"I bought a cow because it is an invsetment"

"At my age of 27 years, I never expected to be a housewife because I had a big dream of living a decent life. This is because, despite having hairdressing skills, I have remained jobless at home. I majorly depend on my husband who is a casual laborer and he usually sends me $15 on weekly basis. This money goes on settling bills leaving me with nothing to save. Hence, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge."

"As I am in my final year of secondary education, my top priority is ensuring the timely payment of my school fees to avoid any disruptions to my studies and overall performance. The total amount I need to pay for the year is $150, but since I only allocate $20 of my monthly transfers towards the fee, it will take me around 8 months to clear the fees completely. Once I have cleared my school fees, my plan is to start investing in poultry. Poultry farming is affordable, easy to manage, and the birds multiply quickly. My goal is to start building assets that I can leverage when the time comes for me to join university, allowing me to raise the required fees more easily."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly excels in being straightforward and fair in its operations. The organization's transparency and direct approach to providing monetary assistance make it easy for people like me to understand and access the support we need."

"Before, getting fresh water was a daily struggle. We had to trek long distances, and sometimes we endured water shortages for weeks on end. It was exhausting and worrying, especially during dry spells. With the support I received, I was able to purchase a water tank for $185. This investment has made a world of difference. I no longer worry about water scarcity. I also used $99 to improve the water system by setting up piping and plumbing directly to the tank. Now, fetching water is easy and convenient. I'm incredibly grateful for this change. Having access to clean water has not only improved my quality of life but also brought peace of mind knowing that I'm prepared for any shortages. Additionally, I decided to invest some of the money in the future. I used $80 to purchase two goats. This investment not only provides a potential source of income but also adds a layer of security for my family's future. Furthermore, I was able to extend a helping hand to my son when he faced difficulties with his son's education. I contributed $50 towards his son's school fees, ensuring that he could return to school without any barriers. It's fulfilling to be able to support my family and invest in our future, thanks to the assistance I received from GiveDirectly."

"When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I was facing a financial challenge. My son had been accepted into a water engineering course at college, and the required fees were beyond our means. With $500 from the transfer, I made the crucial decision to use it towards his college expenses. Despite the fee being $700, this contribution was invaluable as it allowed us to enroll him in the institution. My husband, a tailor by profession, simply couldn't cover the cost all at once. This financial assistance provided us with the breathing room we needed to gather additional funds to sustain his education. With the remaining amount, I prioritized ensuring our family's basic needs were met. I purchased essential food items to alleviate some of the financial strain we were facing. This act of assistance from GiveDirectly not only helped secure my son's education but also provided relief for our immediate needs."

"I aim to expand my sources of income and secure a stable future for my family. With the support I received from GiveDirectly, I plan to venture into livestock farming, particularly goats. Goats are affordable to maintain, and there's a reliable market for them, which makes them a lucrative investment. By starting this venture, I hope to diversify my income streams and ensure financial stability for my family's long-term well-being. This endeavor aligns with my aspirations for growth and prosperity, and I'm eager to see it flourish in the years to come."

"GiveDirectly was exceptional in providing genuine care and support during their home visits. Their staff members were incredibly friendly and kind. Their level of service surpassed any previous experiences I have had, and I truly appreciate their dedication."

"My main goal is to launch my own cafeteria business. I've already taken the first steps by purchasing some of the necessary items, and now I'm actively seeking capital to kick-start this venture. I'm confident that my charcoal-selling business will provide me with the capital needed to make my cafeteria business a success."

"With the roof of my house still unfinished from the first transfer, completing it became my top priority. I spent $200 on both the iron sheets and the labor charge, and now, I'm happy that my house is finally complete. It's a comforting feeling to have a secure place to sleep at night, knowing that I've made tangible progress in improving my living conditions. Additionally, I decided to invest in the future by purchasing a goat to add to my existing herd of 20. These goats serve as a form of security, providing stability and a potential source of income down the line. Moreover, I made sure to settle any outstanding food debts we had accumulated from a local shopkeeper. Maintaining trust and credibility within the community is essential, so I saw it as a wise decision to settle the bill promptly, reinforcing the positive relationship with the shopkeeper. Lastly, recognizing the strain on my son, who works as a casual laborer, I purchased food for the family to alleviate some of the burden on his shoulders. It's important to support each other within the family, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist him."