"My goal for the coming years is to build a steady income through farming so I can secure my children's education. When I earn from the onions and beans, I plan to reinvest it in more crops, using crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and increase yields. By doing this, I aim to create a reliable source of income to cover school fees and other family needs. Ensuring my children stay in school is my priority, as I believe education is the foundation for a better future. I feel confident that with each season, I’ll be able to support them more steadily. Farming is challenging, but with this plan, I’m hopeful for a brighter future."

"The recent floods devastated my home, which was primarily built with iron sheets and wood. The water ruined most of my belongings, and I was only able to salvage a few items. Since then, it has been a struggle for my family of eight, as we lack adequate shelter. Receiving the transfer was a tremendous relief. With the recent funds, I spent $240 on building materials—10 iron sheets, timber, and nails—to build a single-room shelter for my family. I was also able to install a new door and a window, providing us with a safer and more secure space. In addition, I paid $50 in school fees for my daughter, ensuring that she stayed in class without interruptions. I also used $35 to purchase a small solar panel, which has been invaluable as a reliable source of light for our household. On top of that, I invested $60 in buying a sheep, adding to my existing livestock. I now have three sheep, which I see as an investment for the future, as they can multiply and provide additional support for my family. The remaining amount went towards buying essential food items, like a bag of maize and sugar, which have helped ensure that we have enough to eat."

"I used $79 from my transfers to buy food for my family. I usually rely on casual jobs, working on other people's farms or tending livestock for pay. However, the harsh weather conditions in our village have made it very difficult to find steady work, making it challenging to meet the needs of my family of eight. The financial support allowed me to buy enough food to keep my family fed. I also spent $20 on building poles, as I currently have no proper house and sleep in a makeshift structure. This temporary shelter is poorly covered, so I have to endure cold nights. My goal is to continue purchasing building materials, such as poles and iron sheets, to eventually build a secure home where I can sleep comfortably. Additionally, I used $3 to pay school fees for my eldest daughter, allowing her to sit for her end-of-term exams. I am grateful that these transfers have empowered me to support my family and my daughter’s education."

"As a mother of two, my greatest joy is witnessing my children receive a quality education and improve their lives. To ensure they can attend a good school, I am pursuing a college education in tailoring. My goal is to start my own tailoring business after graduation, which I believe will provide a better income for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I am able to cover my school fees. Once I finish my studies, I intend to launch my business, and I am confident that the income I generate, along with these transfers, will significantly assist in purchasing building materials, enabling us to construct our dream house. Currently, we live with my mother-in-law because my spouse and I got married when he didn't have a house. With over a year remaining in my college education, I am focused on opening my business afterward. Once my spouse and I manage to build our dream house, I plan to invest in livestock, particularly goats, to further secure our financial future."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I immediately thought of the small plot of land I’ve been saving for. It's in a much safer area, one that doesn’t flood as often, so I’ve been making payments in small installments whenever I could. From the last transfer, I used $50 to pay towards the land, feeling a bit closer to securing a safer future for my family. Next, I prioritized my daughter’s education. She’s in Form Two, and there were some arrears that had been worrying us. I used $80 from the transfer to clear her school fees, and it was such a relief knowing she could continue her studies without any interruptions. I used $235 to buy 21 iron sheets, which will go towards building a house on that new piece of land. It’s a step towards a new beginning for us. I used the remaining amount to buy household food items. Our cupboards were nearly empty, and I wanted to ensure we had enough food to last us through the difficult period. Now, I feel a little more secure, knowing my family has both food and the hope of a new home."

"After receiving my transfers from GiveDirectly, I decided to use some of the funds to start a small grocery . With each transfer, I've been able to gradually expand my it. This business generates a small income, which is essential for buying basic necessities for my family, so I'm dedicated to keeping it running. I’m proud to serve my neighbors, making it easier for them to find what they need without having to travel far. When I received my latest transfers I managed to save $60 within our merry-go-round group for future investment in my business when it’s my turn. I also spend $14 on food for family consumption, as we had nothing at home. Finally, I allocated the remaining $28 to cover my children's school fees. I am truly thankful for this financial assistance."

"We have experienced significant change in our community since GiveDirectly arrived in our village. Personally, I plan to invest a portion of my transfer into a profit-generating activity that will continue to provide benefits even after the transfers end. Therefore, I have decided to purchase goats and raise them as a future investment. As a parent of school-going children, I need to plan carefully. In addition to using the income from this investment to pay for school fees, it’s important to be prepared for any financial emergencies that may arise. Rather than relying on friends for help, I will have my own investment to depend on. I’m pleased to share that I have already bought eighteen goats, and I intend to acquire more until I have a substantial number. I believe that, over time, they will also reproduce and increase in number. Furthermore, I want to initiate a poultry project as well. Having both of these ventures will help support me during financially difficult times, as there is a ready market for both poultry and goats in our area. These are my plans for the coming year and beyond."

"When I received my transfer, it was a huge relief because my son, who is in secondary school, had been sent home due to unpaid school fees. The timing was perfect, as he returned home the very next morning after I got the money. He had arrears of $220, so I immediately paid $150, leaving a balance of $70, which I plan to clear with my final transfer. At the same time, my maize on three acres of land was ready for harvest, but I had lost some to floods. Thankfully, I still had some maize left on two acres, though I feared losing it due to lack of money. I had even considered borrowing, but I was fortunate enough to receive my second transfer from GiveDirectly, which I used to cover the $100 needed for harvesting, transporting, and shelling the maize. We also had an issue with seating in our home, as our family of seven only had a three-seater sofa, which I had bought with my first transfer. It wasn't enough, so I spent $100 on an additional sofa, plastic chairs, and a table. Although having maize was a blessing, it didn’t fully make us food secure. We still lacked other essentials like beans and various household items, so I spent $50 on those. I also used $40 to buy clothes and shoes for all of us, as our old ones were worn out, and we didn’t have anything decent for special occasions. The remaining amount went toward my transportation to town to purchase everything we needed."

"My goal for the years ahead is to buy a cow and ensure my grandson’s school fees are fully paid. Currently, I don’t own a cow, and it’s very important to me because it would provide milk for our household and a source of income. In our culture, having cows is also a sign of respect and status, so owning one would mean a great deal to me personally. Alongside this, I am determined to support my grandson’s education by making sure his school fees are paid, ensuring he can continue learning without interruptions. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I believe I’ll be able to achieve these goals, and the thought fills me with gratitude as I envision a better future and improved living standards for us."

"The floods hit us hard, washing away our entire one-acre maize crop, leaving us with nothing to feed our children or sell for their school fees. I felt completely helpless, especially since my husband, who is a farmer too, has other family responsibilities in his polygamous household. He helps when he can, but his support isn’t always consistent. With four young children relying solely on me, this cash transfer felt like a miracle, arriving just when I was at my lowest. Finally, I felt a sense of relief, a glimmer of hope that we could get back on our feet.I used $180 to buy three goats, securing something valuable and lasting for our future. These goats provide milk, a crucial addition to our children’s diet, and give me a way to save, knowing I can sell them if an emergency arises. It’s more than just livestock to me—it’s a lifeline, bringing stability I hadn’t known in a long time. Finally, I have something to depend on, a small but meaningful shield against the hardships we’ve faced. With $80, I bought a cupboard to store our utensils safely, as managing a household with four young children can be challenging without proper storage. Now, I can keep things organized, locked away from their reach, which brings peace and order to our daily life. The rest of the money went to school fees and food. With our farming income wiped out by the floods, I was able to give my children some security and consistency. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I finally feel like I have a chance to provide for my children, lifting a heavy burden from my heart."