"In April 2024, I opened a shop in Mtulu Village by renting a place from my brother. I sell various items such as flour, oil, sugar, rice, and soap. I used $102 from my transfers to add more stock to my business. Before this, I didn’t have any work, but thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to stock my shop. With an initial investment of around $500, contributed by my husband’s and my savings, we successfully started the shop. It’s now doing well, keeping me busy and increasing my income."

"Driven by my passion for turkey rearing, I invested my most recent transfer into this venture, knowing that turkeys are both marketable and profitable. Before GiveDirectly's support, I had the idea but lacked the capital to start. Thanks to their assistance, my dream has become a reality—I now have six adult turkeys and twenty chicks. I've already begun to see the benefits, as selling a few turkeys has provided enough money to support my family and pay school fees. Given the profitability and potential for growth, I am confident that turkey rearing will be a successful endeavor. With school-going children, I am committed to securing their future through this investment. Over the coming year, I plan to reinvest the profits from my turkey project to expand the business. This growth will enable me to earn more income, ensuring I can continue supporting my children's education."

"I cultivate other people's lands using a tractor, but the work is seasonal and not enough to sustain my wife and me. In the past, it was difficult to send my children to school because I couldn't afford the fees. I am glad to report that all five of my children have now completed school, thanks to these transfers. These transfers have truly boosted our family's finances, relieving the struggle of buying food . I have also started a poultry business, which is doing very well. With the transfers I received, I used the full amount of $102 to pay for solar lighting in my home. I had previously installed the solar panels on loan and have been repaying it monthly. This upgrade has greatly improved our living conditions, as we previously had no power. I am truly grateful to this organization for its support, which has not only helped my family but also contributed to the development of our area."

"My goal is to build a new house for myself, as I currently live in a small one-room house that was given to me by my son. I want to upgrade to a two-room house and am happy to report that I have already started the process. I have been purchasing construction materials such as iron roofing sheets and building poles using my transfers. I look forward to using my upcoming transfers to buy more materials and cover additional building costs. Having my own home will restore my dignity and provide much-needed peace of mind. I am pleased with my progress so far and am optimistic about achieving even greater things in the future." (Occupation: Small business)

"Since my husband passed away two years ago, I have shouldered the responsibility of covering our children's school fees, clothing, food, and other essentials. Our house was already in poor condition when he passed, making it difficult to meet all their needs with the limited profits from my charcoal business. With the current increase in prices of essential commodities, the situation has become even more challenging. My children used to be sent home for fee balances, so I decided to allocate all my transfers toward paying their school fees. Renovating my house is my second priority. Once they complete their education, I plan to invest in goat and chicken rearing projects. After establishing these two projects, I will focus on repairing our house. Although the transfers allowed me to replace the roof, our safety is still at risk due to the cracked walls that let in insects. My immediate goal is to rebuild the walls, and I plan to allocate $4 each month for purchasing construction materials. I can't save more than that right now because I have other basic needs to address. This is my goal for the coming year and beyond." (Occupation: Small business)

"I have not yet obtained a sewing machine to start my business. Therefore, when I received my most recent transfer, I saved $30 in our merry-go-round savings group. My plan is to use my savings once they reach $150 to buy a sewing machine. Additionally, I spent $20 on food because my house was running low. I also paid school fees $15 for my brother, who was about to be sent home due to an outstanding balance. With the remaining amount, I spent $13 on clothes to ensure I look presentable. Finally, I bought a goat for $24, supplementing it with some of my other savings to meet the required amount."

"I was working at the Brookside company ,but due to the Corona Pandemic I loosed my job . This resulted to me moving back home. I am now a casual labouror in a matatu stage where I try making ends meet for my wife and kids. The challenge I am facing on a daily basis is the ability to meet their needs on time. The eldest is in Shimo La Tewa secondary school and the biggest challenge is school fees. Being unable complete his school fees areas. Another challenge I am facing is the lack of a stable house for my family. I would wish to build them a good structure for them to live peaceful." (Occupation: Small business)

"My top priority for this year is to buy a modern bed for myself. I currently use an old traditional bed made of ropes, which is very uncomfortable to sleep on. I plan to use my savings to purchase a new bed, along with beddings and a mattress. Having a comfortable place to sleep will greatly improve my living conditions and provide me with peace of mind. I am genuinely grateful for the achievements I have made so far and look forward to a brighter future." (Occupation: Small business)

"I operate a boda boda taxi to support myself and provide for my child. It has been a constant struggle due to my limited income. However, since I started receiving these transfers, I have noticed a positive change in my life. I have been able to start a goat-rearing business and am now looking forward to building my own house in the future. I am pleased to say that I have already begun the construction process. From the transfers, I purchased building poles for $68 to start building my house, as I currently live in a small space and want to build something bigger. I saved $20 to pay the builder and used the remaining funds to buy food, as I had none. I am grateful for the positive changes these transfers have brought to my life."

"I dig out tree stumps and sell charcoal to support our family of five. Getting food was a major problem, and we would go days without eating. The business was not doing well and barely made us any money. However, I am grateful that these transfers have changed our lives for the better. I have been able to comfortably pay school fees for my son in junior secondary school. Additionally, we have been able to buy food and save money for a rainy day. From the transfers, I saved $60 in our local savings club, intending to use the funds when my son joins secondary school and to invest in livestock. I used $30 to pay off my son's school fees debt, and the remaining amount was spent on buying food for my family, as we had none. I am happy that my life has changed, and my family will forever be indebted to you"