"My first investment was purchasing a cow for $180. As a farmer, I have always seen livestock as a reliable and valuable investment. The cow will not only provide milk but also breed, ensuring I have a safety net during tough financial times. The next priority was paying $100 in school tuition for three of my children, who had been out of school for over a week due to unpaid fees. This transfer gave me the chance to clear part of the bill and allow them to return to their studies. I also spent $65 on mattresses for my children, who had been sleeping on sisal mats. Seeing them finally rest comfortably has brought me great joy. Additionally, I gave $50 to my husband for motorcycle servicing since it is essential for our charcoal transportation business. I also gave him another $40, which he used to purchase eight sacks of charcoal to stock up for our business. To address an outstanding debt, I paid $70 to my savings committee. This loan had been weighing heavily on me for two years, and I was relieved to reduce it. Part of the money they lent me in the past allowed me to renovate my home by replacing the grass-thatched roof with iron sheets. I spent $32 on two bags of maize flour, each containing 12 packets, to ensure my family had enough food. Finally, I used the remaining $13 to take my son for circumcision, as it was the right time for him to undergo this important rite of passage."

"The most significant difference for me is the hope for a better future that this money has given me. By investing in a cow, I now have an asset that can sustain us in difficult times and provide long-term benefits. A few years ago, I had a cow but had to sell it to invest in our charcoal business, which has since helped sustain our family. Having another cow now feels like securing my family’s stability. This transfer has allowed me to address immediate needs while making small but meaningful investments for the future."

"When the money came in, I was at home doing chores. I heard my phone ringing from inside the house, so I asked my son to bring it to me. When I checked, I saw the notification confirming the arrival of the money. I was immediately elated! The money was unexpected, but it symbolized hope and the ability to finally implement the plans I had envisioned. I felt a deep sense of relief and excitement, knowing that this transfer would bring some much-needed improvements to our lives."

"I was incredibly excited to receive the money because I had envisioned many plans, and its arrival meant I could finally actualize them. My first purchase was two beds and two mattresses, costing $290. One set was for me because my bed had broken, and I had tied it with strings to prevent it from collapsing. My mattress was completely worn out, and lying on it felt like sleeping directly on wood. However, due to financial constraints, I had to endure it. The other set was for my daughter, who had been sleeping on a sisal-woven bed, which I know from experience is uncomfortable. Ensuring she had a proper bed and mattress was a priority for me. Next, I paid $150 in school fees for my son, who had been repeatedly sent home due to nonpayment. Each time, I had to plead with his teachers to let him back until I could find the money. Clearing this debt has given him stability in his education. I also bought new clothes for my five children, spending $38, as it had been a long time since I could afford to replace their old, worn-out clothing. Finally, I used the remaining $72 to address our nutritional needs. I bought a sack of maize, packets of wheat flour, sugar, cereals, cooking oil, and groceries to ensure we had enough food."

"The most significant difference this money has made is allowing me to build a toilet for my family. As I mentioned, our previous toilet collapsed two years ago, and we had been using the bush ever since. This was not only unsanitary but also deeply uncomfortable, especially during rainy or sunny weather. Having a proper toilet has restored our dignity and improved our hygiene, something I had long hoped to achieve. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the transformative impact it has had on our lives."

"The most significant difference this money has made is allowing me and my daughter to have better sleeping arrangements. Before receiving this money, I couldn’t imagine when I would ever be able to buy proper beds and mattresses for us. My husband and I always prioritized our children’s nutrition and education, pushing the idea of upgrading our sleeping conditions further down the list. Thanks to this transfer, I now have a comfortable place to rest, free from the back pains I used to endure, and my daughter is also sleeping much better. This has brought us a sense of comfort and relief that we hadn’t experienced before."

"I commend Give Directly for its incredible work and for providing life-changing support to people like me. This program has truly elevated my family’s quality of life and given me the means to create sustainable income. However, I believe there’s an opportunity to further support those who have started small businesses by offering additional resources or guidance to help them grow. Providing access to sustainable capital for budding entrepreneurs could ensure their businesses thrive and remain a dependable source of income. This improvement would help more people like me achieve long-term success."

"I used part of my transfer to address my son’s college debt, paying $100 toward what he owed. He is currently enrolled in a wiring course, and I believe education will help him secure a brighter future. Next, I spent $60 on my health for a routine checkup and medication for partial paralysis on the left side of my body, a condition I was diagnosed with during the pandemic. I also gave my son $100 to start a small business selling thrifted clothes since he had been struggling to find stable work. Seeing his determination to make a living, I wanted to support him in creating something sustainable. Additionally, I spent $40 to buy a goat as an investment for the future. It can be a resource to address financial needs if they arise. I allocated $100 to purchase maize flour, sugar, beans, rice, cereals, and cooking oil to improve my family’s nutrition. Another $90 was spent hiring a tractor to plow my land in preparation for the rainy season, ensuring a good harvest for food security and potential income. Lastly, I saved $60 for emergencies, particularly for medication or other urgent needs that may come up."

"The money came in while I was attending a burial late in the afternoon. Despite the somber mood of the event, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw the notification on my phone confirming the transfer. I had to read the message several times to believe it was real. It felt like a blessing at just the right time. After the burial, I hurried home and excitedly shared the news with my husband, who was working in a different town. He was equally thrilled and encouraged me to start implementing the plans we had long discussed."

"The money came in while I was attending a burial late in the afternoon. Despite the somber mood of the event, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw the notification on my phone confirming the transfer. I had to read the message several times to believe it was real. It felt like a blessing at just the right time. After the burial, I hurried home and excitedly shared the news with my husband, who was working in a different town. He was equally thrilled and encouraged me to start implementing the plans we had long discussed."