"I am a subsistence farmer with no income at the moment, so as soon as I received my cash transfer, I directed it to my four children's school fees. I paid around $36 to settle their arrears, and I am so happy that they are no longer going home regularly like before. Their education is important to me, and knowing they can now attend school without interruption brings immense relief. Additionally, I bought some building poles at $21 for the renovation of my children's house, which was blown away by the strong winds we experienced recently. The thought of them being homeless stressed me out since they are now grownups and couldn't stay in my already crowded house. Thankfully, they will soon be back in their home, safe and sound. I also bought a mobile phone for $21 since mine had issues, and I was often unreachable. Realizing the importance of being available for communication, I knew a new phone was necessary. Additionally, I purchased two chickens as assets, giving me a small but reliable resource to depend on in emergencies. With the remaining money, I bought food for my family and other household items, ensuring we had what we needed for daily life. These purchases have greatly improved our living situation, and I am deeply grateful for the positive changes brought by the cash transfer."

"I really want to thank GivDirectly for helping me out when things were tough while my husband was sick and after he passed away. When I got some money from them recently, I used $30 to buy medicine. Then, I spent $42 on food to make sure my family had enough to eat during the hard times. Also, I used $10 to buy two chickens, hoping they would help us have money in the future. The rest of the money $20went to pay for my six kids' school fees. GivDirectly's help has been like a light in the darkness, making it possible for me to deal with urgent problems."

"My five children have been stressed out for a while with the issue of school fees, and it weighed heavily on my heart. So, when I received the unconditional cash transfer, there was no question about where it would go first. Allocating $39 towards their education brought a sense of relief like no other. Witnessing them settle back into school without the burden of unpaid fees lifted a weight off my shoulders. With their education secured, I turned my attention to securing our future further. Investing in assets seemed like a wise choice, and so I purchased chickens to rear in our compound. These feathered creatures hold the promise of a stable income, providing a safety net for my family in uncertain times. Following this, I turned to our living situation. Our current home was barely holding together, and the dream of a new house had been lingering for far too long. Using a portion of the funds, I purchased some building materials, inching closer to completing our new house. The thought of a safe, stable home filled me with hope for the future. Lastly, I invested in my son's future by buying him a mirror. Intending to start a barbershop for him, this small gesture held the promise of financial independence and support for me in my later years. It was a decision made with both pride and anticipation, knowing that together we could build a brighter tomorrow."

"I spent $105 from my first transfer to fulfill my long-term plan of fencing my quarter-acre land. Fencing had always been my dream because, without it, I couldn't utilize my kitchen garden. It was open, and livestock roamed freely, preventing me from planting fruits or vegetables. Additionally, I had a two-acre piece of land that I had wanted to plant with fodder crops. This land had been unused and bushy for a long time, but the money allowed me to clear it and start planting using $70. With the remaining money, I bought food. I am a poultry farmer with about seventy chicks, and my initial plan was to sell them upon maturity to fund these projects. However, thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to achieve these goals without selling my chickens. I sustain myself through poultry and crop farming, although crops can be unreliable due to lack of capital and occasional crop failure due to climate shocks hence poultry farming serves as an alternative source of income."

"My dedication to livestock farming remains unwavering, and with the transfers, I allocated $52 to purchase three additional goats and $12 to acquire three more chickens. I hold onto the hope that these animals will multiply, eventually allowing me to trade them for cows and sell some to finance my children's education. Ensuring my children's schooling continues uninterrupted is paramount to me. Therefore, I allocated $28 from the transfers to cover their school fees, affirming my commitment to their future and the importance of education in their lives. With the remaining $10, I sought to provide a special treat for my children, preparing a delicious meal to tantalize their taste buds and bring joy to our home. It's in these simple moments of sharing and nourishment that we find happiness amidst life's challenges."

