"A reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband and I do casual jobs making approximately $40 per month which caters for food and school fees. The income is low such that one of my son dropped out of school due to lack of school fees."

"As a mother of five, one of the greatest challenges I face is ensuring my children receive a quality education. My husband and I struggle to provide the necessary support and resources for our kids to have an optimal learning environment. The financial burden of school fees is particularly daunting, and the demands of the new curriculum make it even more challenging to keep up. Even the costs of school trips have become a significant strain. The primary underlying issue is the lack of a stable income to support our family."

"With the help of GiveDirectly, I managed to purchase a bed for my family, a small luxury that brings immense comfort. But there's still a missing piece to complete our nightly haven which is a mattress. It's not just about the comfort; it's about ensuring my children sleep soundly, free from the aches of the hard floor. So, my goal for the coming year is to save up enough, at least $10 a month, to afford a mattress, costing about $50. And once we have that mattress, my aspirations soar even higher. I envision venturing into livestock farming, particularly goats. They're resilient creatures, capable of withstanding the harsh climate of our region, and their maintenance costs are manageable. With a small herd of goats, I can provide for my family, not just in terms of food but also through the potential income from selling their offspring. With determination and the support of GiveDirectly, I know these dreams are within reach, and I'll stop at nothing to achieve them."

"When I started receiving funds from GiveDirectly, a world of possibilities opened up before me. In the coming year and beyond, I hope to accomplish something that will sustain and uplift my family. I plan to start a goat-keeping project. Goats are an ideal choice because they are relatively cheap to acquire and maintain, and there's always a ready market for them. To facilitate this goal, I joined a merry-go-round group with nine other members, where each of us contributes $10 every month. We rotate the collected amount among us, allowing one member to invest in their dreams each month. My turn to receive the funds will come in September 2024, and I plan to use this money to buy at least three goats to kickstart my venture. This project will provide a steady income and create a ripple effect of growth and stability in my family. With the support from GiveDirectly and my commitment to this journey, I am confident that the future holds great promise for me."

"Ever since I received support from GiveDirectly, my life has been a whirlwind of hope and hard work. I currently sleep in the kitchen, but I have started building my own house. My biggest goal for the coming year is to complete this house and ensure that the roof is securely in place before the year ends. Once the house is finished, I plan to embark on a new journey of poultry farming. I am determined to see this vision through, and I know that with continued perseverance, the coming years will be filled with stability and growth."

"As I lie at night in my brother’s house, I often dream of the day I will have a place to call my own. The lack of privacy here eats away at my peace of mind, and I yearn for the simple comfort of my space. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, this dream is within reach. Over the past months, I have managed to save enough to buy five iron sheets, and I am determined to build a two-room mud-wall house, which requires a total of 16 iron sheets. Every month, I carefully set aside at least $5, steadily marching toward my goal. In the coming year and beyond, I hope to start constructing my house and finally have a shelter where I can sleep soundly, free from worry. The promise of my own home fills me with hope and drives me forward every day."

"My main focus for the upcoming year and beyond is to keep saving up and gradually expanding my goat herd. This might seem like a simple goal, but it holds immense significance for me and my family's future. With each goat I acquire, I'm not just adding to my assets; I'm investing in a better life for my children, especially as they transition into secondary school. Each month, with the help of monthly transfers, I plan to add to my goat herd. This approach ensures a steady process without disrupting my children's education. Goats are not only an investment but also a source of stability for our family's future. By prioritizing this goal, I am laying the foundation for a better life and brighter opportunities for my children."

"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to save enough money through my savings group and additional profits from my charcoal business to purchase a piece of land. Once I have the land, I will begin constructing a new house to replace the dilapidated one I currently live in. I aim to complete the purchase of the new plot of land by the end of next year. I am grateful for the financial support I am receiving from the transfers, which is helping me achieve this goal."

"In the coming year and beyond, my aim is to buy more goats since I currently have only two in my compound. I am confident that through these transfers, I will be able to achieve this goal. The reason I want to keep more goats is that I have five children attending school, and without a reliable job, these goats will be essential in funding their education up to the university level and beyond. By raising and selling goats, I can secure the necessary funds to ensure they have a brighter future. Additionally, these goats will serve as a financial safety net, providing support whenever I face any financial constraints. I believe that with hard work and careful planning, I can significantly improve my family's financial stability through this endeavor."

"My dream is to buy many more goats and turkeys to keep in my compound, which will provide a steady source of income and security for my family. I plan to use the incoming transfers from GiveDirectly, as I currently rely on casual jobs that are unpredictable and insufficient. These livestock will act as a financial safety net, allowing me to sell some animals if we ever face any financial challenges in the future. This way, I can ensure we have enough resources to meet our needs without worrying about sudden income losses. Moreover, having these animals will be a constant reminder that even when the aid from GiveDirectly ends, we have built something sustainable and lasting. This initiative will not only help us manage our day-to-day expenses but also provide a sense of stability and self-reliance for the years to come."