"In the coming years and beyond, my aspiration is to sustain my tomato farming venture, as it has proven to be a lucrative investment in our area. Recognizing its potential, I intend to continue dedicating my efforts to this agricultural pursuit. Furthermore, I have plans to save the profits generated from the farming business. With these savings, my goal is to eventually construct rental properties on my plot, located in our nearby center. By establishing these rentals, I aim to generate an additional income source for my family, ensuring greater financial stability and security for the future."

"Upon receiving the transfer, I used $200 to clear the school arrears for my two children who attend a primary school academy. This was necessary to ensure that they could continue their education without being sent back home, which was demoralizing for both them and me. I am incredibly pleased that they can now focus on their studies with renewed concentration. In addition, I had previously planted tomatoes on my farm using the initial transfers. However, I lacked the funds to purchase essential items such as top dressers and pesticides to optimize the crop yield. To address this, I utilized $150 from the transfer to procure these necessary supplies. With the remaining amount, I used to purchase food for my family of seven, ensuring ensuring food security and well-being of my family."

"Upon receiving the transfer, my first priority was to address the immediate need for food. I allocated $850 to purchase dry cereals, specifically 20kg of beans and a sack of maize. This supply lasted my family of six for two months, alleviating the challenges we faced during the famine. Previously, we had either been eating very little or skipping meals due to financial constraints. I express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for providing us with this essential support during such a difficult time. In addition, I utilized $50 from the transfer to pay for my two children's school fees. Although I wasn't able to fully clear the fees, this payment ensures that they can continue attending school and concentrate on their studies until I receive the next transfer, which will allow me to settle the remaining balance. To pursue my dream of poultry farming, I invested $5 by purchasing two hens. I am hopeful that these hens will multiply, and in the future, I can sell eggs to provide for my family's basic needs. With the remaining funds, I bought two plastic chairs and a few utensils. The ones we previously had were old and in a deteriorated state, causing me embarrassment when receiving visitors. The new chairs and utensils not only enhance our living conditions but also help create a more comfortable and welcoming environment."

"With the first transfer I received, I made the decision to use the entire amount towards building a pit latrine for my family. This involved various expenses such as digging the pit, acquiring materials for both the slab and superstructure, as well as paying the laborers involved in the construction process. Although the funds were not sufficient to complete the latrine entirely, such as installing a door, I am grateful that we now have a functional facility. Previously, we had been living without a pit latrine, resorting to open defecation, which was both embarrassing and posed health risks, increasing the likelihood of contracting fecal-oral diseases.The construction is a significant improvement in our living conditions and contributes to better hygiene practices within our household."

"Out of the third transfer, I allocated $360 towards maize farming. This included expenses for land preparation, purchasing planting inputs, and hiring labor. I made the decision to invest in maize farming with the aim of generating income and ensuring a stable food supply for myself. Additionally, I utilized $40 to purchase new clothes, enhancing my personal appearance and adding to my existing wardrobe. With the remaining amount, I serviced the motorcycle I had previously purchased using the second transfer. As its performance had declined, it was necessary to invest in maintenance to ensure its proper functioning. This would enable me to continue utilizing the motorcycle for my transportation needs."

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary focus will be on expanding my business and maximizing its profitability. With the shop now reopened and restocked, I aim to attract more customers and increase sales. This will involve implementing effective marketing strategies, diversifying our product offerings, and providing excellent customer service. By consistently meeting the needs of our customers, I believe we can grow the business and achieve greater financial success. Additionally, ensuring a quality education for my children remains a top priority. I am committed to supporting their academic journey and providing them with the resources they need to thrive in their studies. I understand the importance of education in shaping their future and will continue to prioritize their educational needs."

"My goal is to obtain a cow that will serve as a foundation for growing my herd and building my wealth. As the cow reproduces, the herd will expand, providing me with a sustainable source of income. This will ultimately enable me to fund my long-term dream of constructing a better house. I want to construct a house with brick walls and a sturdy tin roof, offering improved living conditions compared to my current mud-walled dwelling, which is prone to destruction by rainwater."

"Unfortunately, my house was destroyed by the ongoing rains, which forced my wife and me to seek shelter in my grandson's house, where we have been staying since then. I feel like we are inconveniencing his space, which prompts me to build another house. Thankfully, I have been able to spend my savings from previous transfers to acquire building materials for the new structure. The remaining task is to secure funds for labor compensation. My goal is to build a two-room house with mud walls and an iron sheet roof, which will provide a more stable and comfortable living environment for my wife and me."

"Looking ahead, my goal is to acquire a decent sleeping space. Currently, I sleep on a sisal-twined bed with sacks as makeshift bedding, which does not provide a comfortable sleeping experience. Therefore, I aspire to purchase a new mattress to replace the sacks and improve the quality of my sleep. Give Directly’s cash transfers have played a vital role in improving my living conditions and empowering me to pursue self-sufficiency. I am grateful for the opportunities they have afforded me and remain determined to utilize them wisely to achieve my goals."

"GiveDirectly's support has brought about significant changes both in our village and within my household. It's truly remarkable how quickly things have transformed since receiving the free cash transfer. The concept of directly depositing the money into our account is a well-thought-out idea that surpasses the cumbersome and unreliable processes we had to endure previously, which often involved bribery and the uncertainty of receiving full support. In the past, distribution through community leaders was flawed, resulting in the support ending up in the wrong hands. I genuinely hope that GiveDirectly extends its reach to other villages and implements the same approach, as it has proven to be effective in our community."