"My main objective for the year ahead is to procure all necessary construction materials and commence the building of my new house. Over the forthcoming months, I plan to finalize the purchase of building poles before moving on to acquire the necessary quantity of iron sheets. I am overjoyed and deeply appreciative of the financial support I've received through the transfers. It has empowered me to invest in goats, and my herd has now grown to 20, marking a significant milestone towards building wealth and achieving financial stability."

"Housing is the current challenge I am facing in life. I live in a two room house which has mud wall. The walk is so weak such that it can be blown by wind anytime. Last year during the elnino rains I was very scared to live in my house because the rain was very heavy. The house really affects mental wellbeing."

"Lack of school fees for my children is the current challenge I am facing in life. I am a teacher by profession but I earn very little income that can not sustain the family needs. This has caused my daughter not to join college seven years since she did her form four exams."

"With a household of five members, my two-roomed dwelling has become cramped. One room serves as both storage and a cooking space, leaving us with just one for sleeping quarters. To address this, my objective is to utilize my forthcoming transfers and the funds expected in July from the savings group to build an additional room, providing adequate space for my three children. I am profoundly grateful for the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, as it has enabled me to ensure the education of my children."

"I bought a piece of land and paid for my children's school fees."

"I want to have bought a piece of land"

"My foremost priority is ensuring the timely payment of my children's school fees to prevent any disruptions in their education. I understand the profound impact that delayed payments can have on their academic performance and self-esteem, as the shame of being sent home due to outstanding fees can be debilitating. However, my overarching goal is to improve my family's living conditions by constructing a better house before the end of the year. Our current dwelling is in a dire state, having been partially destroyed by recent heavy rains. To achieve this goal, I plan to allocate the next payout from the savings group, which I will receive mid-year, towards purchasing the necessary materials for the construction of a new, sturdier home. While the $100 I will receive may only cover some of the required materials, such as iron sheets, I am hopeful that my husband will soon secure stable employment to support this project financially. Without his contribution, progress may be slower, but we remain determined to improve our living situation. The current condition of our house fills us with constant fear and discomfort, especially during storms or heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. Despite our efforts to repair and seal vulnerable areas, the structure remains unsafe, and the fear it instills in us feels like a slow agony. We long for a safer, more comfortable living environment where our family can thrive without constant worry."

"I had initially planned to purchase two cows with my share of the merry-go-round I joined last year, intending to enhance our farming capabilities, particularly for ploughing purposes. However, I was only able to acquire one due to the unexpected increase in market prices, costing me $185. Nonetheless, I am determined to procure the second cow with my upcoming share in June this year. Once both cows are in our possession, my family will be able to cultivate a larger portion of our vast, currently underutilized land, leading to higher yields. The surplus harvest will provide an additional source of income for us. Furthermore, the bulls will open up new business opportunities, such as offering plowing services to neighboring farmers who cannot afford tractor charges. Since bull-driven ploughs charge $5 less, they are highly preferred by locals in the region. Upon securing the second bull, I plan to invest in acquiring hairdressing skills using the transfers. With these skills, I aim to establish a salon that will also serve as a boutique, providing a diversified and sustainable source of income for the long term. This strategic approach ensures not only agricultural expansion but also the establishment of a thriving business venture, laying the foundation for financial stability and prosperity for my family."

"GiveDirectly's assistance has truly been a saving grace for us, offering a glimmer of hope during our most challenging times. The support arrived just in the nick of time to address the urgent matter of my child's overdue school fees. The weight of a $130 debt threatened to disrupt her education, with the looming possibility of her being sent home. Therefore, I used $130 of the transfer to settle this debt, ensuring that my child could remain in school undisturbed, focusing on her studies. The relief of this burden is immeasurable, and we're grateful for the stability it brings to our family life. I also forwarded $100 to my wife, supplementing her earnings to ensure our household's immediate necessities are met. Alongside providing for my family, I've been grappling with hernia since May 2023, and I've been unable to afford the necessary treatment. Previously, I used to work in the mines, but the closure of the mines by government mandate left me unemployed, exacerbating our financial strain. Thus, I allocated $150 from the transfer to cover clinic expenses for my condition. While the treatments have provided some relief, surgery remains the ultimate solution to fully address my health concerns. I have set aside the remainder of the funds for the impending surgery, a prospect that offers hope for a pain-free future and the opportunity to resume earning a livelihood to support my loved ones."

"I want to own livestock, specifically goats as they are resilient in challenging weather conditions, such as drought, making them a suitable choice compared to other livestock. Given that I am the sole provider for my nine grandchildren, with their father limited by Tuberculosis complications, I see building wealth through goat farming as a viable way to contribute to household expenses. While financial constraints had previously hindered my dream of owning goats, I'm delighted that our recent successful crop harvest has provided the opportunity to turn this dream into reality. I believe that by investing in goats, I can not only secure a source of income for the family but also support my grandchildren's education in the future. This endeavor aligns with my goal to ensure their well-being and a brighter future despite the challenges we face."