I've been wanting to buy a piece of land, about an acre, for quite some time now. Currently, I live with my four brothers on our ancestral land, and while it has its advantages, I crave a place of my own where I can have more freedom and independence. I am hoping my efforts in poultry farming and the motorcycle business, which I started with the first transfers, will help me achieve this goal. These ventures have been slowly growing, and I am optimistic that they will generate enough income to allow me to save up for my own piece of land. I know it won't be easy, but the thought of having my own space, where I can build a future , keeps me motivated. I am ready to work hard and stay focused, knowing that every step I take brings me closer to making this dream a reality.

The staff from GiveDirectly did an incredible job of educating us about the program. They explained everything in great detail, from when we would receive the transfers to how the follow-ups would be conducted. Their communication was clear and thorough, which made me feel confident about the process. Every question I had was answered, and I never felt left in the dark. Reflecting on the entire experience, I can't think of anything I would change about how GiveDirectly handled things. Everything was very well explained, leaving no room for confusion. The transparency and organization of the program ensured that we knew exactly what to expect and when. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I feel more empowered and informed about managing the resources I've received, and I believe this program will continue to benefit many others like me.

I used $100 to buy 10 chicken, which allowed me to start a small poultry farming business. Chicken grow up fast and are easy to maintain, making them an ideal investment. With $200, I managed to pay off a debt that I had borrowed to cover school fees for my six children. This brought a huge sense of relief as being debt-free has significantly reduced my stress. It also improved my relationship with my in-law, who had lent me the money. Repaying the debt promptly strengthened our bond and restored mutual respect, making family interactions much more pleasant. I then spent $100 on household food items to ensure that my family had enough to eat. This has provided us with stability and peace of mind, knowing that we have sufficient food supplies. The remaining money is saved on my phone for any emergencies that may arise. This emergency fund acts as a safety net, giving me confidence and security to handle unexpected expenses without falling back into debt. Overall, the cash transfer has empowered me to make strategic decisions that enhance my family's well-being.

As a married father of six school aged children, two boys and four girls, my wife and I have faced great challenges due to unemployment. We have relied on charcoal burning, but the income has never been enough to cover our family's needs, including school fees for our children. The struggle to make ends meet has been emotionally draining, especially as I have always wanted to provide a comfortable life for my loved ones. Our situation was saddening, with debts from every corner. One day, while I was at home, I heard from neighbors that they had received transfers from GiveDirectly. My phone had issues and was not working, so I borrowed a device from a neighbor and inserted my SIM card to confirm if I too had received the transfers. To my surprise and relief, I discovered that I too had received financial assistance from GiveDirectly. It was a moment of sheer joy and gratitude, knowing that our circumstances were about to change for the better. My immediate thought was to invest in a motorcycle, a means to progress the charcoal business that we had, which would significantly improve our family's quality of life.

My life was very difficult, with debts lurking in every corner as I struggled to support my family. Providing food and paying school fees was a constant challenge, leaving us all feeling deeply saddened. My children accrued significant school fees debts, and there were times when we had to go without food. With GiveDirectly amidst, every thing has changed for the better. With my charcoal business flourishing, I make two trips a week to town to supply charcoal, earning a profit of $30 per trip, totaling $60 weekly. The weight of worry that once burdened my shoulders has been lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of happiness and fulfillment. To see the smiles on the faces of my loved ones, knowing that I am able to provide for them, fills my heart with indescribable joy and gratitude.

My wife and I are in the charcoal burning business, but we have not been earning enough to sustain our family of six school going children. My wish has always been to acquire a motorcycle, expand the business, and sell more volume. However, I did not have enough money to purchase a motorcycle, let alone sustain my family. With the transfer of $550 I received from GiveDirectly, I invested all of it in a motorcycle for my business. This investment is a game changer for me and my family. I now source charcoal from my community and transport it to town where there is great demand, earning me $60 a week, more than I earned before. I am now happy that I can provide for my family.