"COW, BECAUSE I WANT TO BE SELLING MILK"

"It was around 4 pm, and I was at home, taking a moment to relax after a tiring day on the farm. I noticed my phone buzz with a message, but since I couldn't read, I asked my grandchild, who happened to be around, to check it for me. The excitement on his face as he read the message mirrored my feelings when he confirmed that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Joy overwhelmed me at the thought of having that amount, knowing it would enable me to build a better house. The prospect of a more comfortable and secure home filled my heart with gratitude, making me appreciate the support that came my way."

"Surviving on casual labor to feed our family of seven was a daily struggle for my husband and me. When we received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, we decided to make our festive season special by using $200 to buy a sack of maize, a sack of rice, beans, sugar, and other essential food items. The joy of having enough to eat was immense, and it brought comfort to our family. After securing our immediate needs, my husband and I discussed the future, realizing the importance of having a sustainable source of income. We decided to invest the remaining amount in starting a boutique business, selling second-hand clothes. The goal was to create an income-generating activity that would support our family even after the assistance from GiveDirectly ended. I am delighted to share that our business is thriving, bringing hope and financial stability to our household."

"The recent transfer from GiveDirectly became a catalyst for comfort and security. Prioritizing well-being, I invested my $200 in three goats a source of sustenance and potential income. The foundation for contentment extended to the present with the purchase of nourishing food. Additionally, recognizing the importance of rest, I ensured a good night's sleep by acquiring a comfortable bed. For someone of my age, the newfound tranquility is not just a luxury; it's a tangible improvement that resonates with the wisdom of rest and rejuvenation."

"Looking ahead, my ambition is to establish a livestock venture, focusing particularly on goats that I can later sell to generate a profit. With the completion of my house construction, my plan is to save the subsequent transfers to accomplish this goal. Establishing my own source of income holds the promise of reducing my dependence on my son, thereby providing him with some financial relief. I eagerly anticipate a positive and fulfilling year ahead, and I am delighted to be part of this transformative change."

"In the coming year, my primary objective is to undertake the renovation of my house. The structural foundation work was completed several years ago, and the continuous impact of rains has significantly compromised its stability. Strengthening the foundation is essential to ensure greater stability, allowing the house to endure for many more years to come. To facilitate this reconstruction, I plan to persistently save my transfers. I am content with the progress I have made this far and eagerly anticipate achieving further gains in the upcoming year."

"In the upcoming year, my objective is to complete the construction of the remaining sections of my house. Currently, only one room has undergone renovation to completion, leaving the rest untouched. The space I currently occupy is limited and inadequate to meet my needs. I am optimistic about using the upcoming transfers to realize this goal. Achieving a fully finished house would not only bring me a sense of accomplishment but also honor the memory of my late husband. I express deep gratitude for all the support and assistance provided to me."

"GiveDirectly has been a means of survival for me, and what sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to providing support without dictating how the funds should be utilized. The beauty of the unconditional cash transfer lies in its flexibility – it acknowledges that individuals know their needs best. There's a profound sense of empowerment in being able to address immediate needs without external interference. Everything about the process has been smooth, and the freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has been instrumental in transforming my circumstances. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about the approach."

"In the coming years, my primary goal is to ensure that my two children, who have been at home for the past two years despite passing their exams, get the opportunity to attend college. Recognizing that my income from burning charcoal is insufficient to finance their education, we heavily depend on my husband's salary to save for their future campus life. My dream is that once they complete their studies and secure employment, they will alleviate the financial burden on our family. To supplement our income and work towards financial independence, I aspire to start a clothes business. I plan to use the little savings from my casual job of burning charcoal to start this venture. This not only aligns with my long-term goal of providing a better life for my family but also promises relief from the vigorous task of burning charcoal, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future."

"Constructing my own house posed a formidable challenge that exceeded my financial means. Fortunately, the recent transfers provided the opportunity to save consistently each month. This allowed me to acquire essential materials like iron sheets and building poles, ultimately realizing the dream of building my house. While it's not entirely finished, my current focus is on purchasing a door and new bedding to replace the old mats I've been using during my stay at my son's house. Achieving this has been my primary aspiration, and I am now content knowing that I have a comfortable home to reside in."