"I used $45 to pay their school fees and buy books, ensuring they could settle comfortably into their studies. Sadly, my attempt at starting a small chicken business with $9 failed when the chickens fell ill and died. Undeterred, I invested another $45 in a goat, believing it would serve as a valuable asset in times of need and eventually provide for my family when it multiplies. As a single mother working casually, I hold onto hope that when my children finish school and secure jobs, they'll be there to support me." (Occupation: Small business)

"My objective is to launch a goat-rearing business, which shows significant potential, particularly if the goats multiply successfully. This venture is perfectly suited to our region, and if it prospers, I intend to exchange some goats for a cow. I will utilize the saved transfers to start this business. Having an extra source of income will guarantee the well-being of my family and allow me to provide a comfortable education for my children. I am deeply grateful for the chance to participate in this program as it has changed my life for the better."

"This year, I aim to expand my business ventures by selling clothes and other household essentials. I plan to utilize my savings and profits from my vegetable business to realize this goal. Establishing another business opportunity will not only diversify my income streams but also provide me with the opportunity to explore further ventures, such as livestock business, thereby increasing my profits and enhancing my financial stability. I am sincerely thankful to this organization for empowering me financially and enabling me to pursue and achieve my goals." (Occupation: Small business)

"My goal this year is to grow my livestock business by acquiring more goats. Recognizing the profitability of this venture in my area, I am eager to give it a try. To achieve this goal, I plan to allocate a portion of my upcoming transfers. Having a reliable business to rely on in times of need will bring me great peace of mind and satisfaction. I am genuinely grateful for how far I have progressed, all thanks to GiveDirectly."

"I have a daughter in her second year of university who was almost unable to sit for her exams because we couldn't afford the fee of $580. Fortunately, I managed to borrow $130 from a friend and added my second transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly to clear her fees. Indeed the transfer was timely! As a small-scale grocer in an open-air market, my earnings are not stable, some days I make $10, and other days $5. With my husband's low income as a security guard, supporting our family of eight is challenging, especially with four of our children still in school. I’ve experienced the pain of dropping out of school at the junior secondary level due to financial difficulties which has highly contributed to my today's struggles. This makes me determined to ensure my children have a better future. We motivate and encourage them to do their best in school. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your timely help. Without it, my daughter might have missed a crucial step in her education." (Occupation: Small business)

"During the dry season, there is a scarcity of fresh vegetables, which increases my desire to provide the local community with a consistent supply of relish. This would save them the inconvenience of traveling long distances just to obtain relish. I aim to achieve this dream by establishing a kiosk where I will sell dried fish and omena, making them readily available for consumption. Simultaneously, I aim to increase my sources of income to continually support my children." (Occupation: Small business)

"My goal is to continue supporting the education of my six children. The oldest one is in form two, and the youngest is in grade one. I am pleased that one of them recently obtained sponsorship for her high school education, which means I will only need to cover expenses for her materials like books and uniforms. This allows me to better support her five siblings, which I plan to do through the transfers and any extra earnings from my palm wine-selling business. I firmly believe that education is essential in ensuring that they secure a brighter future that will expose them to better job opportunities. With education, they can support themselves and even provide support for me back here in the village." (Occupation: Small business)

"Establishing a reliable source of income to depend on is my greatest desire. This is because, I am currently jobless and I feel my life is so tough when it comes to meeting my very basic needs.To end this menace, I intend to start a small business of selling dry fish at our trading center. This job will cost me $200 of my transfers. Also, I plan to buy 4 goats at $200 that will act as my long-term investment project to support my children in the future. The remaining amount will help me to support my children in school as well as repairing my house and purchasing of new beddings. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me."

"Boosting my business and establishing a decent place of work is generally my greatest desire. Currently, I do not have a room for my soft drinks' business, a situation that has led to low profit. I, therefore, intend to spend $500 of my money to ensure my business thrives well. This will mean a full-time business and eventually a high profit. On the other hand, I will use the remaining amount to support the education of my children, both in secondary and primary schools. What a better life to have all these achieved!" (Occupation: Small business)

"My aim for the upcoming year is to strengthen the stability of my pastry business, ensuring consistent profits that will significantly increase my income. I am eager to utilize the transfers I will receive to purchase additional stock and supplies for my business. With this extra income, I will be able to comfortably provide for my son's education, bringing me peace of mind. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program." (Occupation: Small business)