"In pursuit of my livestock rearing goal, I've been diligently saving portions of my transfers, both through a savings group and independently. From my transfers, I set aside $37 as savings to invest in livestock and for personal use. Prioritizing my children's well-being, I allocated $15 to ensure they have enough food to eat, because their health and happiness are paramount to me. Investing in livestock, I spent $12 on a goat and $2 on chicken feed, taking steps toward building a sustainable source of income for my family's future. Recognizing the importance of education, I addressed my children's needs by purchasing uniform materials for $5 and sewing them myself as a cost-saving measure, ensuring they attend school confidently. Additionally, I bought them books for $4, believing that access to educational resources is essential for their growth and success. Securing their education, I allocated $15 for my children's school fees, allowing them to continue their studies without interruption. Amidst the excitement of expecting a new addition to the family, I allocated $12 for medical expenses, ultimately welcoming a healthy baby boy into the world. I'm incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for their support during this journey; their assistance has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving milestones."

"During a challenging time with ongoing health issues for both myself and my son, receiving the transfers couldn't have come at a more crucial moment. With $26, I covered medical expenses, hoping to find answers and relief from the pain i had in my leg. Prioritizing my son's health, I allocated $10 for his medical needs, ensuring he receives the care he deserves. I am glad and grateful that we are both progressing well. The collapse of a section of our house added to the stress, but using $10 to repair the damage brought some relief. With $36, I secured food supplies and household utilities for my family, ensuring we never go hungry. Lastly, I invested $20 in chicken feed for my poultry business which brought a sense of joy and accomplishment. Despite the challenges, seeing my chicken project thrive fills me with hope for better days ahead."

"I've strategically invested in a chicken business venture to support my children's education. This initiative is specifically aimed at generating income to cover school fees. By allocating resources to this venture, I anticipate a reliable source of revenue that can effectively meet our educational expenses. This business holds great promise as a sustainable income stream, ensuring my children's educational needs are met without financial strain. This decision reflects my unwavering commitment to prioritizing my children's education and securing their future opportunities. Through nurturing this business, I aim not only to alleviate the burden of school fees but also to instill in my children a sense of entrepreneurship and financial responsibility from a young age."

"Upon receiving my cash transfers, my priority was my children's education, so I paid almost $60 for the four of them in primary school. The relief I felt knowing they wouldn't miss their exams was immense, especially since the exams were right around the corner. Ensuring their education is uninterrupted has always been my top concern, and this transfer made it possible. Additionally, I contributed $20 to my savings group, which I recently joined intending to purchase a pair of oxen by October. This investment will significantly aid my farming activities, allowing me to plan for a more stable and productive future. I also managed to acquire two chickens, which I now keep at home as potential assets. They represent a small but promising start towards diversifying our resources. With the remaining cash, I bought essential household items like groceries and cereals. These purchases have been incredibly helpful, especially since my primary source of income comes from livestock rearing, which can be unpredictable. The cash transfer has significantly improved our quality of life, providing a sense of stability and hope for a better future."

"The state of my house had long been a source of worry, but with the recent cash transfer, I finally saw a glimmer of hope. While my earnings from casual jobs were meagre, I strategized to gradually improve my living conditions. Beginning with just two pieces of iron sheets, I now have twelve, steadily working towards the goal of twenty for a new home. Each month, I diligently set aside funds to purchase more, determined to provide my family with a safe and comfortable dwelling. In addition to this, investing in four chickens seemed like a small step, but I envisioned their growth contributing significantly to our future prosperity. With my children's well-being at the forefront, I prioritized their education and comfort. Paying school fees for my five children and providing uniforms for two ensured they could pursue their studies without hindrance. Addressing their sleeping conditions was equally important, prompting me to invest in new bedding to alleviate their discomfort. Finally, with careful budgeting, I allocated the remaining funds to securing food for my family, recognizing its vital role in sustaining us. Though the journey ahead may be challenging, these investments represent a step towards a brighter future for us all."