"I have ambitious goals to further improve my livelihood and provide better opportunities for my family. As a peasant farmer, I'm eager to expand my sources of income by venturing into entrepreneurship. One of my main aspirations is to start a sardine-selling business, which is known to thrive, especially during dry seasons like the one we're currently experiencing in our area. This venture not only promises to be profitable but also provides valuable diversification to my income streams. With dedication and hard work, I aim to establish a successful business that will contribute significantly to our financial stability and enable us to achieve a higher quality of life."

"When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I was facing a financial challenge. My son had been accepted into a water engineering course at college, and the required fees were beyond our means. With $500 from the transfer, I made the crucial decision to use it towards his college expenses. Despite the fee being $700, this contribution was invaluable as it allowed us to enroll him in the institution. My husband, a tailor by profession, simply couldn't cover the cost all at once. This financial assistance provided us with the breathing room we needed to gather additional funds to sustain his education. With the remaining amount, I prioritized ensuring our family's basic needs were met. I purchased essential food items to alleviate some of the financial strain we were facing. This act of assistance from GiveDirectly not only helped secure my son's education but also provided relief for our immediate needs."

"Before, our home was cramped and barely accommodated the four of us, along with our belongings. It was just a small, one-room mud wall house that left us feeling suffocated. Using $320 of the money I received, I was able to purchase 20 pieces of iron sheets and roofing timbers to add an extra room to our house. Now, our home feels spacious, and we no longer feel cramped or uncomfortable. The extra space has brought us immense joy and relief, and we can finally enjoy living in a more comfortable environment. In addition to improving our living conditions, the monetary assistance also enabled us to invest in tools that have enhanced my husband's work as a welder. With $80, we were able to purchase our welding machine, eliminating the need to constantly hire one. This has allowed my husband to work more effectively and efficiently, without the stress of relying on external equipment. Furthermore, I used $150 to buy a smartphone, which has proven to be incredibly useful beyond just communication. I utilize it to download the latest welding designs and share them with my husband, enabling him to undertake unique projects and expand his skills. Overall, the support we received from GiveDirectly has not only improved our living conditions but has also empowered us to invest in our livelihoods, leading to a brighter future for our family."

"For over 7 months, my house had been vulnerable without doors, leaving my belongings and family at risk. When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to prioritize safety and security. With $200, I purchased and installed three strong doors for my house. Now, I feel relieved and content knowing that my possessions are protected, and my family can sleep soundly without worrying about intruders. It's a simple change, but it has made a significant difference in our daily lives, bringing peace of mind and a sense of security that we were lacking before. In addition to securing my home, I invested $200 in my small shop business. By expanding my stock, I've been able to cater to a wider range of customer needs, attracting more clients and increasing my revenue. My shop is my sole source of income, so every improvement directly impacts our livelihood. With a more diverse stock, customers hardly leave without finding what they need, leading to more sales and a brighter future for my family. With the remaining funds, I ensured that my family's basic needs were met by purchasing food, allowing us to sustain ourselves while also saving the profits generated from the shop for future expenses."

"Getting help from GiveDirectly has truly changed my life for the better. One of my biggest dreams was to start livestock rearing, especially with goats, and thanks to their support, I was able to make it a reality. With the second transfer, I wisely invested $200 to purchase four high-breed goats. These goats not only signify a source of income but also represent the realization of a long-held aspiration. Being a farmer, I understand the importance of investing in my agricultural endeavors. With $40 from the transfer, I bought pesticides to protect my crops and for tilling my farm, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the upcoming season. Additionally, I used $150 to buy utensils and other items required for a cafeteria business. This venture holds promising potential for stable income generation, supplementing my agricultural efforts. Moreover, I utilized a portion of the remaining amount to cover my child's school fees, prioritizing their education, while the rest ensured my family's food security. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am now equipped with the resources to pursue my dreams and secure a better future."

"With the roof of my house still unfinished from the first transfer, completing it became my top priority. I spent $200 on both the iron sheets and the labor charge, and now, I'm happy that my house is finally complete. It's a comforting feeling to have a secure place to sleep at night, knowing that I've made tangible progress in improving my living conditions. Additionally, I decided to invest in the future by purchasing a goat to add to my existing herd of 20. These goats serve as a form of security, providing stability and a potential source of income down the line. Moreover, I made sure to settle any outstanding food debts we had accumulated from a local shopkeeper. Maintaining trust and credibility within the community is essential, so I saw it as a wise decision to settle the bill promptly, reinforcing the positive relationship with the shopkeeper. Lastly, recognizing the strain on my son, who works as a casual laborer, I purchased food for the family to alleviate some of the burden on his shoulders. It's important to support each other within the family, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist him."

"With the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I began the construction of a new, larger home to alleviate the overcrowding we faced. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't finish the project as the funds were also needed for other urgent expenses. Then, when the second transfer arrived, I made completing the house my priority. Being 66 years old and with my husband also advanced in age, I cannot track every expense, but I'm grateful to now have a spacious dwelling capable of comfortably housing my family of six. Additionally, I allocated a portion of the funds to purchase clothing for my two grandchildren, my husband, and myself. It was a small but meaningful improvement in our quality of life. Another significant change was investing in a solar panel and wiring for the house. Previously, we relied on torches and firelights for illumination, which posed safety risks. Now, with light during the night, our home is much safer and more secure, bringing us peace of mind and enhancing our overall well-being."

"I intend to allocate my upcoming transfers towards purchasing building poles. My aim is to complete the construction of the house before the onset of the April rains this year. Constructing this house will not only accomplish one of my personal goals but will also provide a spacious dwelling for my family members during their visits. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance I've received thus far, which has significantly enhanced the quality of my life."

"In the upcoming year, my focus lies in bolstering my savings within the group. The funds accrued by year-end will significantly contribute to my endeavor of constructing an additional spacious room. This extension will comfortably accommodate not only my two grandchildren but also my daughter and myself, ensuring privacy and harmony within our familial living space. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance provided and for the newfound discipline in saving that I've cultivated."

"My goal for the upcoming year is to undergo proper medical treatment for my hernia, a condition I have endured for many years, limiting my ability to engage in strenuous activities like farming. I am scheduled to have the surgery in May, and I'm hopeful that the funds accumulated through the transfers will cover the expenses. I hope that the surgery will restore my health, allowing me to resume my regular routines with joy. I deeply appreciate the support provided by this project and I cannot express enough gratitude for the kindness shown to me."