"GiveDirectly support enabled me to enroll at Mnazi Mwenga Secondary School, a long-held dream of mine. The school fees are manageable, and the teachers are exceptionally understanding. I discussed my situation with our school bazaar and informed him that I would be paying in installments. He agreed, which has allowed me to continue my education. Although life has been challenging at times and I’ve felt hopeless, GiveDirectly has restored my optimism. My aim in the coming year and beyond is to complete my studies and become the first person in my family to finish Secondary school. I pray to God for the chance to advance to college, graduate, secure a good job, and improve my family's living conditions, while also dreaming of building a spacious house for us all, despite currently living in a two small roomed house with my eight siblings."

"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."

"When I received my third transfer, I decided to invest it in farming by planting beans. I chose beans because they require less water, making them a practical option for my situation. Farming has always been my passion, and I know it will help me immediately by providing food for my family. Furthermore, I can sell some of the produce to generate income, which will allow me to pay for my children's school fees. This plan not only ensures we have enough food at home but also supports my children's education. I truly believe that focusing on farming will create a better future for us all."

"The moment I received the cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. My previous toilet had been destroyed by floods, leaving my family without a proper place to go, and I knew I needed to act quickly. So, I used $250 to construct a pit latrine. It was not just about having a toilet; it was also for the dignity of my family and the comfort of our visitors. I could finally welcome guests without feeling embarrassed about our situation. Furthermore, I managed to pay $50 for my children's school fees with the help of my husband, who is a police officer. Education is crucial for our children’s future, and this payment lifted a significant weight off my shoulders. I also spent $60 on a new mattress, as the old one was in terrible condition. Sleeping without proper support had taken a toll on my health and well-being, and now I could finally rest comfortably at night.Lastly, I allocated $90 to buy food. Before the transfer, we relied solely on farming, but the floods had submerged our maize, causing us great losses. Life was difficult, and we often struggled to make ends meet. Now, with this support, I could provide my family with proper meals and focus on rebuilding our lives. This cash transfer has truly transformed our situation, giving us the security and stability we desperately needed."

"Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my daughter's school fees was a major source of stress for me. I struggled to gather enough money, relying on casual jobs and selling groceries, which often wasn’t enough. My daughter was frequently sent home from school for unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see her miss out on her education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay her school fees in full without any worry. Now, she attends school regularly and can focus on her studies like other children. This change has brought me immense peace of mind, knowing that she is learning and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, as it has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing us to prioritize her education without the constant fear of being sent home."

"Purchasing sheep has been an important step for me, as I used $120 to buy two. With young children who need a solid education, I see these sheep as a stable future investments once they multiply, I can sell some to cover school fees and other expenses. Owning livestock gives me peace of mind, knowing that I have a resource to rely on for my children's future. Furthermore, I made a $100 down payment to buy a plot of land. This decision came after facing the stress of living on borrowed land, where the owners were pushing me to leave. Securing my own land will finally give us stability and remove the constant worry of being forced to relocate.In addition, I spent $30 to buy a mattress for my children. Though they already had a bed, they were lying directly on wooden planks covered only with sacks, so getting a proper mattress was essential for their comfort. I also used $30 to buy clothes for my family, as we had very few and couldn’t afford new ones with the little I earned from casual jobs. Being able to provide basic needs like clothing has lifted my spirits and helped me feel more secure in caring for my children. Finally, the remaining money went toward purchasing food for my family, as we had none at home. The timing was perfect, as the cash transfer arrived when I had a newborn who needs my attention, making it difficult to go out in search of casual work. With three children to care for and having separated from my husband one year ago, working alone is challenging. Now, my family and I enjoy having plenty of food at home, and I am truly grateful for this support. It has made a huge difference in our lives and has allowed me to focus on building a better future for my children."

"In the coming years, I plan to focus on farming, which I believe will be a strong foundation for my family's future. By dedicating myself to growing crops, I hope to earn enough income to eventually open a small shop in my village. This business would provide a steady source of income, reducing my dependence on uncertain casual jobs. With a stable shop, I could more reliably support my children’s education and cover household needs. Farming will not only provide us with food but also the extra proceeds needed to invest in this shop. I am determined to make this vision a reality, creating a sustainable future for my family."

"My spouse and I are fortunate to have three children of whom two are in school, while the youngest is still small. To support our family, my spouse takes on casual jobs, while I manage our livestock. Life was quite challenging before we received assistance from GiveDirectly; earning a consistent income was difficult, and the little we had was often insufficient for basic needs like school fees and food. There were times when we went to bed hungry, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, we can plan better and no longer face those hardships. With my most recent transfer, I spent $102 to purchase three goats. I aim to invest in goat rearing, so once the transfers conclude, I’ll have a reliable source of support for my family. As the goats breed and their numbers increase, I plan to sell some of them to pay for my children's education and purchase food."

"The last time we spoke, I mentioned my plans to buy animals, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve made significant progress toward that goal. I now own 5 goats, 3 sheep, and 15 chickens, which feels like a big step forward. Selling some of the chickens has helped me provide food for my family and support my child's education. I’m motivated to continue expanding by adding more animals with the help of my GiveDirectly transfers, allowing them to keep reproducing and increasing in number. This way, I’ll have a sustainable resource to sell from whenever needed. My long-term vision is to purchase my own piece of land and build a house for myself. Right now, I’m staying with my mother, but I’m diligently saving to turn this dream into reality. I also work in tailoring, though only occasionally, which helps contribute to my overall goals."

"I used $320 to buy a young heifer, hoping it will soon mature and eventually give birth. Once it calves, I plan to start milking it, which will reduce the burden of buying milk—something I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. This small investment makes me optimistic about having a steady supply of milk for my family in the near future. With $62, I was able to clear my son’s school fees. He is in Grade 3 at a private school, and I didn’t want him to miss any lessons because of unpaid fees. Ensuring he stays in school is a priority, and this money brought me a sense of relief, knowing his education won’t be disrupted for now. I used the remaining amount to buy food for the house. With a newborn at home, it’s not easy for me to go out and look for work or income, so having enough food is crucial. It allows me to focus on my baby without worrying about where our next meal will come from. Every cent of the transfer has been a lifeline, helping me take small but meaningful steps toward stability."