In the coming years, I plan to open a posho mill, which is really needed around our village. You see, a posho mill can do well because you can buy maize for about $0.6 per kilogram, make it into flour, and then sell the flour for about $1 per kilogram. The profit margins look promising. We don't have a posho mill in our village, we travel far to find one. This is why I believe opening one within our community will be a great success. Alongside the posho mill, I want to open a small shop to sell food items including fresh milk, and a place to sell groceries. My goal is to offer essential items our neighbors might need so that they don't have to go far to get them. This way, I'll be able to attract all kinds of customers and significantly increase my income.

What I really appreciate about GiveDirectly is how respectful the officers were during the enrollment. They were respectful and patient they made sure we understood everything clearly. The fact that we received $1100 cash support without having to work for it was exceptional. This is quite different from other NGOs, which usually give smaller amounts that you can't do much with. I hope GiveDirectly continues to help more people because they make a great impact.

Life was really tough before we received assistance from GiveDirectly. My husband and I depended on casual jobs that paid just $2 a day to support our family of seven, including our five daughters. With the help I got, I invested in a 5,000-litre water tank for $330, which was crucial due to the severe water shortages we face. Normally, in the dry season, the river dries up, and I have to walk 2 kilometers to a borehole, the community's main water source. I'd go early in the morning, between 4 and 5 am, to fetch water and avoid the long queues. The cost of hiring a motorbike to transport the water was $2, way beyond our means. Now, I plan to buy 10,000 liters of water for $50 in bulk and share it with a neighbor, cutting the cost to $25 each, which is a big saving for us. Further, I used $50 to add more food items to my small hotel business, which I started with my first transfer from GiveDirectly. At my hotel, I sell food and fresh milk, earning about $15 a day. As I run the hotel, my husband looks after our tomato farm, which we started with my second transfer. To ensure we have enough food, I bought a 90kg bag of maize for $42. With the remaining money, I bought school uniforms for three of my children in primary school for $15 and paid $13 for school fees to the teachers under the Board of Management. This support has truly transformed our lives, making a positive impact and allowing us to afford a living.

My primary goal for the upcoming year is to grow my business, aiming to generate additional income that will alleviate our challenges in making ends meet during this challenging economic period. To achieve this goal, I plan to reinvest the profits from my vegetable business. I am confident that with dedication and hard work, this vision can be successfully realized. It wasn't easy in the past due to financial constraints and other family commitments, but I am optimistic about the positive impact this expansion can bring.

Throughout the enrollment process, the organization executed its operations seamlessly, ensuring a smooth journey from enrollment to successful completion. We were given the assurance that the funding received was unconditional, relieving us from any repayment obligations. From the initial stages, we were treated with utmost respect and received exceptional service. I am profoundly thankful for the support extended to us during our most challenging times.

I manage an eatery, and my husband works as a farmer. We have five children. With the arrival of our second transfer, my husband and I made strategic decisions to improve our overall financial situation. We directed $200 towards tomato farming, a more lucrative venture that we believed we could manage effectively for better returns. Additionally, I invested $1000 in my eatery business, contributing to its increased income. We also purchased two goats for $100, and the remaining funds were wisely used to buy essential food supplies. Achieving these endeavors was challenging in the past due to the instability of our income and the financial responsibilities associated with school fees. I am genuinely happy that these decisions have had a significant impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for the positive changes these opportunities have brought.

I remember the exact moment—I was at work, and the clock showed 3:19 p.m. A notification popped up, and when I checked it, an overwhelming sense of joy filled me. You see, I run a hotel, and at that moment, a rush of possibilities flooded my mind. The prospect of transforming my business to a whole new level became a vivid reality with the arrival of those transfers. It was like the universe had conspired to open up a new chapter for my entrepreneurial journey.

Positive transformations have permeated various aspects of my life since receiving assistance from GiveDirectly. Primarily, my business has experienced a significant boost, creating a more robust and sustainable source of income. Equally impactful is the newfound abundance of food in my home. This shift has alleviated the pressure on my business to solely provide sustenance, allowing me to diversify my sources of nutrition. Consequently, this has contributed to a healthier and more stable lifestyle for my family. One of the most noteworthy changes lies in my capacity to save. Unlike the past, when saving seemed like a distant possibility, I now find myself in position to set aside funds for future needs and opportunities. This financial prudence marks a substantial improvement in my economic outlook and provides a buffer against unforeseen challenges. These changes collectively form the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for myself and my family.

The allocation of $100 to fortify my business marked a turning point, rescuing it from the clutches of struggle and elevating it to a state of stability. This financial boost infused vitality into the enterprise, positioning it to efficiently cater to an expanding customer base. Another $50 was dedicated to settling a debt that loomed over me, initially incurred during a challenging period when my child fell ill and required medical attention. $30 of the transfers, was directed towards addressing a long-overdue need: new clothes. The delayed purchase had resulted in color wear due to overuse, making this allocation not just a practical decision but also one that enhanced our quality of life. Lastly, $20 was designated for a cause close to my heart – paying school fees for my children in primary school. It brought peace of mind and opened mental space for contemplating how to further I can enhance our lives.