"Looking ahead, my objective for the year is to invest in acquiring goats, with the intention of breeding and selling them for a profit. This strategic move aims to ensure that, when the project concludes, I will have a tangible and sustainable asset. Moreover, as the goat population multiplies, the potential income generated can be utilized to meet urgent financial needs, such as covering my children's school fees. I am optimistic about achieving this goal with the upcoming transfers, as the support received has undeniably brought immense joy and value to my life."

"Receiving the transfer has brought about a significant positive change in my life. The most notable difference is the sense of peace I now experience, knowing that there is a promising future for my granddaughter. While I haven't been able to fully clear even half of her school fee arrears, I find solace in having settled a portion, marking progress towards a solution. Moreover, my dietary habits have improved since I started receiving the transfer. Previously limited to two meals, I can now afford a three-course meal. This positive shift in my nutrition not only contributes to my overall health but also enhances my strength for carrying out farm work. The improvement in both my granddaughter's educational prospects and my own well-being reflects the tangible impact of the financial assistance."

"I had harbored the dream of attending a secretarial college ever since I graduated from high school in 2018. Thanks to the support from the cash transfers, I realized this dream when I enrolled in college last September. Given that my parents are not actively employed – my father being physically challenged and my mother serving as his caregiver – the responsibility of covering my tuition fees falls solely on my shoulders. My goal is to complete college within the two-year program without facing any struggles in paying tuition. I am optimistic that the cash transfers, supplemented by potential bursary funding, will enable me to manage my fees, which amount to at least $330 per semester. I believe that obtaining a college degree will pave the way for my dream job as a secretary and, in turn, help support my family in the future."

"I believed I had reached rock bottom in my life, having attempted multiple times to construct a house only to face repeated failures. As a subsistence farmer alongside my husband, lacking any additional source of income, the dream of building an iron-roofed house seemed elusive. Since our marriage, we yearned for a decent dwelling where we could lead a worry-free life, a stark contrast to our current situation of residing in a dilapidated grass-thatched house that leaked every time it rained. Living in such conditions forced my children and me to seek shelter elsewhere, especially during the night, with even our neighbors lacking suitable accommodations. However, with the recent financial transfers I received, I decided to prioritize the purchase of 15 iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails to construct a decent house. The completion of this new dwelling has brought immense joy and peace to my family, finally providing us with a comfortable and secure shelter after years of struggling. Additionally, I allocated part of the funds to invest in four goats, spending $160. Recognizing the absence of a stable income source, I view owning these goats as a crucial investment that can potentially meet our financial needs in the near future. Lastly, I utilized some of the funds to purchase essential foodstuffs for my family and acquire household items, including utensils and other necessities that were previously lacking in our home."

"I have been facing recurring eye issues and have been longing for specialized treatment, which comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, I am thankful for the financial assistance I received. Upon receiving my second disbursement, I promptly visited the hospital and underwent the necessary treatment. This would have posed a significant challenge if I had to rely solely on my own financial means. Moreover, I allocated a portion of the funds to purchase a solar panel for $160, a decision that has greatly improved my household. Beyond providing illumination, the solar panel has eliminated the need for me to pay for device charging. Living on my farm, I used to face frequent crop destruction by elephants due to the lack of security lights that would typically deter them. Since installing the solar panel, I strategically placed security lights, resulting in zero losses from my farm. I am now anticipating a bountiful harvest that will ensure an ample food supply for my household. In addition to these improvements, I managed to save the remaining funds. I am currently planning to invest in five goats, intending to breed them. As someone heavily reliant on subsistence farming and the production and sale of charcoal, I view owning goats as a significant investment. Their multiplication will not only enhance my financial stability but also provide a renewable source of income. I am optimistic that, as the goat population increases, I can easily sell them to meet my financial needs."

"The transformative impact of receiving payments from GiveDirectly has been a beam of positive change in my life. The construction of a house for my daughters has been a great shift, bringing immense joy to our family. My girls, now residing in their own space, express a newfound sense of security and cherish the privacy that comes with it. The overall happiness and gratitude within my family to GiveDirectly have reached unmatched levels, fostering a positive environment. Importantly, the financial support has eased the burden of providing for my family, making it a less strenuous . A particularly significant change is the possibility of sending my two children to college, a dream that seemed distant before the assistance from GiveDirectly. I am banking on the second transfer to further secure their educational journey, marking a profound difference in our lives."

"With a limited income from unpredictable casual jobs and the responsibility of being the sole provider for my household, life has become a constant struggle. My husband, who is elderly and suffers from chest problems, remains at home, relying on me to meet our daily needs. With the transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I spent $160 to address the food problem. I used $130 to construct a toilet, addressing a pressing issue that had forced us to resort to unsanitary practices in the bush. Additionally, I invested $84 in new furniture to enhance our comfort. Previously, we had been using traditional stools, but this upgrade has significantly improved our living space. Unfortunately, I fell ill and had to allocate $20 for medication to address both malaria and typhoid. Amidst these struggles, I prioritized my son's education by spending $5.5 on 11 school exercise books, ensuring he continued his studies with the necessary materials. Recognizing the importance of livestock in our livelihood, I spent $30 on veterinary drugs for our goats. Maintaining their health is crucial for our overall well-being and sustenance. Lastly, I used $20 for transportation. Despite the challenges, I remain determined to provide a better life for my younger son, grandchild, and ailing husband. The support received from GiveDirectly has been a lifesaver during these difficult times, and I am grateful for the assistance that has allowed us to address some of our most pressing needs."

"I bought some construction materials and some Agricultural inputs"

"My foremost goal is to fortify my financial independence by strategically investing in assets, specifically goats. Recognizing the impermanence of certain aid programs like GiveDirectly, I aim to secure a sustainable future for myself. By purchasing more goats, I envision building a valuable asset base that can generate income through breeding and sales. This strategic move is motivated by a desire to cease dependency on my children for financial support, ensuring that I have a tangible resource to fall back on. I believe that by making prudent investments, I can not only weather the uncertainties of external aid but also pave the way for a more self-reliant and secure future."

"My primary mission is clear: I am determined to secure additional funds to cover the education expenses of my three children. With two in secondary school and one in primary, the financial responsibility has become substantial. My aspirations extend beyond merely paying school fees; I aim to provide them with a quality education that will open doors to opportunities and a brighter future. Whether through finding additional income streams, exploring scholarship opportunities, or tapping into community resources, my commitment to their education is unwavering. I believe that investing in their learning today is an investment in their success tomorrow, and I am driven by the conviction that education is the key to breaking the cycle of limitations."