"The struggles in our community have been numerous, especially when it comes to access to essential resources like water and education. However, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, positive changes have started to take shape. With $120, I decided to invest in a water tank. Water scarcity has been a significant issue in our community, and we were often forced to buy water from the nearby school. Unfortunately, this source was becoming unreliable as water became scarcer. So, having our water tank was a crucial step towards securing a steady water supply for my family. I also used the funds to invest in livestock. I bought three goats for $150 and three chickens for $10. Livestock can provide a source of income and nutrition for our family, making us less reliant on external resources. i also spent $170 towards paying my son's school fees. He's currently in form four, and education is a priority. Before receiving assistance from GiveDirectly, I had to rely on casual work, like selling tree posts, to make ends meet. This often meant that paying school fees was a constant struggle. These investments and payments have made a considerable impact on our lives. We're slowly becoming more self-reliant, and our children have better access to education. It's a step-by-step journey towards a secure future, and we're thankful to GiveDirectly for making it all possible."

"GiveDirectly's approach to providing financial assistance and accompanying it with education on responsible money management has been truly commendable. It's not just about receiving funds; it's about empowering individuals and communities to make the most of these resources for long-term benefit. Through the support and guidance from GiveDirectly, our community has taken significant steps forward from where we once were. We've gained valuable skills and knowledge on handling finances, protecting ourselves from potential scams, and being accountable for the funds we receive. This education has been transformative, giving us the tools to create a better future for ourselves and our families. One of the most crucial aspects of this journey has been accountability. We understand the importance of using these funds wisely, not just for immediate needs but also for building a stable and secure future. GiveDirectly's emphasis on responsible financial practices has instilled a sense of responsibility and prudence within our community. We're grateful for the support we've received from GiveDirectly, not only for the financial assistance but also for the valuable lessons we've learned."

"My vision for the future is filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the goal of expanding my farm and improving its irrigation system, I aim to make the most of the dam we have in our vicinity. By using the hosepipe, I can efficiently channel water into my farm, ensuring that my crops thrive, and our lives would take a positive turn. Additionally, I aspire to expand my fruit business into something bigger, perhaps a well-stocked grocery shop. This would provide a convenient shopping destination for the community and offer me a stable source of income. Furthermore, I plan to establish a tree nursery where I can grow and sell seedlings. This venture has the potential to boost our income and even create job opportunities for others in the community. These aspirations reflect my determination to secure a better future for my family and contribute positively to our community. With the support and opportunities provided by GiveDirectly, I am confident that I can achieve these goals and bring about meaningful change in our lives."

"It's truly heartwarming to see how the GiveDirectly transfers have positively impacted our community. The fact that people have used these funds wisely to build houses is a testament to the responsible and thoughtful way everyone has approached this opportunity. These newly constructed houses provide better living conditions and symbolizes sense of progress and stability within our community. It's a visible sign of positive change, and it's inspiring to know that everyone is actively working towards improving their lives. Moreover, the fact that no one has misused the transfers demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and trust within our community. The development of new skills in managing finances and resources is another remarkable outcome. These skills will benefit us now and in the long run as we continue to make informed decisions about our financial well-being. Overall, it's a source of pride to witness the positive transformations happening in our community, and we can look forward to a prosperous future together."

"The impact of the support from GiveDirectly in my life has been truly transformative. One of the improvements has been the ability to finally fence my farm. Before, my farm was vulnerable to destruction by animals and pests due to its lack of proper fencing. Now, I can cultivate my crops with confidence, knowing they are safe and secure. Food security was another serious concern for my family. There were times when putting food on the table was a real nightmare. I vividly remember having to borrow food from the local kiosk to ensure my family didn't go to bed hungry. With five children to feed and the challenges of the economy, it was a constant struggle. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, our situation has greatly improved. We no longer worry about where our next meal will come from. We can now focus on other priorities, like providing a good education for our children, since with the financial constraints we faced, it was often a challenge to provide for their educational needs. But now, with the burden of food and basic necessities eased, we can allocate more resources toward our children's education."

"The transfers from GiveDirectly has filled our hearts with hope for the future. It's shown us that positive change is achievable, even in the face of challenging circumstances. This newfound hope has revitalized our determination to build a better life. Looking ahead, I have clear and ambitious goals. Firstly, I plan to increase the number of goats in our livestock. Goats are valuable in our community and a source of income and sustenance. Additionally, I aim to introduce sheep to our herd, which will diversify our livestock and provide further economic security. Furthermore, I'm considering ways to invest in our children's education. Education is a powerful tool, and I want to ensure our children have access to quality schooling, which can open doors to brighter futures. The transfers from GiveDirectly has improved our present circumstances, giving us the confidence and determination to work towards a more prosperous future. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity and we're committed to making the most of it to better the lives of our family."

"I plan on venturing into business, where I hope to open a wholesale shop. With casual labour I am usually not expecting income to come in all the time but with the business I will have an assured income. From this I believe I will be able to generate income sufficient to pay for my brother's entire school fees as well as take care of my young family and educate my children as they come of age to join school."

"The biggest challenge I currently face is landslides which destroy our crops and property leaving us in poverty and threatening our lives. I also face a problem of oozing from underground and floods which affect our house making us to sleep miserably"

"The cash transfers from GD have been a beacon of hope in my life. I had to defer my tertiary education more than three times due to a lack of school fees. I tried fundraising in my village, but people eventually grew weary of my pleas. Then, like a miracle, the GD money arrived, and it felt like the universe was conspiring to help me complete my studies. I had $140 in unpaid school fees, and I used $70 to cover part of it, with plans to clear the remaining amount using the next transfer. This will enable me to sit for our national exam in January 2024. Additionally, I invested $250 in a livestock rearing project, purchasing two goats and one cow. I chose this investment because it's the primary source of livelihood in our arid area, as it thrives well, unlike crop cultivation, which is challenging. I allocated $80 for purchasing food for my three children, who currently stay with my parents while I attend school, as my spouse has also gone to seek employment in a nearby town. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a way of showing my love and care, even from a distance. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to pay for my school's house rent for two months to avoid any issues with the landlord. These transfers have been a true lifeline for my education and my family's well-being. I can't express how grateful I am for this support."

"My primary goal is to expand my chicken rearing project by incorporating other livestock, specifically goats, in order to diversify and enhance the sustainability of my farming venture. To achieve this, I've devised a strategic plan to allocate my future transfers wisely, dedicating them to purchasing goats and additional chicken alternately. This approach will not only allow me to broaden my agricultural activities but also maximize the benefits and income generated from my livestock."