"I want to join Teachers College in September 2023. I am really happy that I have saved enough that I can proudly join school. I had difficulties in joining school due to the fee but now, even if I don't have enough I still have something to start to get me started. I am planning to save enough to continue with my studies. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I believe I will have a bright future."

"I really want to improve my family's living standards; I really want to start a grocery store. Currently I am at home taking care of my children and my goats. With the savings I have and the monthly transfers I will be able to start my business and sell it at an affordable price to my neighbors. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am able to dream again."

"When I got my second payment from Give Directly, which turned out to be the final one, I knew I had to strategize carefully to ensure a sustainable source of income for my family. I wanted to make sure we could meet our daily needs without falling into a cycle of debt. With this goal in mind, I invested $490 in a used motorbike to kickstart a transportation business, with my husband overseeing its operations. I also spent the remaining $60 to purchase two young goats, which will allow me to engage in goat farming while staying at home"

"Before receiving the transfer, I used to struggle to make ends meet since I am a widow. This made me venture into some tiring businesses to support the situation. I started making and selling charcoal as well as selling firewood. As of now, I am grateful for the support that I received from GiveDirectly. Since the time I received the transfer, I have never gone hungry courtesy of the organization."

"I'll never forget that moment. It was a quiet morning, and I was sitting in a religious conference, engrossed in a sermon when I noticed a message icon on my phone's silent screen. Curiosity piqued, I discreetly checked the message, only to realize I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart skipped a beat, and I fought to contain my excitement amid the solemn congregation. But inside, I was bursting with joy; I wanted to jump up and down right there. It was like a ray of hope had touched my life, a confirmation that things were changing for the better. At that moment, surrounded by the peaceful serenity of the conference, I felt a surge of gratitude for the opportunity that GiveDirectly had given me, a chance to create a brighter future for myself and my loved ones."

"I had been struggling for years to complete the construction of my spacious house, a dream that had been put on hold due to a lack of funds. But when I received the assistance, everything changed. With the money, I was finally able to finish building my dream home, a comfortable and spacious house that I had always envisioned. Now, I can confidently and happily host and spend time with my grandchildren, a luxury I could not afford before when I was confined to a small, inadequate space. The cash transfer not only transformed my living conditions but also brought a sense of fulfillment and happiness to my life, allowing me to create precious memories with my loved ones in a home we can all enjoy."

"Once the cash transfer arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and relief. The old house I had been living in was on the verge of collapsing, and I knew it was time for a change. So, I decided to invest the money wisely. First thing, I purchased a large 310-litre water tank, envisioning how it would aid me in my project. With this tank, I could store water efficiently, a crucial element for the upcoming construction. With water secured, I embarked on making interlocking blocks. Day after day, I mixed cement and pressed it into molds, creating each brick with care and determination. These blocks would be the foundation of my new home, and I am determined not to be held back by any lack of materials. I want to ensure that when construction begins, there will be no interruptions due to shortages. Each block I made seemed like a stepping stone towards stability and security."

"Living with my husband and two grown-up daughters in that cramped single-room house was becoming quite a challenge. Our privacy was almost nonexistent, and I constantly worried about the lack of space. When the cash transfers from GiveDirectly came through, it felt like a ray of hope had pierced through the clouds. Without a second thought, my husband and I decided to use the money to build a new house. We eagerly went to the market and purchased 22 iron sheets for $220. These would become the roof of our new home. Additionally, we invested $100 in building poles to ensure our new house would stand strong. As the construction began, I could already picture the happiness and peace of mind that awaited us in our separate dwelling. Our daughters would get to keep the current house, and my husband and I would have our own space at last. Once the new house is completed, I'm planning to use the remaining funds to start an agricultural venture. It's incredible how a little financial assistance can completely transform our lives, and I'm excited to see the future unfold with newfound comfort and opportunities."

"I want to share a story that's changed my life for the better. You see, I was facing a lot of challenges with money before, and life felt heavy. But then, something wonderful happened; I received cash support from GiveDirectly. With that, I made some choices that have brought me so much relief and happiness. First off, I used some of the money to clear a debt I had of $100 for a piece of land. It was an acre of land that I hadn't finished paying for. But now, I can proudly say it's fully mine, and the person I owed doesn't bother me anymore. Thereafter, I bought two mattresses for $80. You know, we used to sleep on tattered mats, and it wasn't comfortable at all. But now, with those mattresses, every night's sleep feels like a blessing. I also used $90 to build a kitchen. It was tough trying to cook when it rained, and I had to do it inside our sleeping area. It wasn't ideal, but I didn't have much choice. Now, I have a kitchen where I can cook without worries. And then there was that $50 debt to a local financial institution. I had borrowed that money to pay for my son's school fees. I managed to pay that off too, and it's such a relief not to have that hanging over me. The rest of the money, I decided to save it. It's like a safety net for the future, and knowing it's there gives me a sense of security I haven't felt in a long time. I'm grateful for the support, and life is looking brighter now."

"As I was busy washing my children's clothes one afternoon around 3 p.m., a message tone from my phone suddenly caught my attention. I quickly checked my phone and saw an envelope-like icon on the screen. With a mix of excitement and curiosity, I opened the message to find a confirmation that the first promised transfer of $550 had been deposited into my account. Overwhelmed by emotions, I couldn't contain my joy and burst into ululations of happiness. I immediately began singing a heartfelt thanksgiving song, my voice echoing with gratitude. With this money, I knew I could finally fulfill my dream of paying for my daughter's college fees, a goal I had been striving towards for so long."