"This year, my primary goal is to establish a thriving goat-rearing business. To achieve this, I plan to strategically utilize the GiveDirectly cash transfers to acquire and grow my livestock holdings. I intend to use a portion of the transfers to purchase more chickens and goats. My plan is to allow these animals to multiply and increase in number and value over time. As the chicken flock grows, I will trade them for additional goats. This will allow me to steadily build up a substantial herd of goats, which will serve as the foundation of my livestock farming enterprise. The goats will provide a reliable source of income, as I plan to sell them when needed. This revenue will be used to fund my children's education and support the overall well-being of my family. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for providing me with this transformative opportunity. The cash transfers have empowered me to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for my family. By prioritizing my children's education and building a sustainable livestock business, I am confident that I can equip them with the tools they need to thrive in the years to come. Through this strategic approach to livestock farming, I am excited about the prospects that lie ahead. The GiveDirectly support has given me the means to turn my aspirations into a reality, paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future for my family."

"As a small business owner, I previously operated a kiosk selling sugar and sardines. However, when I fell ill, the business suffered due to a lack of responsible management in my absence. Upon my return, I found the kiosk on the verge of collapse. While I am still running the kiosk, my focus has now shifted towards a new goal - becoming a livestock farmer. To achieve this, I plan to strategically use my GiveDirectly cash transfers to purchase goats. My strategy is to allow the goats to multiply and increase in number and value over time. Once I have built up a substantial herd, I will then trade the goats for cows. These cows, in turn, will be able to multiply, providing me with a reliable source of milk, offspring, and income when sold. By transitioning towards livestock farming, I am diversifying my income streams and building a more sustainable livelihood. The cows, in particular, will serve as a valuable asset that can be leveraged when needed, offering a safety net for my family"

"My current living situation requires major repairs, which are only a temporary fix. In the long run, my goal is to construct a larger, three-bedroom house for my family. To achieve this, I have devised a strategic plan using my GiveDirectly cash transfers. Rather than directly allocating the transfers towards home construction, I intend to use a portion of the funds to purchase more goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in number and value over time. In the future, when I have accumulated a substantial herd of goats, I plan to sell them. The proceeds from these sales will then be used to fund the construction of a new, larger home for my family. This approach of investing in livestock as a means to eventually build a new house holds deep personal significance for me. It represents a pathway towards a more stable and comfortable living situation for my loved ones. I am hopeful that this plan will come to fruition, as it would mean so much to provide my family with a spacious, well constructed home."

"My initial priority was to complete the construction of a safe and comfortable home for my family. I am overjoyed that my house is now fully built. This provides my loved ones and me with a warm, secure place to reside. Having a stable living situation is a crucial foundation for my family's well-being. Now that this crucial task has been accomplished, I am shifting my focus to a new goal - acquiring a cow. As a first step, I intend to use a portion of my GiveDirectly cash transfers to buy goats. I am hopeful that these goats will multiply and increase in value over time. Once I have accumulated a sufficient number of goats, I will then trade them to acquire a cow. Owning a cow is a significant milestone, as it will provide milk, potential offspring, and the ability to sell the animal when needed. Obtaining a cow holds deep personal meaning for me. It represents a transition towards a more self-reliant and resilient future for my family. I am excited to embark on this new phase of building my livestock farming aspirations."

"My primary goal is to have cows that I can use to plow my farmland. To achieve this, I plan to strategically allocate my GiveDirectly cash transfers towards acquiring livestock. I will use a portion of the transfers to buy goats. My strategy is to allow these goats to multiply and increase in both number and value over time. Once I have accumulated a substantial herd of goats, I will then trade them for cows. This gradual approach will allow me to work towards my ultimate objective of owning animals to assist with plowing my farm. By investing in livestock, I am taking a proactive step towards establishing a more sustainable and resilient farming operation. The cows will not only help with plowing but can also be sold when needed to support my family."

"I have always dreamt of becoming a livestock farmer. To turn this ambition into reality, I have been using a portion of my GiveDirectly cash transfers to purchase goats and a guinea fowl. I am excited to see these animals multiply and increase in value over time. Looking ahead, I plan to allocate a part of my upcoming transfers to acquire more livestock. My hope is that these animals will continue to grow in number and value. In the future, I intend to sell them when in need, providing a valuable safety net for my family. In addition to my livestock farming aspirations, I also own a small kiosk where I sell various goods. I have been saving in a merry-go-round savings group, eagerly awaiting my turn to receive the pooled funds. Once I have access to these savings, I will use them to expand my kiosk business. Even after this initial expansion, I intend to keep saving in the merry-go-round group. This will allow me to further grow my business and increase its revenue. The income generated from my expanded kiosk will help me better provide for my children's needs. I am thrilled with the progress I have made and the direction my business is taking."

"I woke up early that morning, ready to head to the farm as usual, but everything changed when I saw a message on my phone. It was informing me that I had received the unconditional cash transfer. My heart raced with excitement, and I could hardly believe my eyes. Instead of going to the farm, I decided to rush to the nearest shopping center to withdraw the money. The first thing I planned to do with the money was to buy the medication my sick mother desperately needed. This unexpected blessing filled me with hope and gratitude, knowing that it would significantly improve our lives."

"I have to say, the biggest difference I've noticed since receiving the GiveDirectly transfers is that my children can now stay in school all the time. Before, it was a constant struggle. They would be sent home as many as three times a week because we couldn't keep up with the school fees. It was heartbreaking and stressful for all of us. My husband sells local brew, but the money he earns is barely enough to cover our basic needs, let alone the school fees. This financial strain used to bug me a lot. Our children are still in their 1st Grade, and it worried me deeply to think about their future when we couldn't even afford their early education. But since the GiveDirectly transfers started coming in, we've been able to pay their fees consistently. Now, they can attend school without interruptions, and I can see the joy and progress in their learning."

"With the money I received, I was able to start my own business baking cakes, bread, and cookies. Now, on a good day, I can make about $6. It may not seem like much to some, but compared to my previous situation, it's a world of difference. Before this, I used to burn charcoal and take on other casual jobs, and those would only bring in around $10 every two weeks. Plus, the work was extremely exhausting and labor-intensive. I was always tired and barely making enough to take us for some time. Now, not only am I earning more consistently, but the work I do is much less physically demanding. The most rewarding part is that I can now provide for my children’s daily needs, including their school requirements, which was something I could never do before. The financial stability and the ability to support my family have been life-changing."

"My primary challenge right now is not having a secure place to live. My current residence is prone to flooding even with light rainfall, and I am concerned about the upcoming heavy rains exacerbating the situation. I've had to rely on borrowing a place to sleep from neighbors at night because my house remains waterlogged. I am hopeful that I'll be able to secure enough resources to move to a safer living situation soon."