"In 2014, I completed my hairdressing course at Kituro Polytechnic, hoping to become self-employed. I have always dreamed of opening my own salon, but I currently lack the capital to get started. Right now, I practice on call and sometimes attend to customers at their doorsteps, but I feel like I am missing out on so many opportunities due to a lack of equipment. As a family of five, we rely solely on my husband Mike to provide for us, which is a lot of pressure for him. If I had the capital, I could help bridge that gap and share the financial responsibilities. I am determined to find a way to make my dream a reality and support my family in the process."

"GiveDirectly did an excellent job in providing support to our community, ensuring that the officers were not interfered with by other organizations. Everyone received the money as promised, and you have truly tried to change our lives for the better. I appreciate how you follow up to see how we have used the money, helping us focus on the goals we set for ourselves. This guidance has allowed us to improve our lives in meaningful ways. However, on the weakness side, I believe it is important to educate people and help them develop skills. Advising the community to invest in assets rather than liabilities would be beneficial, as liabilities do not help us grow. Additionally, providing training focused on prioritizing assets like livestock would make a positive impact, and encouraging people to avoid spending money on alcohol would lead to better financial decisions."

"The struggles of farming can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenge of getting water to the crops. Our farm at home was suffering because we had no effective way to pump water from the Perkerra River. Therefore, I decided to invest $320 in a generator, allowing me to channel water directly to my farm. This purchase was crucial for my ability to continue farming without the stress of drought seasons impacting our harvest. Furthermore, I used $70 to open a salon business for my partner, so she could have her own source of income while we support each other at home. With only one child to care for, it's important for us to find ways to help each other thrive. I also work as a farmer and casual laborer to make ends meet, balancing multiple responsibilities to provide for my family. Finally, I spent the remaining $60 on food since we had no capital for farming at the moment. Before this support, we relied heavily on casual jobs like burning charcoal to cover our basic needs. Unfortunately, floods hit and destroyed all my vegetables and green grams at the farm, leaving us feeling hopeless and depressed. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to make the most of the opportunities I've been given and build a better future for my family."

"After the devastating floods destroyed our agricultural farms, my family faced a bleak future filled with uncertainty. Receiving the cash transfer felt like a lifeline, providing us with an opportunity to rebuild our lives and invest in agriculture once more. I decided to use $210 to purchase sheep, aiming to improve our living situation and establish a source of income for the future. The sheep also serve as a constant reminder of the support we received from GiveDirectly. Furthermore, I spent $80 to lease land and $50 to manage my farm, enabling us to grow food and secure our family's basic needs. With this additional capital, I feel more confident in providing for my three children and my wife, seeing this as the best investment I could make for our future. This investment is crucial, as it will indirectly help me cover my children's school fees. With the remaining $110, I bought food to ensure my family has enough to eat. In the past, I relied on casual jobs and burning charcoal to meet our basic needs, but those sources of income were often unreliable. Now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we have a stable supply of food at home.We are incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly because our lives have truly changed for the better. This assistance has given us hope and a chance to work toward a brighter future. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity for my family's sake, ensuring we never have to face such hardship again."

"GiveDirectly did a great job when they came to our village. They held meetings during the barazas and promised us money, which we received without any issues. There were no bribes involved, and they did not take advantage of us, showing no discrimination during the enrollment process. I appreciate how well all their strategies were followed and how transparent the process was. However, I noticed that some people were left out and did not get enrolled, and they were not informed about the reasons why. If possible, I suggest they try to include everyone in the program to ensure that no one is left behind."

"While I was working on the farm, I suddenly saw a message on my phone that made me incredibly happy. I hadn’t told anyone about receiving the money because it felt like my little secret, so I kept my joy to myself. My heart was filled with excitement, and my first thought was to buy plastic chairs since we had no chairs at home. It was a simple wish, but it meant so much to me and my family. Knowing that I could finally provide something for us made me feel like I was making progress. I couldn’t wait to share this good news with my family when I got home!"

"Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my children's school fees was a constant source of stress for me. I had to rely on fundraising and saving small amounts from my casual job earnings, which were not enough to keep my children in school. They were often sent home due to unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see them missing out on their education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay their school fees without any worry. Now, my children can attend school regularly and focus on their studies like other children. This change has brought me so much peace of mind, knowing that my children are not only learning but also feeling secure and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, which has made such a big difference in our lives."

"The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is that I was able to pay my children’s school fees. Before, they were constantly being sent home because of unpaid fees, which made them sad and made me feel stressed. Now, they are happy in school, studying without any interruptions, just like other children. It brings me peace of mind to know they can stay in class and focus on their education. I no longer worry about how to raise money for their fees, and I feel relieved that they can have a better future. Seeing them at school every day brings joy to my heart."

"When I got the money, I immediately knew what my priorities were. My children had been struggling to sleep comfortably because their bed and mattress were infested with bedbugs, making their nights unbearable. So, I used $90 to buy a new bed and mattress. It brought me great joy knowing they would finally sleep in peace. Furthermore, I spent $60 on food because, at home, we had nothing to eat, and buying food and milk from the shops was becoming too expensive. My family depends on me to provide, but my salary is too small to meet all our needs. In addition to the bed and food, I used the remaining amount to buy utensils. We had been displaced by floods, and the water destroyed everything we had in the house, leaving us with very little. It was a big relief to finally have basic things like plates and cooking items again. My wife stays at home to take care of our two children, so providing for the family rests entirely on my shoulders. The money helped me cover the essential needs we had been struggling with for a long time. Life had been very difficult for us, especially after the floods took everything. Being able to buy what we desperately needed felt like a huge burden had been lifted. My children are now sleeping soundly, and we have food in the house again. It may not seem like much, but for us, it has made all the difference."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to focus on investing in goat farming to secure my future. I plan to continue saving $10 monthly at the merry-go-round group that we formed. As I accumulate the money, I will buy goats once my turn of getting the money reaches. The choice of goats over cows is a strategic one; goats are more affordable to acquire and maintain, making them an ideal investment for my current financial situation. My passion for goat farming fuels my drive, and with careful planning and consistent effort, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and create a thriving agricultural venture."