In the upcoming year, I initially planned to buy a motorbike. However, I've encountered some difficulties saving enough money, especially since I need to pay my school fees as a third-form secondary school student. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus. Instead, I’m looking into starting a grocery business and will hire someone at a small fee to manage it while I’m at school. I believe that the earnings from this venture will eventually help me purchase that motorbike in the future. Since I’m still studying and almost finished with my secondary education, having someone oversee the business seems like the wisest choice for now. I’m truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, which has made it easier for me to attend school and pursue my future plans.

I am currently in form three and will soon be moving up to form four. I want to express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for the financial support that has made my time in school smooth. With my most recent transfer, I used $10 to pay my school fees, as my balance wasn’t too high. I also purchased a few personal items like soap and a pen, which cost a total of $12.00. My school uniform was quite old and starting to tear, so I spent $10 to get a new one. Additionally, I bought food for my family, which cost another $10, as we were running low on supplies. I decided to set aside $50 in my savings account with the intention of starting a business once I finish school, allowing me to support myself and my family. Lastly, I used the remaining $10 for my medication since I wasn’t feeling well.

In the coming year and beyond, I initially thought of buying a motorbike, but due to challenges in raising enough money, I have reconsidered this idea. Instead, I want to start a small shop business. I believe the income from this business will eventually enable me to buy a motorbike. Since I am still in school and will soon finish my secondary education, I will need to hire someone to manage the business in the meantime. Launching this business will significantly improve my financial situation by generating daily income. I am grateful for the positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my life and eagerly anticipate a brighter future ahead.

Since I am currently a student in form two, I immediately decided to pay my fees upon receiving my transfer, ensuring I am not sent home for a fee balance. I allocated $20 towards my school fees. Additionally, I saved $50 in my equity account towards my future college fees as I will soon be transitioning to college. With the remaining amount, I spent $6 on personal items like soap and body oil. I also bought two chickens for $8 for domestic rearing and spent $8 on medicine because I was unwell. Additionally, I spent $10 on personal clothes since I did not have enough and $6 on food to help my mother support my younger siblings.

This year, my aim is to purchase a motorbike and start a boda boda business. I have been diligently saving my previous transfers to make this goal a reality, and I am optimistic that by September, I will have enough funds to buy the motorbike. Starting this business will greatly enhance my financial situation, as it generates daily income. I intend to hire someone to manage the business while I focus on my studies. I am genuinely grateful for the positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my life, and I eagerly anticipate a brighter future ahead.

I am currently a Form 3 student at Makomboani Secondary School, and my mother has been my sole provider ever since my father passed away. Life became challenging for our family after his death, as we struggled to afford basic necessities like food and clothing. My mother's income from selling charcoal was insufficient to cover my school fees, often resulting in prolonged absences from school. However, I am grateful that my circumstances have improved significantly. I can now afford to pay my own fees and purchase clothes without constantly depending on my mother. With the transfers I received, I allocated $30 towards settling my school fees, thus reducing the debt I had accumulated. I wisely saved the remaining $72 for my future needs. I am genuinely pleased and grateful for the positive changes in my life and deeply appreciative of the support I have received.

Despite being a student, I engage in a small business selling groundnuts at home. This venture serves to supplement my mother's income from charcoal making, contributing to the family's needs. As I progress into Form Four and eventually complete my secondary education next year, I plan to establish a small kiosk business focused on selling fast-moving goods within the village. This initiative aims to foster personal development and provide additional support to my mother. Even as I enter college the following year, the profits generated from the kiosk business will continue to help me cover school fees, ensuring sustained financial support beyond the end of the cash transfers.

As a student in Form Three, I have established a savings account where I allocate $15 every month after receiving the cash transfers. My long-term goal is to persist in saving until I complete high school, at which point I intend to open a kiosk business. This business venture aims to provide me with a steady source of income, enabling me to support my family and alleviate the financial burden on my mother. Since my father passed away, my mother has been the primary provider, mainly relying on charcoal making, which is neither promising nor a reliable income source. Additionally, I allocate $10 from the cash transfers for my school fees, ensuring that I can continue my education. I am grateful that, thanks to GiveDirectly, I have not missed a day of school. The remaining $9 is typically utilized for purchasing food and toiletries for the household.

