"I am currently unemployed, despite possessing tailoring skills. In an effort to utilize and enhance my abilities, I am in the process of planning and initiating my own tailoring shop. My goal is to acquire a sewing machine and essential textile materials for this venture, and I have been diligently saving my income towards achieving this objective. In addition to pursuing my entrepreneurial aspirations, I have taken on the responsibility of supporting my six siblings, who are currently enrolled in school. I aim to ensure that their education remains uninterrupted, recognizing the financial challenges faced by our parents, particularly my mother, who grapples with the burden of school fees on her modest salary as a kindergarten teacher. My plan extends beyond personal success to contribute to my family's well-being. Not only do I intend to assist in the education of my siblings, but I also believe that establishing the tailoring shop will have a positive influence on our family's financial stability."

"Water shortage is the challenge I am currently facing in life. There is only one water point in the village which is also not reliable. The village can miss water for almost three months. This forces me to walk for approximately 1hr looking for water. It is tedious to Walk for such a distance looking for water."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband and I do casual jobs earning very little income which caters for food and school fees. I have four daughters who are schooling, two in college and two in secondary school. Due to lack of funds , the last daughter who is supposed to join form one has not joined due to lack of school fees. This is really a challenge for me."

"I spent $250 of the transfer to renovate our house, which was on the verge of collapsing due to termite infestation. My husband and I are elderly and unable to work, relying on our son to provide us with what little he can so we can buy food; we could not burden him with the house too. Now, sleeping in a decent home, we're content and at peace. I then spent $200 and bought 2 beds and 2 mattresses for my husband and me as we had been sleeping on the floor with worn-out bedding for years, causing body aches in the morning. Sleeping on a comfortable bed is like a dream come true because we knew that at our age, we would not afford to get one. Furthermore, I spent $60 and bought 2 female goats of good breed, hoping they would reproduce and provide support in the future by selling them. They also keep us busy and give us something to wake up to in the morning as we have nothing to do. I spent the remaining amount of the transfer on food as we did not have much food and also thought that we would relieve our son from the burden of buying us food even if it's for a little while. We're grateful to GiveDirectly, and may God bless them abundantly."

"Looking ahead to the coming years and beyond, I plan to embark on a tomato farming project. Inspired by the success of my neighbors who have found prosperity through irrigation, I see an opportunity to thrive in our area, given the accessibility to water for irrigation on my land. The prospect of contributing to my family's well-being by selling tomatoes brings a sense of fulfillment and a commitment to supporting my husband in our shared responsibilities. Additionally, my family has a long-term plan to purchase a piece of land outside our current area. This decision is driven by my observations of cultural practices in this region, particularly the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). This cultural tradition is something I strongly oppose, recognizing the serious health risks associated with it, and I am determined not to let my daughter go through it. Therefore, relocating to a faraway place from here provides a safer and more culturally aligned environment for my family's future."

"My plan is to complete the construction of our house, something we've been working on for years. Once the house is done, I'm starting a poultry and livestock venture. I'm sure the extra income from that would make a difference on our financial status. Givedirectly has given my family support and hope for a better future. We are truly grateful for this opportunity."

"I bought a cow and also constructed my house"

"Reflecting on the possibilities ahead in the coming year,With the cash transfers I've received, I aim to build a thriving livestock enterprise. The plan is to rear more animals, creating a self-sustaining cycle that ensures financial stability. I am cultivating a more secure and prosperous future for myself and my family. Thanks to Givedirectly."

"The first thing on my agenda is to save up and purchase the necessary equipment to start my own salon business. I've always had a passion for making people feel confident, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into a reality. It's just not going to be about me. My parents have been living in a house that's seen better days, tilting slightly to one side. With the earnings from my business, I'm determined to build them a more comfortable home, providing them the stability they deserve. ."

"I am determined to open my own hair salon using the Givedirectly transfers. I will also equip it with top-notch beauty products. My goal extends beyond personal success; I aspire to create employment opportunities for others in my community. Additionally, I will position it at a shopping center, aiming to attract a diverse clientele. In the end of it I will have a stable source of income and I'm so excited about the journey ahead."