"In the coming year, I aim to invest more in goat farming because I believe goats are a reliable and practical investment for my family’s future. Currently, I have five goats, but I plan to grow my herd by saving $10 monthly from my transfers. This steady savings plan will allow me to purchase more goats and gradually build a sustainable source of income. Goats are valuable because they are easy to maintain and can be sold quickly during emergencies to provide financial support for my family. In the coming year, I hope to double the size of my herd, ensuring that I have a safety net for any unexpected needs. Expanding my goat farming further will create a stable source of income that will secure my family’s well-being and give us peace of mind for years to come."

"My top priority is to ensure that my children receive a quality education. Prior to the start of this project, they often faced disruptions in their schooling because I couldn't afford the school fees. Thankfully, with the financial support, these disruptions have significantly decreased, enabling my children to attend school consistently. I am genuinely pleased with these changes and am committed to utilizing my future transfers and savings to further support their education. I firmly believe that education will equip them with the skills they need for a brighter future. I will always be grateful to GiveDirectly for the assistance they have provided to me and my community. I have seven children, and sometimes my spouse and I make charcoal to sell. I do not want my children to endure the struggles I faced because my parents couldn't send me to school. I understand that education is the key to changing their lives, which is why I am striving for my children's education, so they can one day reap the benefits of performing well in school."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, I intend to continue investing in a livestock rearing project, with a particular emphasis on goats, as they are well-suited to our local climate and can thrive in our environment, unlike cows, which need more grassy areas. This year, I plan to use part of the transfers I receive from GiveDirectly to buy goats each month. I believe these goats will breed and increase in both numbers and value, allowing me to sell them in the future to support my family, including my younger siblings and children who are still attending school. My goal is to create a stable and sustainable source of income, especially after this program comes to an end. I remain optimistic about realizing my goals despite the drought challenges we are currently facing in our area. Up to now, I have successfully purchased three goats, two of which have already given birth. I am excited to invest in livestock because I need to help cover my children's education expenses."

"My beans were almost overtaken by weeds because I was weeding alone and couldn't afford labor due to a lack of money. I had planted half an acre, and trying to weed it by myself would have taken about two weeks, which would have lowered the yields. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I spent $30 to hire labor for weeding. Now, my crops look healthy, and I am confident the harvest will be much better. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for saving me from all that struggle."

"When I received my second transfer, I immediately prioritized improving our living conditions. Our latrine was in poor condition, as it was only a temporary structure, and knowing the importance of proper sanitation, I spent $46 on materials for its construction, including an iron sheet, cement, and barbed wire. I planned to begin construction with this transfer. Food was also a major concern, especially since it was the holiday season and my six children were home from school, so I used $50 to buy food to ensure they were well-fed. Additionally, my daughter, who is in university, needed money for her upkeep, so I gave her $40. Lastly, our children were sleeping on a worn-out mattress that we had to patch together, making it uncomfortable for them. To improve their sleeping conditions, I bought a new mattress for $40, and the remaining money went towards transporting all these items from town."

"My two sons are grown now, with one in college and the other in university, but their room is still adjacent to ours. Given their age, I believe they should have their own house, separate from ours and at some distance, to give them more independence. Initially, I was relying on my crops to fund the construction of their house, but unfortunately, I lost everything to the floods. Despite this setback, I remain hopeful and plan to continue crop farming next year. If I have a successful harvest, I will use the money to build them their own house, as I believe it’s important for their growth and privacy."

"Receiving my second transfer, I decided to lease 2 acres of land from a neighbor near the river. I plan to plant maize and beans starting next week because I do not have any land of my own, and crop farming is my only way to survive. In addition to crop farming, I wanted to diversify my income, so I bought 2 sheep using my first transfer. With my second transfer, I bought 4 more sheep for $200. Sheep do well here, and they multiply quickly, so as they increase in number, I can use them to address my needs and remember the support I received. Finally, I spent the remaining $50 on food. Since I depend on casual jobs and charcoal production, which are not always reliable, putting food on the table has been challenging. With the $50, I was able to buy food, and I still have some left. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support."

"GiveDirectly has done an excellent job, particularly in ensuring that the enrollment process was smooth. The officers were respectful, well-organized, and clear in their communication, which made everything run efficiently. One thing I really appreciate is their commitment to fairness; there was no discrimination during the selection process, and everyone in our community had an equal opportunity to benefit. So far, I have not heard any complaints, which reflects the effectiveness of their approach. Honestly, there is nothing I would suggest for improvement; they should simply continue doing things the way they have been, as it is effective."

"GiveDirectly provides unconditional cash, and the best part is that it’s not a loan; there’s nothing to pay back. This approach gives recipients the freedom to use the money for what they truly need, empowering them to improve their lives in the way that works best for them. During enrollment, the GiveDirectly officers were very respectful and organized, ensuring everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Honestly, I don't see any areas for improvement; I just hope they continue the program in the same way because it is making a real difference."

"Together with my husband, we used to be successful in livestock farming, with almost 100 goats. However, due to community conflicts, we were forced to relocate, and sadly, more than 10 of our goats died during the process. When we received our first cash transfer, we decided to buy three goats for $150 to replenish our flock and as a way to remember the support from GiveDirectly. In addition, I had recently lost my uncle in an accident, and I spent $30 on travel and other arrangements to attend his funeral. I used the remaining amount to buy new clothes for my children, whose clothes had become worn out. The joy on their faces when they received the new clothes was priceless. Thank you, GiveDirectly."