"My goal at the moment is to prepare for my son Onesmus's high school admission, which is scheduled for next year. He will soon be graduating from the eighth grade towards the end of this year. I anticipate that the admission procedure will be costly, so I intend to start saving a portion of the cash transfers to accumulate the necessary funds. Furthermore, I aspire to expand my herd of goats and cows to generate more wealth, which can continue to support my son's high school education even after his admission."

"I decided to allocate $330 of the transfers towards building a new house for my family. Our previous living conditions were far from ideal. We resided in a cramped, one-roomed house constructed from mud and grass thatched walls. It was inadequate for our family of five, and the constant leaks and discomfort made us yearn for a better living space. The transfers came as a ray of hope. We started constructing a new house, one that would provide us with the comfort, space, and security we had always wished for. The new house, with proper roofing and spacious rooms, has been a significant improvement in our lives. It's a place where we can all sleep soundly, free from the worries of rain or discomfort. In addition to improving our living conditions, I also used $200 of the transfers to invest in goats. Goats, known for their ability to multiply, seemed a wise choice. My goal is to allow this small herd to grow in numbers over time. When the time comes to pay school fees for my children, I can sell some of these goats to cover the educational expenses. This strategy not only ensures that my children have access to education but also provides a reliable source of income for other financial responsibilities. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we are gradually moving towards a more stable and secure future."

"I have big plans for the future, thanks to the financial stability that the recent transfer has provided me. One of my foremost goals is to save a portion of the money and invest it in livestock, specifically cows and sheep. These animals not only serve as a source of financial security but also have the potential to multiply over time, significantly increasing my assets. Additionally, I'm looking into leasing a piece of farmland. This step would enable me to venture into crop cultivation. By growing crops, I can reduce the expenses meant for purchasing food for myself and my family. Furthermore, any surplus produce can be sold, thus generating an additional stream of income. These plans represent a significant shift in my life. They offer immediate benefits, such as improved financial stability and reduced food expenses, as well as long-term opportunities for income growth and self-sufficiency. I'm excited about the possibilities and am determined to make the most of this newfound income security."

"GiveDirectly's cash transfers have been an incredible blessing for our community, leading to swift and meaningful changes in our lives. The lump sum cash we received has brought about a remarkable transformation that has improved our living conditions and bolstered our self-reliance. With the funds, we've managed to invest in essential areas like housing, farming, and education. Many of us have constructed better homes, protected our farms from intruders, and ensured our children's access to quality education. These changes have not only enhanced our daily lives but have also instilled a sense of hope and optimism. In addition to the tangible improvements, GiveDirectly's approach has provided us with vital financial skills. We've learned how to manage money wisely, save for the future, and make informed financial decisions. This knowledge has shielded us from scams and has also empowered us to seize opportunities that come our way. Beyond individual impact, our entire community has been inspired to strive for a brighter future. More people are engaging in productive activities, launching small businesses, and investing in their homes and farms. This collective effort has elevated our community's well-being and fostered a spirit of unity and shared goals."

"I spent $180 on purchasing chain link fencing materials, a significant step in protecting both my compound and farm. For a while, I had been grappling with the challenge of goats relentlessly invading my farm and damaging the fruits I had carefully planted. This chain link fencing will act as a barrier, ensuring these mischievous goats can no longer access my crops. Now, I'm looking forward to a more bountiful harvest, which will provide food for my family and extra income when I sell the surplus in the market. A substantial portion of my transfer, $110 to be precise, went into covering our food expenses. Prior to receiving assistance from GiveDirectly, securing enough food for my family was a constant worry. With changing weather patterns, including droughts, my previous reliance on farming had become unreliable. Thankfully, with assurance of a regular food supply, we no longer go to bed hungry. I can channel my energy and resources into improving our overall quality of life. In recognition of the need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, I wisely chose to save $150 from the transfer. This savings fund serves as a financial safety net, providing security and peace of mind. It's a stark contrast to the uncertainty that characterized our lives before the assistance from GiveDirectly."

"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."

"I used $170 of the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase food. The ability to buy food without the constant worry of where the next meal would come from was a relief for my family. Before, I often had to go for casual work, which was physically demanding and offered irregular income. This made it challenging to keep food in our house, and we lived meal to meal. Additionally, I had accumulated a debt of $60 from borrowing food from a nearby kiosk during times when our casual jobs didn't yield enough income. The debt was a constant source of stress and anxiety, and I was eager to pay it off and regain our financial stability. I also spent $220 on iron sheets, which marked a step toward building the house I had always dreamed of. This house was not just about our family's comfort but also a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for the support we received from GiveDirectly. Our previous mud house was not suitable for our family of six children, and this opportunity allowed us to work towards a more stable and comfortable home."

"I purchased chainlink and barbed wire for $300 to create a sturdy fence around my two acre land where I have planted pawpaw and mangoes. I'm determined to have a bountiful harvest this time, and this investment in security will help me achieve that. It's amazing how the prospect of a good harvest can inspire so much hope. I also allocated $80 to ensure a steady supply of food for my family. Previously, I used to sell vegetables, but the income was inconsistent and often insufficient. This led to frequent borrowing, which only added to my financial worries. With this support, I can now provide for my family's basic needs without the constant anxiety about where the next meal will come from. Clearing my debts was another significant step forward. I used $20 to settle a kiosk debt that had been hanging over my head. Being free from this financial burden is a relief I can't quite put into words. Lastly, I set aside $50 for future needs and opportunities. Having a little financial cushion gives me peace of mind and a sense of security for whatever might come my way. The support from GiveDirectly has been life-changing, not just in terms of financial assistance but in the hope and motivation it has ignited within me."

"It's heartwarming to see the transformation that has swept through our community since the support from GiveDirectly arrived. People here have newfound hope and energy, and there's a palpable sense of purpose and ambition in the air. It's like a long-awaited dawn after a seemingly endless night of hardship. One of the most significant changes has been in our children's education. They are now able to attend school without the constant fear of being sent home due to unpaid fees. Our Form Four candidates, in particular, have had the opportunity to concentrate on their studies without the disruptive worry of school fees. This change is not just about individual families; it's about our entire community coming together to create a brighter future. We're collectively inspired to work hard and make the most of this newfound stability and support. It's incredible how a little assistance can ripple through an entire community, awakening dreams and aspirations that were once buried under the weight of daily struggles. We're immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for being a beacon of hope in our lives and for giving us the opportunity to thrive once again."

"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."