"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to invest my transfer money in purchasing goats. Now that I have fully paid off the large loan on my motorcycle, I feel a tremendous sense of relief and freedom. This milestone has given me the opportunity to focus on building wealth and securing my financial future through livestock. Goats are an excellent investment, as they will allow me to accumulate assets over time. I have a two-year-old child who will start school in three years, and the goats will help make this possible. When the time comes, I will be able to sell some of them to cover school fees, ensuring my child gets an education. I am deeply grateful for the financial support, which has not only lifted a significant burden but also empowered me to plan for a brighter future for my family."

"With my charcoal business thriving, I am now planning to start another venture selling second-hand clothes. This will provide me with an additional source of income and bring me closer to my ultimate goal of financial stability. To make this happen, I plan to save $20 from my monthly transfers and $10 from the profits of my charcoal business. Once I have saved enough, I will launch the clothing business. Having two businesses running smoothly will significantly boost my earnings, allowing me to better support my family and cover important expenses, like school fees for my children in the coming years. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support, which has not only improved my current situation but also empowered me to plan for a brighter, more secure future."

"Over the past two years, I have focused on investing my transfers in livestock, and I’m thrilled to share that I now own 10 goats and 5 cows. My next goal for the coming year is to purchase a disc plow, which will be invaluable for preparing my land during the rainy season. With the plow, I won’t have to pay extra for land preparation services, as I am currently training two bulls to handle the plowing. To achieve this goal, I plan to save more money through my savings group, where I have been an active member. Once I have saved enough, I will move forward with buying the disc plow. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has empowered me to make these investments and work toward a more self-sufficient future."

"I was at home, looking after my grandchildren and our grandmother, when a message came in on my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I took it to a neighbor who checked it for me and confirmed that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so happy; I had never received such an amount of money before. My first thought was to build myself a house, as we have been living in a tent since we relocated. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for this support."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to renovate my house by adding an extra room and installing another door. Currently, my house has only one room, which has made it challenging for my four children, as they have had to sleep at their grandmother's house due to the lack of space. My dream has always been to provide a home where my children can live together under one roof, allowing me to guide them and instill good morals as their parent. I hope to achieve this dream by utilizing the savings I have accumulated through the merry-go-round initiative and monthly transfers. Completing this renovation would mean so much to me, as it would allow my children and me to live together. This closer living arrangement will strengthen our bond and nurture love within our family."

"When the GiveDirectly staff came to visit us, they were very friendly and treated us with a lot of respect. I liked that they didn’t force anyone to join the program; it was completely our choice, and I felt comfortable making the decision. They also took the time to explain everything clearly, so I understood how the program worked. Honestly, I don’t see anything that needs to be changed because everything was handled so well."

"The first thing I did was use $270 to buy five goats. Goats are a solid investment because they multiply quickly, and they’re like a living savings account. If an emergency arises, I can sell one to cover the costs. This gives me peace of mind knowing that my family has some security for the future. I also leased 1.5 acres of land for $50 and used $55 to plough it. Farming has always been part of my life, and I saw this as an opportunity to expand. With $30, I bought bean seeds, which I planted because beans grow fast and fetch a good price in the market. My plan is to harvest and sell the beans in a few months, using the income to buy household necessities. This will keep food on our table and reduce our reliance on external support. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy food for my family. Before the transfer, we were running low on supplies, and this helped us restock and eat properly."

"The floors in my two-room home were bare and dusty, and the walls had been badly damaged by termites. I used $34 to cement the floors, which now look clean and feel sturdy. I also repaired the termite-eaten sections of the walls, ensuring my family has a safe and comfortable space. It feels good knowing the house is now in much better shape, especially with the rains coming soon. With $20, I bought maize flour in bulk, enough to last us several months. Having this staple food stored away gives me peace of mind because I no longer worry about what we will eat tomorrow. It’s a relief to know my children won’t go hungry, and we can focus on other needs without the constant fear of running out of food. A larger portion of the money, $90, went to servicing a loan I had taken to pay for my child’s school fees. Carrying that debt had been a heavy burden, and I often lay awake at night worrying about how I would repay it. Now that it’s cleared, I feel a sense of freedom and relief I haven’t felt in a long time. This transfer has not just helped me meet immediate needs; it has also lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on planning for the future."

"When I received the last $450 from GiveDirectly, I had already bought some construction materials, so it was time to complete my dream project of building a new house. I used the entire amount to buy iron sheets and pay for labor. Now, I have a new house. Previously, I was living in a grass-thatched house that leaked badly, especially during the rainy season. During those times, we couldn’t cook because all the firewood would get wet, and it was very uncomfortable being rained on at night. With the new house, my family and I can now sleep in comfort, even during the rainy season. This has completely transformed our lives, and I am grateful for the support that made this possible."

"What stood out to me was how respectful and kind the GiveDirectly staff were. They treated everyone with dignity and were always ready to assist. Their professionalism and approach made the whole experience smooth and impactful. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider coming back and supporting us beyond the third transfer. This additional support would help many of us continue improving our lives and achieving our goals."