"I pray that God will continue to keep us safe and grant me the strength to provide for my family. In the coming months, I have plans to establish a source of income that aligns with my responsibility as a parent. Unable to leave my children on their own, I'm planning to pursue large-scale farming as a business venture cultivating crops not only for sustenance but with the intention to sell and generate income. My aspiration is not only to have something substantial but to build a thriving business that can support my family. I'm so excited."

"My childhood was a challenging period; with seven siblings, my parents struggled to meet our basic needs as they lacked a stable source of income. I often survived on just one small meal a day. School life presented its difficulties, and there came a point when I had to drop out due to unpaid fees. I was determined not to subject my children to the hardships I endured. Working hard, I focused on providing for them through income generated from charcoal burning. The GiveDirectly (GD) transfer brought a ray of hope for my children's brighter future. Blessed with December rains, I decided to utilize the transfer by investing in greengram planting for commercial purposes. I allocated $110 to prepare a 1.5-acre piece of land, purchase farming inputs, and cover related expenses. I am delighted to report that the crops are thriving, and I have already begun the initial harvest. I plan to use the income generated from these sales to expand my goat herd, which currently stands at eight. Goats thrive in our region due to favourable climatic conditions, and their rapid reproduction will serve as a promising income source in the future. This financial stability will allow me to provide the best education for my children, ensuring they won't face the educational challenges I did. Allocating $30, I purchased new clothes for my two children, adding to their old attire. I used the remaining funds to buy ample food, ensuring they had enough to eat."

"I had been reliant on charcoal burning and occasional casual labour, which, though hard to come by, helped in acquire essential family needs. During tougher times, I had to sell part of my goat herd and use the proceeds to purchase food and other necessities, as well as pay for our two children who are in secondary education. The third transfer has been incredibly helpful, uplifting our situation in a significant way. I used $20 to cover this term's school fees and $140 for school items shopping for one of them, who was starting Form One for her secondary education. Moreover, I allocated $50 to additional building materials, complementing what I had acquired with the second transfer. This contribution brings us closer to the aspiration of enhancing our living conditions, with the plan to initiate the construction of a two-roomed house. The current one-room setup is too cramped for my family of six, and this endeavor promises a more comfortable living space. Allocating $30 for new clothes for my three younger kids not only adheres to the local tradition of looking nice during Christmas but also ensures my children don't feel left out. I wanted to make sure they had new clothes to celebrate the occasion. I utilized the remaining funds to buy food for the family, significantly contributing to our overall well-being."

"Upon collecting the money from the nearby shopping center the following day, we efficiently executed our planned endeavors. With a maize field requiring field management practices and expecting rainfall, we invested $104 in purchasing 2 sacks of topdressing fertilizers (50kgs each) and $15 in pesticides. This strategic investment significantly boosted maize growth, instilling hope for a promising harvest. Farming has been our mainstay, providing both sustenance and surplus for selling, enabling us to cover school fees for our five children. Coinciding with the approaching Christmas eve, we allocated $60 for festive foodstuff, including rice, meat, and wheat flour for baking, ensuring a joyous celebration with a well-laden table. We used the remaining $21 to replenish household essentials. We appreciate the support and eagerly look forward to effectively implementing other impactful ideas with subsequent transfers."

"The goal that fuels my ambition this year is the completion of building my house, a dream that has been deferred due to the pressing need to allocate finances for my children's education. With the Givedirectly monthly transfers we shall overcome financial obstacles, and I will be able to construct a durable home that can withstand the test of time, providing a secure haven for my family. I'm hopeful that our dreams will come true."

"In the coming year, my main objective is to delve into the business of selling clothes, with the goal of maximizing its income potential. I intend to utilize my last transfer to make this aspiration a reality. I am confident that with dedication and hard work, I can achieve success in realizing this vision."

"I am earnestly contemplating a substantial investment in acquiring livestock, aiming to establish an additional revenue stream to complement my existing income generated from the sale of local palm wine. As the solitary provider for my two children, diversifying my income sources is pivotal in attaining financial stability and effectively providing for my family. The invaluable financial support I have received thus far has been pivotal in enhancing the overall quality of my life, a fact that fills me with immense gratitude."

"Proficient in the operation and utilization of a sewing machine, I have been unable to establish my tailoring enterprise due to the suboptimal condition of the machine at my disposal. My strategy involves accumulating sufficient funds from my upcoming transfers to procure a new sewing machine. This acquisition will pave the way for the establishment of my business, enabling me to generate a sustainable income. The invaluable financial support from the transfers has been instrumental in elevating my quality of life, for which I am profoundly grateful."

"In my capacity as an educator, I am actively seeking additional income streams to complement my existing resources. Considering venturing into the sale of vegetables and fruits, I aim to establish a business in this sector. Furthermore, I intend to expand my investments in livestock. Presently, I have acquired two goats through my previous transfers, and I aspire to augment this number to bolster the herd, creating opportunities for income generation through sales. I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering financial support that has been extended to me thus far."

"Looking ahead to the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into vegetable farming as an additional source of income for my family of five. The water pump, acquired through the transfers, will play a crucial role in irrigating the crops during the dry season, ensuring a successful harvest. To initiate this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital of $100. My plan is to raise this amount through casual jobs, particularly land clearing. This approach not only provides the necessary funds for the initial investment but also aligns with my commitment to actively contribute to the success of the vegetable farming venture. I am optimistic that, with careful planning and dedication, the upcoming year will bring positive changes and increased prosperity for my family. The combination of the water pump and the additional income from vegetable farming holds the potential for a more sustainable and diversified livelihood. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new venture may bring."