"In the upcoming year, my objective is to acquire additional farming land to better support my extended family. Currently, we possess only four acres, which is not sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of all family members. Collaboratively with my siblings, we have committed to pooling our resources and efforts to achieve this shared goal. My strategy involves diligently saving future transfers, and I am pleased to report that I have already initiated this savings plan. Expanding our agricultural land will undeniably enhance our crop yields, ensuring an ample food supply for our families. Anticipating a prosperous new year, I am optimistic about the positive impact this endeavor will have on our collective well-being."

"i used to finish my house, i have four children living in one room i work in in a mobile a salon which was not reliable, i could get 1500 when in bad season i seperated with my husband 4years ago ,i provide for them i opened my own salon and restoked ,to be self sustained i paid schoolfees for my children who had big debts, so that they can stay in school in peace and i could also have a peace to work"

"In the upcoming year, I have set my sights on marriage, as I believe I am now at a stage in life where I am ready to establish a family. The decision to take this step is rooted in my sense of readiness and capability. Subsequently, I am planning to open a small grocery shop in close proximity to my residence. The rationale behind this venture is the strategic location near a frequented road, providing easy access for people passing by. This ensures convenience for potential customers who may want to purchase fresh vegetables, aligning with my aspiration to contribute to the community while sustaining my livelihood."

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary focus is to start a sheep-rearing venture. I intend to use the funds from my third transfer to turn this aspiration into reality. While it may demand some patience, I am confident that with determination and persistence, I will overcome the challenges that hindered me in the past due to financial constraints and successfully achieve this goal."

"We were highly pleased with the exceptional quality of GiveDirectly services. Not only did we receive our funds directly to our mobile phones, but the unconditional nature of the support made it incredibly convenient for us to tailor its use to our individual needs. One notable aspect that deserves appreciation is the equal and unbiased treatment extended to everyone, fostering a sense of fairness throughout the process. The impact of this support has been truly transformative, uplifting our lives in ways we never thought possible. We express our heartfelt gratitude for the assistance that has made such a significant and positive difference."

"My husband and I, both farmers, feel incredibly fortunate to have four children. Our foremost concern was settling a $250 school fee, not only to address pending arrears but also to alleviate the impending burden of upcoming term fees. Once that priority was met, We spent $40 towards acquiring a sack of maize, another $40 for various foodstuffs, and $70 for clothing. The remaining $50 was wisely invested in renting land for cultivation, ensuring we are well-prepared for the upcoming planting season. The sense of gratitude and relief I feel is immense, having successfully managed all these responsibilities within a short span. The task of paying the entire school fee at once was once an uphill task, especially considering that the income from our farm barely covered our basic needs. Reflecting on the progress we've made fills me with appreciation and contentment. I am truly grateful for the positive strides we've taken."

"I have experienced a significant improvement in my life since the transfer, as it has alleviated the constant worries of struggling to find food. The maize purchased with the transfer has brought joy and cheerfulness to my children, as they are ensured of receiving an ample and satisfying amount of food. Additionally, the livestock investments I made with the funds instilled a sense of happiness and optimism in me, promising a brighter future for my children"

"In the coming year and beyond, I have a new goal to finalize the construction of a fence around my piece of land. This serves the vital purpose of safeguarding my property from potential damage caused by stray livestock and other wild animals. Considering the prevalent drought in our region, my plan also involves acquiring a water tank to efficiently collect rainwater, reducing the need to purchase water from vendors and cutting costs. Reflecting on the past, I had raised goats, but I had to sell them to settle school fee arrears. Looking forward, I aim to purchase at least four sheep in the future. Recognizing their fast growth and reproductive capabilities, I anticipate that they will provide a sustainable source of income through breeding and multiplication."

"Upon returning home in the late afternoon with my wife, following an exhausting day toiling on the farm in preparation for the impending rains, we finally took a moment to unwind. As my wife held my phone, its buzz brought forth a message that filled her with immense joy: GiveDirectly had graced us with a generous contribution. Passing the phone to me, I confirmed this delightful news, and together, we expressed profound gratitude and celebrated with joyous dancing. I am a boda boda rider, and this is our sole source of income. I bought the motorcycle on credit, and therefore, the little that I earn, i.e., approximately $25 a day, needs to cater for both our family needs and repaying the motorcycle loan, which is very difficult. I live with my wife and three children, who all look up to me for the provision of their needs. We live in a house that looks like a shack, which is not conducive for the little ones to live in. Building a house was my first project, and I finished paying off the loan. But now that we got the money from GiveDirectly, my first thought was providing my family with a decent house conducive to our little ones."

"My home, a residence I've inhabited for over 40 years since my marriage, had deteriorated severely over time. It was on the brink of collapse, especially when the rains arrived, exacerbating its condition. Utilizing $380 from the transfer, I embarked on constructing a modest two-bedroom house for my grandchildren and me. Although the house is still a work in progress, witnessing its gradual transformation brings immense satisfaction and joy to us. This new dwelling will serve as our cherished New Year's gift. Furthermore, I allocated $60 to assist one of my granddaughters with her school fees, as she had an outstanding balance, ensuring she can resume her studies when schools reopen. Additionally, I set aside $50 to purchase new clothes for my grandchildren and myself, a gesture to welcome this new year. The remaining portion of the transfer was dedicated to securing food supplies, ensuring that our immediate needs were met."