"Our house lacked solar lighting after the previous system was damaged. To avoid living in darkness and for security reasons, I decided to purchase a new solar system on credit. I opted for monthly installments of $20 to make it manageable. Since the beginning of this year, whenever I receive cash, I have been repaying $20 to cover the solar debt. Currently, the remaining balance is about $150, and I plan to clear it by early next year. I am so glad to finally bring light back to our home, especially for my siblings who are in school and need the light at night for studying. This has been a dream of mine for a long time. It would have taken years to achieve it, considering I am the breadwinner for my mother and siblings, and my house construction job hasn’t been paying reliably.With the remaining $14 from my monthly funds, I always support my family by buying food that lasts us for a while. In the meantime, I continue to take on casual jobs to meet their other needs. I am truly grateful to finally fulfill this important goal for my family."

"Our house lacked solar lighting, so I decided to purchase a new system on credit. We previously had one, but it broke, and to avoid living in darkness, I opted to buy a replacement and pay for it in monthly installments of $20. The total cost was $450, and I’m glad I recently managed to clear the debt using these transfers. Now, my focus is on building a business premise. The owner of the land where I currently do business agreed to sell me a small piece, with the condition that I pay in installments as I continue building. I have already bought poles in preparation for construction. Since the space can accommodate three stalls, I plan to build and partition it into three rooms, renting out two while using the other for my business. The income from the rented rooms will help me pay for the land, alongside my transfers. To make this dream a reality, I plan to invest my transfers and part of my business profits into this project."

"In the coming year, my goal is to continue with the necessary repairs to my house. I plan to purchase stones and additional cement to reinforce the walls, which have developed cracks. This will ensure my home is safe to live in and durable against future weather conditions. I also aim to keep up with the monthly payments on the solar lighting system to ensure I can continue enjoying the benefits of reliable lighting. By allocating a portion of each transfer toward these goals, I can work steadily toward maintaining a safe and well-lit home. I’m deeply appreciative of the financial assistance, as it’s empowering me to live more independently and with peace of mind."

"In the coming year, I hope to purchase a solar lighting system for our home. Currently, I use a paraffin lantern, but paraffin is costly, and this method is not sustainable. To make this happen, I plan to save from my future transfers so I can put down a deposit on the solar lighting system. Once it’s installed, I will make small monthly payments, allowing us to enjoy reliable and cost-effective lighting. I am deeply appreciative of the support that’s helping me improve our quality of life."

"When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a miracle for my family. I had been carrying so many worries, wondering how to provide for my children and keep us afloat. The first thing I did was use $140 to buy two goats. I hoped they would give us a steady supply of milk, which would improve our meals and save us from the high cost of buying milk. Having our own goats felt like a step toward a brighter future, something I could rely on to care for my family. I also used $20 to pay off a hospital debt that had been weighing me down. My children and I had been sick recently, and the medical bills added up faster than I could manage. Finally clearing that debt gave me a huge sense of relief, knowing I could focus on the present without that burden hanging over us. With the remaining money, I bought food for my family and paid for solar light, which has been a big help since we don’t have electricity in our area. My husband and I rely on casual jobs to provide food, but it has always been difficult to make sure we have enough. With this cash transfer, it felt like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. Now I can give my children better meals and a more secure future, and this peace of mind is truly priceless. I am deeply grateful for this support; it has brought hope and stability into our lives."

"Looking ahead, my goal for the coming year and beyond is to consistently pay for the solar lighting system. This will allow me to continue enjoying reliable lighting at home. I no longer have to buy expensive kerosene for lanterns, and the solar system has given me the added benefit of watching the news on the television that came with it. With no steady job, the financial support I receive will be crucial in helping me meet this goal, as I plan to use part of the money to cover the daily fees. I’m extremely thankful for the financial assistance, which has been a lifeline for my family."

"I took out a loan for solar lighting with an agreement to repay in installments. When I received my most recent transfer, I used $10 to make a payment on the solar loan, as I wanted to avoid defaulting and the risk of disconnection. I also set aside part of the transfer to save: I saved $30 in a savings group, where contributions are collected and distributed when it’s your turn. Additionally, I saved another $30 in a loan-focused group, which allows borrowing based on your savings, helping us secure loans during emergencies. The remaining $34 was spent on food for my family, as we didn’t have any supplies at home."

"The biggest difference in my story lies in how food and the solar light impacted my family, especially my children. When I spent $70 on food, it brought immediate relief. We no longer had to worry about going hungry, and the food lasted us for a whole month. My kids became happier and healthier because they were finally eating enough. It was such a huge burden lifted off my shoulders to know they wouldn’t go to bed hungry anymore. On the other hand, the $50 I spent on the solar light made a lasting difference in their education. Before, they couldn’t study in the evenings, and completing assignments was a challenge. Now, with the light, they have extra time to focus on their schoolwork. I can see how much it has improved their ability to learn and stay on top of their studies. It has made a big impact on their confidence and school performance, giving them a better chance for success in the future. So while the food gave us immediate security, the solar light has improved my children's education in ways that will benefit them for years to come."

"Having successfully built my two-room house, bought a bed and mattress, and installed solar lights, my next goal is to invest in livestock. Right now, I have two goats that I bought with the transfers, and I’m aiming to expand my herd, particularly with more goats. Growing the herd will give me the opportunity to sell some of the livestock in the future and earn a good profit. As an active member of the savings group, I will continue contributing to it. When it’s my turn to receive the transfers, I plan to use that money to purchase additional goats. I’m very grateful for the financial support from the transfers, which has significantly improved my quality of life and is helping me work towards a more prosperous future."

"In the coming year, I aim to purchase a solar lighting system for my home. Currently, I rely on traditional kerosene lanterns, which provide poor lighting and are costly to maintain. The solar system will provide better lighting, enabling my grandchildren to study comfortably at night and early in the morning. This upgrade will significantly improve our living conditions and reduce ongoing expenses. I am very grateful for the financial support that helps me care for my family and work towards this goal."