"In the past, food was always scarce, and finding the money to pay for school fees for my four children was a constant struggle. However, everything changed when I started receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly. With this support, I feel hopeful for the first time in a long while. I plan to use the money to start a business, and I truly believe this will turn our lives around. Right now, I depend on farming to make ends meet which has been tough, but I manage. However, with the additional income from the business, raising money for school fees will become so much easier, and putting food on the table will no longer be a struggle. I see a future where we can finally thrive again, and that's something I never thought possible before receiving this help."

"With the tranfer, I was able to buy 26 iron sheets and posts, spending $390 to build a new house. The old house I lived in was falling apart on one side because of its very old roof, and whenever I left the house and it rained, my clothes and seats would be ruined leading to a lot of discomfort. In addition to constructing a new house, I was able to pay the school fees for my three daughters in primary school, which cost about $80. Ensuring that my daughters can continue their education without interruption is very important to me, and this financial relief has made a significant difference in our lives. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I bought essential food items. This has alleviated some of the day-to-day struggles we faced, ensuring that my family has enough to eat. Overall, the cash transfer has had a huge impact on our quality of life, providing us with stability and hope for the future."

"In the next year and beyond, I want to open a hardware business. Once I get a job as a driver since I had already acquired a driving license, I will start saving so that when I reach $100, I will be in a position to open my dream business. I plan to save $20 from my monthly transfers to make this possible. Additionally, once I get a job, I want to save $10 from my income per week. This business is promising because it involves a variety of items and doesn't require lending money like other shop businesses. There's also a steady flow of cash. Furthermore, there is no hardware store near my home, as people have to travel almost 7 kilometers to access one. This business also provides job security if I ever find myself without employment. Therefore, I thank Give Directly because it is through this monthly income that has made me to have hopes that I will make my dream business into reality."

"As I lay my head down each night in the small, cramped house that doubles as my granary, I can't help but dream of a safer, more secure future. The rainy season is a constant source of anxiety, as the very structure that's supposed to shelter me becomes a magnet for water. But I refuse to be defined by my circumstances. That's why I took matters into my own hands and started building a new house on higher ground, away from the constant threat of flooding. With the perimeter now complete, my focus shifts to the next crucial step which is the roof. With the support from GiveDirectly, I see a path forward, a way to turn this half-built dream into a reality. Over the coming year and beyond, I aim to use every transfer wisely, investing in the materials needed to finish the roof and transform this house into a true home."

"In the coming year and beyond, my heart is set on a simple yet profound dream of laying my weary body on a bed that nestles me in comfort every night. You see, each morning I rise from my traditional bed, more exhausted than when I lay down, longing for a restful slumber that will make me comfortable. But now, with determination burning within me, I've committed to setting aside $10 from every two months' transfers, mindful of the needs of my beloved family. This may seem like a small sum, but to me, it represents hope and a step closer to the embrace of a modern standard bed that promises rejuvenation and restful sleep."

"As I lay down to sleep in my humble kitchen, a wave of gratitude washes over me, not for what I have, but for what I've been able to provide. You see, I gave up my own house to shelter my five grandchildren, left orphaned and homeless by their father's illness. Their innocent faces haunt my dreams, driving me to action each day. And now, as I near completion of the small one-room house I've been constructing for myself, I feel a sense of accomplishment mingled with anticipation. My hope for the coming year and beyond is first, to finish this house, a shelter where I can find comfort and rest after days of toil. But beyond that, my heart brims with the desire to embark on another project, to find new ways to provide for my family, and to nurture dreams and possibilities."

"As the years have added their weight upon my shoulders, I've found myself facing challenges I never thought possible. Old age crept in like a thief in the night, bringing with it a severe ailment that has crippled me, leaving me unable to move without aid for the past three months. Yet, amid this struggle, there glimmers a beacon of hope which is GiveDirectly. With each bit of support they offer, my goal becomes clearer. I long for the day when I can stand on my own two feet again, unaided by crutches or the helping hands of others. My wish for the coming year and beyond is to use the funds I receive from GiveDirectly to seek the proper medical care I so desperately need, to reclaim my independence, and to once again walk freely on this earth."

"With the support from GiveDirectly, I plan to start by reinforcing my home. Our mud-wall house has served us well, but the powerful winds in our area often threaten its stability. I yearn to add strong pillars to fortify the walls, ensuring my family is safe and secure, no matter how fierce the weather. By strengthening our house, I am also laying the groundwork for a better life, one where we can focus on education, health, and opportunities for growth without the constant worry of our home being vulnerable. This year and beyond, I am committed to building not just a stronger house, but a stronger future for my family."

"This year and beyond, my dreams are within reach, thanks to the support I've received from GiveDirectly. My heart is set on expanding my small herd of goats. Right now, I have seven, but I envision a thriving, goat farming project. Goats are more than animals to us; they are a lifeline, providing meat, and even a small income through the selling of the offsprings. Every two months, I diligently save $10, I would love to save more but due to the hunger that plagues our community, it will not be possible."

"In the coming year and beyond, I hope to finally build a house of my own, a dream I've cherished for so long. As a grown-up girl, I crave the privacy and comfort that come with having my own space. Currently, I live in my granny's house, and while I love her dearly, I often feel uncomfortable and yearn for a place to call my own. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am closer to making this dream a reality. I've started saving money at a local hardware store for iron sheets and now have nine out of the twelve needed for my house. Once I reach my target of twelve iron sheets, my next step will be saving for building poles. Each step, each saving, brings me closer to seeing my house complete, standing proudly as a symbol of my hard work and determination. Beyond this year, I envision not just a house but a home, a haven where I can grow and thrive, and possibly even start a family of my own someday."