"\ I have a plan to establish a vegetable-selling business within our village. Currently, there is a high demand for vegetables due to the abundant maize harvest from local farms. To manage the business, I intend to entrust my wife with its operations, while I continue working as a motorcycle taxi driver. This business will serve as an additional source of income to complement my job and help us meet our financial needs. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support that has significantly contributed to improving my life."

"Receiving my second unconditional cash transfer was a true blessing. I knew exactly how I wanted to allocate it to secure a better future for my children. Firstly, I paid the mason, who had diligently constructed our house, a sum of $120. Having a stable home has been a dream, and this payment not only fulfilled my obligation but also brought a sense of pride as I looked at the walls that would now protect my family. I then decided to invest in our future. I purchased a goat for $40, which might not seem like much, but I see it as a long-term investment. My children are still in the lower grades, and by the time they reach higher levels of education, I hope to have a small herd of goats. Selling them will not only secure their educational future but also provide for our day-to-day needs. Speaking of which, I paid off the school fees for my three children, who had been consistently sent home due to arrears, affecting their performance. It was a relief to see them return to the classroom without any worries. Finally, I bought food to ensure my family had nutritious meals. Being a single mother working in a quarry, every bit of help counts, and this unconditional cash transfer has given my family a ray of hope for a better future."

"Since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been the newfound hope and opportunity it has provided. With the funds, I was able to invest in a water tank to practice irrigation, a small yet transformative step towards self-sufficiency. I am now on the verge of starting a business where I'll cultivate and sell vegetables and various seedlings, creating a stable source of income. As an elderly individual without a job, life had become a daily struggle; I often went to bed hungry due to the high cost of living. Relying on my children, who lacked a consistent income, was a challenge. But now, through this project, I can see a brighter future ahead where I won't have to worry about meals or dependence, and my life is destined for a remarkable transformation."

"I loved the equitable approach that GiveDirectly employs in enrolling recipients in their programs. Unlike some organizations, they ensure that every individual in the village has the chance to be a part of their support initiative and receive the transfers. This commitment to fairness and inclusivity demonstrates their dedication to truly making a positive impact on the community as a whole by leaving no one behind. This fosters a sense of unity and empowerment among communities."

"In the coming years and beyond, my plan is to initiate a small grocery business right here in my village. I have identified this as a promising opportunity, as currently we only have one grocery store serving the entire community. This venture will provide me with an additional source of income, enabling me to provide the best for my children's well-being and future."

"The persistent drought has been a challenge for the past three years. I rely on farming to make income, but due to the scarcity of water yield has gone down hence a reduction in income. This has made it difficult to comfortably cater to all the basic needs of my family."

"Food insecurity is the biggest challenge currently. For the past three years, I have not harvested from my farm despite the several attempts to plant maize. As a result, I rely on my children to share with me what they have because I cannot do hard jobs to earn a living. Lack of proper nutrition has therefore resulted in my health deteriorating."

"I have a strong desire to construct a larger, more expansive, and permanent dwelling that can comfortably accommodate my entire family. Presently, our living situation is confined to a one-room house with mud walls that are only semi-permanent and prone to collapse within a relatively brief span of time. It is crucial for me to have a spacious residence that can accommodate not only my current family members but also any additions in the future. In addition to addressing our housing needs, I am also keen on establishing a business that can serve as an additional source of income, ultimately leading to financial stability. This entrepreneurial endeavor will contribute significantly to my overall financial well-being and provide a sense of security for me and my family. The financial assistance I have received through the transfers has brought me immense joy and gratitude. I am truly appreciative of the support provided and the positive impact it has had on my life."

"Upon receiving the latest transfer from GiveDirectly, I found myself relieved as I could finally address some pressing needs within my family. My heart was heavy with the burden of arrears for my three secondary school-going children and one in the University. Determined to secure their education and future, I promptly allocated $150 to clear their fees, ensuring an uninterrupted semester of learning. The thought of their bright smiles as they pursued their dreams fueled my determination. With $100, I purchased essential food supplies for my family of eight, a provision that brought me immense contentment. These provisions sustained us while also supporting our food-selling business, a source of pride and sustenance. The remainder of the funds was directed towards a crucial project - the completion of the fence encircling my farm. Investing in five chain links to fortify the barrier was essential to protect our crops from marauding livestock during the upcoming rainy season. The satisfaction I felt as the fence rose, symbolizing safeguarded harvests and secured livelihoods, was beyond measure. This endeavor was not only for me but for my family, who had weathered challenges alongside me. As I gazed at the finished fence, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to create a better life for those I held dear."

"From humble beginnings selling potatoes during pregnancy, I have set my sights on a remarkable goal: establishing my own hotel. Beyond potatoes, I envision offering a diverse range of delectable dishes. Through a combination of dedicated personal savings and a strategic merry-go-round system, I'm working towards turning this dream into reality. My journey embodies determination and the pursuit of a promising future."