees, ensuring she could sit for her final exams without any obstacles. Education is vital, and I wanted her to have this opportunity without fear of being sent home. With another $50, I purchased household food items to make sure my family remained food secure during this time. The largest portion, $240, went toward buying a young heifer. For the first time, I owned a cow, which was a dream come true. Until now, we’ve relied on goat milk, but I hope that when the cow calves, we will have a reliable supply of milk, both for consumption and as a source of income. Additionally, I spent $30 on clothes for my children and myself. It felt good to replace our old, worn clothes and boost our confidence by looking presentable. I used $20 to support my daughter in college with her upkeep, ensuring she had what she needed to focus on her studies. Another $20 went to clear a small debt I owed, giving me peace of mind. The remaining balance I kept aside for any emergencies that might arise. Each decision I made with this money has brought me closer to stability, and I feel hopeful for my family's future."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I knew I had to prioritize the most pressing needs for my family. The first thing I did was use $40 to pay part of my son’s Form 1 school fees, which had been in arrears. While I wasn’t able to clear the balance entirely, reducing the debt gave me some relief and allowed my son to continue his studies without fear of being sent home. I then used $76 to buy food items, including maize flour, beans, and sugar, to ensure my family had enough to eat. Having food security was incredibly important, especially with children at home depending on me. Knowing that my family wouldn’t go to bed hungry was a weight lifted off my shoulders. With the remaining $80, I invested in two goats. This was a long-term decision because goats multiply quickly and serve as a valuable asset. In case of emergencies, I can always sell them or use their offspring to build further wealth. My hope is that these investments will not only provide stability for now but also help me build a better future for my family."

"I used $140 from the transfer to settle my daughter’s school fees arrears. She’s in Form 1 and had been sent home several times because we couldn’t pay on time. It was heartbreaking seeing her miss classes, especially as she’s so determined to do well in school. With the arrears cleared, she was able to sit for her exams without any issues, and now I know she’ll start the next academic year without the constant worry of being sent away. After settling the school fees, I used $310 to buy a heifer. It was a big decision, but one I’m proud of because I know it will be a long-term investment for my family. The heifer is healthy and already pregnant, so I’m expecting it to calf in a few months. Once it starts producing milk, I won’t need to buy milk anymore, which will save us money every day. Plus, I can sell any extra milk to earn a little income."

"When I received the money from GiveDirectly, I felt a great sense of relief and hope. After the transfer, the staff came to visit us for follow-up, and this really helped us stay responsible with how we spent the money. Their visit made me think carefully about my decisions and plan better for my family. Honestly, I don’t see anything that needs to be changed; everything about the process was smooth and respectful. GiveDirectly has truly made a big difference in my life."

"I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer because it gave me the means to change my daughters' lives. They used to sleep at our neighbors’ homes, which was both uncomfortable and humiliating for them. I spent $260 on 17 iron sheets, frames, posts, and a sturdy door to build a house for them. It feels wonderful to finally give them a place they can call their own, a safe space to grow and dream. I also used part of the money to settle a lingering debt of $30 that I owed a shopkeeper. I had taken food on credit to sustain us, and it weighed heavily on me. I bought a bag of maize for $30 to ensure my family had enough to eat for some time, bringing much-needed relief and stability to our meals. With $100, I bought two sheep, knowing they are a reliable investment. I can sell them when school fees arise, giving my children the chance at an education. Additionally, I spent $30 on 30 chicks. They will provide eggs for consumption and sales, and I can sell some chickens in emergencies."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am committed to building a new house, as my current house has a leaking roof and weak walls. It is only a one-room structure, and with six children, it is essential to create a better living environment for my family. So far, I have secured twenty iron sheets. I still need two more iron sheets to complete this project. My goal is to finish the house so I can focus my finances on educating my children. I want to ensure they can attend school regularly without having to worry about school fees. Through our savings group, I have been able to save a good amount from the transfers. We have collectively agreed to continue this initiative, especially since there are no job opportunities in the area right now, hence we can invest our savings in income generating activities to enable us support our families with ease. I am very happy with the progress we are making, and I believe that with continued support, we will achieve my goals."

"In the coming years, I have a dream: to purchase a pair of oxen. I have longed to own them for quite some time because I am tired of hiring my neighbours' oxen whenever it’s time to prepare the farm. Hiring them is expensive, with the cost of ploughing an acre set at $20. Often, I cannot afford this, which forces me to rely on manual labour. Preparing the farm by hand has been exhausting and has resulted in low yields, as I cannot till the entire land effectively. To make this dream a reality, I plan to use the savings from my merry-go-round initiative, which I will soon receive, and supplement it with part of the transfers I have obtained. Once I purchase the oxen, it will not only bring me relief but also create an opportunity for additional income. I can hire them out to my friends and neighbours, allowing me to earn a living. By the beginning of next year, I am hopeful that the oxen will be at my homestead, as all my plans are in place. This step will not only improve my farming efficiency but also mark a significant milestone in achieving my goals."

"Currently, my sole focus and goal is my child's medical condition. My priority is to ensure he receives treatment for his sudden blindness and swollen head. My spouse works as a motorbike taxi driver to support our family, but watching our firstborn child's health deteriorate is emotionally overwhelming for us as parents. Despite using the monthly transfers to address his condition, I haven’t been able to restore his health. As a result, we are planning a large fundraising event in our village to gather the necessary funds to seek better medical care for him. I am, however, deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has enabled us to afford consistent monthly clinic visits. Once his health improves, I will finally have peace of mind and the ability to focus on other aspects of life and my family's well-being."

"My current goal is to continue my studies, as I am pursuing a tailoring course that I hope to complete by next year. Initially, I never thought I would attend college, but thanks to the monthly transfers I receive, I was able to enroll in this program. I feel incredibly happy because I believe that once I achieve this goal, I will be able to start my own workshop, become self-employed, and generate an income. The skills I am gaining in school will make this possible. With this opportunity, I hope to improve my family's situation and also prepare for the future family I plan to start someday. I am determined to fulfill this dream with the support of the monthly transfers, and I am confident that I will graduate and earn my certificate."

"My dream, both now and in the coming years, is to ensure that my five children can attend school without interruptions, particularly those caused by unpaid fees, which have been a challenge in the past. With my eldest daughter having completed her secondary education, I feel a sense of relief. I am confident that she will excel and secure admission to a good college. My goal is to provide all my children with a quality education, as I believe it is the foundation for a brighter future. Having never had the opportunity to attend school myself, I am determined to make sure my children do not face the struggles I have experienced due to illiteracy. To achieve this, I save a portion of the funds I receive each month to ensure that their educational dreams are realized. By investing in their future, I am confident they will have the tools to lead better and more fulfilling lives."