"I had a very different experience in terms of education from many of my peers. I got pregnant while in primary school and couldn't continue my studies to high school. Since then, I've been struggling to provide for my child while relying on my parents, who are subsistence farmers. I used to even beg for basic necessities, which was due to our financial struggles. Having a child at a young age made my life very challenging, as I had no one to rely on for support. However, things started to change when I received the support from GiveDirectly. With the first transfer, I used $250 to start a home-based clothing business. Although I haven't been able to rent a space yet, I move from house to house selling clothes. The profits from the business now enable me to take care of my family's needs without having to ask for help. I'm also training to be a hairdresser as a part-time student, with the hope of gaining skills that will help me earn a living. I used $50 to pay for tuition and I am now able to attend classes without interruption on fees. Additionally, I spent $ 70 on purchasing two goats, which I plan to breed, let them multiply and be able to sell in case of a financial need. I spent the remaining amount on buying food for my family and covering medical expenses for my child."

"Our area is ideal for keeping livestock, and not having any animals of my own left me feeling unsettled. I've always seen owning livestock as a way to build wealth, especially since I mainly earn a living as a casual laborer on other people's farms. When I received my first payment, I spent $106 on two sheep and two chickens, which I am now raising. I see them as valuable assets that I can sell for money in case of financial needs because they can multiply. I also needed some nice seating for my home, so I bought two plastic chairs for $6, which has made a big difference in my household. Now, my family and visitors have comfortable chairs. I bought food and new clothes for my family with the remaining money. Despite my financial challenges, I am grateful that my family has enough food to eat. We are now able to have three meals a day without much difficulty. If I had to rely solely on my income to provide for my family, we would likely be skipping meals. I am thankful that the payment has lifted this burden, and even if I fail to find work, my family will not go hungry."

"My plan is to plant mangoes after I harvest my maize. I really enjoy eating mangoes and look forward to sitting under a mango tree while eating them. Additionally, I plan to sell the mangoes to cover my basic needs."

"I plan on purchasing a water tank costing $25 to help me store water. Currently, I use a 20-liter jerrican to store water for home use, but these jerricans store very little water. When the water pans run out, I face challenges accessing enough water. A large water tank will allow me to store more water for longer periods. Additionally, I plan on purchasing more livestock with the amount I save from our savings group. I am very appreciative of the financial support I am receiving from the transfers, which is helping me improve my quality of life."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to invest a portion of my subsequent transfers in purchasing livestock. Livestock are a valuable asset for my future and will help me accumulate wealth. Once they multiply, I will have the opportunity to sell some and use the money to take care of my immediate needs. To achieve this, I joined a savings group where I save $10 every month. Once the money I have saved is enough, I can use it to purchase a goat. I am very happy and appreciate the financial support from the transfers, which have significantly uplifted my life."

"My major financial burden is taking care of my four children who are still in school. For this reason, I have been thinking of a lasting solution and decided to expand my charcoal business. It is a good business, especially when you have a good stock. Buying in bulk is advantageous because you receive a discount compared to buying in small quantities. Additionally, this business is very marketable because many people use charcoal, particularly those who run businesses like cooking mandazis. Once I expand, I expect to make a good profit. These profits will enable me to support my family's basic needs, such as buying food and paying school fees. I am optimistic that through my transfers, I will save gradually and eventually achieve my dream business goal."

"I am planning to start a business buying and selling charcoal and vegetables because working at a hotel in rural areas offers very minimal pay, making it difficult to improve our financial situation. I chose the charcoal and vegetable business because the market is not saturated, and due to the harsh weather, finding vegetables in our area is challenging. I plan to buy vegetables where they are available and sell them locally. I intend to start saving part of my transfer in a chama to facilitate this business venture. I am truly appreciative of the great support from GiveDirectly, which has significantly improved my life and enabled me to better support my family's needs."

"In the coming year and beyond, my sole focus is saving for my son's college fees. I run a charcoal business to support my children's basic needs. I plan to save part of my income from the charcoal business and combine it with a portion of my monthly transfers and savings account. I believe education is the key to success, and by ensuring my son receives the best education, he will be able to support himself and his younger siblings in the future. I am optimistic about achieving this goal, as I have already saved up to $320. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, as these transfers have significantly relieved my financial burden."

"My biggest aspiration is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly goats, right here on my homestead. I firmly believe that this endeavour will bring significant benefits, especially for my children, who are currently attending primary school. My aim is to accumulate tangible assets that can facilitate our journey through their educational milestones, from transitioning into high school to eventually pursuing higher education in college. By building up a robust herd of goats, I envision not only ensuring a stable income but also creating a valuable resource that can be leveraged to cover their school fees effortlessly. So, each goat I acquire isn't just an animal; it's a step closer to securing a brighter future for my children."

"My main focus is on accomplishing a significant goal: building a new house. I strongly feel the need for a separate space for myself and my teenage children. As they grow older, I believe they deserve privacy and independence, which having their own house can provide. Moreover, I truly believe that having their own space will boost their self-esteem and confidence, allowing them to flourish in their own way. It's essential for their growth and development, and I'm committed to making it happen. Building this new house isn't just about providing physical shelter; it's about creating a nurturing environment where my children can thrive emotionally and mentally. I'm determined to work hard and make this dream a reality for the betterment of my family."