"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed."

"When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, it truly felt like a lifeline. The grass we’d planted was ready for harvesting, but the timing was critical — if it dried out before we harvested, all our effort would go to waste. I didn’t have the money to hire the labor I needed, and I was worried about handling it on my own. Then, the transfer came just in time. I immediately hired people to help, and we were able to harvest everything before it dried out. Without that support, I would have struggled to manage the work alone, and I was sure I’d face a big loss. But with the transfer, I was able to bring in the help I needed right away. Now, I not only saved my harvest but also saw how this one financial boost could make such a difference in my livelihood."

"When I received the cash transfer, I first sent $40 to my younger brother in college. He needed it to pay his rent and buy some food items. Normally, my dad would cover this, but his salary had been delayed, so I knew I had to step in. Then, I used $60 to buy clothes for my baby, my sister, and myself, as well as some bedsheets for the house. My baby needed new clothes, and I wanted my sister and me to have something decent as well. I didn't have proper bedsheets either, so I got those to make our space more comfortable and welcoming. It’s important to me that we look presentable and that our home feels inviting, even if it's just a small step. I then paid off $45 in debts I’d borrowed to buy food when I started my cleaning job at the hotel. That money went to essentials because I needed to take care of my baby during a financially tough time. I also sent $10 to my younger brother in high school for his personal needs and gave $15 to my cousin for a school trip, as I know how important that experience is for her. The rest, I used on food items for the house, ensuring we had enough to eat. With these little but essential purchases, I felt like I could finally breathe easier and focus on my work."

"I currently have a few pieces of iron sheets that I bought with transfers some time ago. My goal now is to build a new house, as my current one has become too small to accommodate me and my grandchildren. I am saving a portion of the transfers I receive each month to construct a one-room house, where I will move once it’s finished, leaving the old house for my grandchildren, who can comfortably live there. I trust that by next year, my savings will allow me to purchase the remaining materials needed to start construction on my new house. This will restore my dignity and provide me with the privacy I need, as well as that of my family members. I believe this will earn me the respect I desire."

"My main goal now is to buy a wooden door to install in my house. Currently, my house lacks a door, and I live in fear that someone might enter while I’m away and take my belongings. This situation has prevented me from going far from the village, as I worry that people might take advantage of my vulnerable state. I am tired of feeling this way, and I believe it's high time I address this issue. Therefore, I plan to use my small savings from my kiosk business and a portion of my transfers to buy and install the door. I believe that this is the only way to restore my happiness, joy, and the peace of mind I have been lacking."

"Considering my age, I realize that I am getting older, and I fear that once this program ends, I may lack something to rely on in terms of assets. I have set a goal for the coming years: to save at least $15 from my monthly transfers for several months to buy more goats. I currently have four goats on my compound, and acquiring more will increase my benefits. Once I achieve this, it will be easier for me to pay the school fees for my children who are still in primary school, even after the program ends. Additionally, having livestock will provide me with security, as people will be more likely to trust me and lend me their items knowing I have assets."

"I have a new goal in mind, and I believe that once it's achieved, I won't have to worry about my health conditions any longer. My goal is to save $10 from the transfers so that in the future, I can buy several goats to keep at home. These goats will not only be livestock but also valuable assets that will help with my health, as I will be able to sell some to purchase the medications I need daily. Having these goats will provide me with assurance that I won’t run out of funds if this project comes to an end, and they will also offer a reliable source of support for my overall needs. By early next year, I hope to have at least two goats to start with, and I am optimistic that this will happen soon."

"My primary concern for some time has been finding better treatment for my leg condition. Although I am currently on medication and receive monthly checkups, I still feel the need for more advanced care at specialized hospitals to alleviate the constant pain I experience. My plan is to use the financial support I receive, along with assistance from my sons, to make this goal a reality. Achieving this treatment will restore my joy and hope, allowing me to finally break free from the sleepless nights I've been enduring. I also look forward to becoming more self-sufficient, enabling me to handle some tasks on my own once I am healed."

"My primary goal right now is to buy more goats to keep on my homestead. Currently, I have three goats, but I aim to build a larger herd so that, as they reproduce, I can grow my assets. As I get older, I recognize the importance of having reliable resources, especially for the future when this support may end. I plan to save at least $10 from my monthly transfers to accumulate enough funds to purchase more goats. This dream is very achievable, and I am determined and focused on achieving it. Once I reach this goal, even if it takes several months, I feel hopeful about my future, as I will have assets I can sell to support both my husband and myself."

"First, I bought two goats for $100 to add to the six I already had. Goats are easy to maintain, and they’ll multiply over time, which means more assets for my family. I see this as an investment that will continue to provide for us in the years to come, giving us a reliable source of income and even milk for the children. I then used $60 to buy two bags of maize. Harvest season had come, but I had nothing to show for it since the crops I had planted were swept away by heavy rains. This way, I won’t have to worry about feeding my family, and we can keep going until the next planting season, hopefully with better luck. With the money left, I bought some new clothes for my three children. Their clothes were worn out, and I wanted them to have something decent to wear. It felt good to see them look happy and confident in their new clothes. They deserve to feel good about themselves, just like any other children. Knowing that I used this money to meet both our immediate needs and to plan for the future gives me peace."