Before the cash transfers, I faced challenges in paying my tuition fees and depended on my mother's earnings from charcoal burning. However, with the cash aid, I have been able to take care of most of my school needs, alleviating the burden on my mother. The financial support has inspired me to plan for a more secure future, especially when I go to university. My goal is to buy livestock and use it as a means to grow my wealth. Specifically, I want to rear goats because they have the advantage of reproducing 2 to 3 times a year, which means their numbers can increase relatively quickly. Through this, I can build up a sizeable herd over time, and when the need arises, I can sell some of them to cater to my university tuition fees.

The cash transfers have helped me cover my essential needs, especially when it comes to my education. Before receiving the cash aid, I heavily depended on my mother's income from her charcoal-burning business to pay for my tuition fees. However, it was a constant struggle as her earnings were not sufficient to cover all my educational expenses. I felt burdened by the financial strain my education placed on her. Now, with the cash transfers, I am grateful for the opportunity it has provided me. I can take care of most of my school needs myself, reducing the financial burden on my mother. With the recent transfer, I settled my school fees debt, amounting to $20. I was frequently sent home due to unpaid fees, but now I am relieved and happy to continue with my studies without any interruptions. Additionally, I used a portion of the money to seek medical treatment for my tonsils, which had been causing difficulty in speaking. I am grateful to be healed and free from that discomfort. The remaining funds were spent on food, and it was a great relief to have enough food on our table, thanks to the cash transfers. The financial support from the cash transfers has been a lifeline for our family, allowing me to pursue my education and alleviating some of the financial burdens my mom faces in providing for our needs.

As I continue to receive my monthly transfers, I have two primary goals to work on. First, I always aim to pay my school fees. That has enabled me to proceed with my education without struggles. It will help me to gain knowledge and skills that will go a long way in helping me to support my poor family. Secondly, I have a goal of raising goats, which I believe is a long-term goal that will help me to meet my family's needs to post my studies.

I am still a student, and I am currently in form two. Since my father died some years ago, my mother struggles to raise our school fees. Before my enrollment in the program, I thought I would not continue with my secondary education. When I received my recent transfer, I spent $20 on paying part of my school fees. By then, I had fee arrears of $50. Though I have a fee balance of $30, I hope that when I receive my next transfer, I shall pay part of the school fees. I spent $14 on food and rent since I learn in a Day school situated miles away from home. I am ever grateful to GiveDirectly for its monthly transfers. Indeed without the transfer, I would not have proceeded with my studies.

The organization deserves praise for sending cash transfers rather than food items. My family suffers from severe poverty, so I am appreciative that the money is enabling me to finish secondary school. The group is succeeding greatly, and I implore them to keep up their assistance to the less fortunate members of society.

As a secondary school student, I am totally dependent on my parents for financial support. My father works odd jobs and sells charcoal to make a living. His meager income from work is insufficient to meet the needs of the entire family. I've made it through the entire school year wearing ripped and worn-out clothes because I don't have the money to purchase a new uniform. As a result, I purchased a new pair to replace the old ones after receiving my transfer. I purchased a pair of school shoes in addition to buying my uniforms because I was attending school barefoot. I then used the remaining $18 to purchase some clothing. I haven't had the opportunity to buy clothes for myself in three years because I don't have the money and my parents can't afford to spend the extra money on clothes for me. I'm happy with how I look now that I have new clothes thanks to the transfer money.

It was on a Saturday afternoon around 4 pm. I was at home sleeping when I received the money, I was happy, and I quickly jumped out of bed with joy and ran to my mother to share the good news.

It was the first time receiving the transfer it amounted to $12, $18 was deducted from the phone I received from the organisation. I immediately paid it to the school to clear some of my debts, I am now confident I will finish school.

I am in Makomboani secondary school in form one. My father died when I was young, since my mother has taken care of us. My mother sells charcoal for a living, and the income she gets from the business is not enough to take care of my three siblings and I. My brother had to stop school and get a job to support the household. He pays $50 for my school fees every three months. To easen the struggle, I used all the transfers to pay my school fees.