"I SPENT MOST OF MY TRANSFER ON PURCHASING A COW BECAUSE ITS A GREAT INVESTMENT"

"Becoming a primary school teacher has been my aspiration since my childhood. Having completed secondary school last year, I am eager to pursue a teaching course. These transfers will not only support my educational journey but will also contribute to achieving this dream. I plan to utilize the proceeds from the sale of my goats and chickens to further support myself through the course. Realizing this dream is significant to me as it assures me of employment opportunities upon course completion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for their unwavering support to me and my family."

"Looking ahead to the coming year, my goal is to realize the dream of having my own house, considering that I am currently living in my brother's place. I am pleased to report that I have already started saving towards this endeavor, aiming to begin construction sometime this year. In pursuit of this objective, I plan to utilize both my savings and financial support from my parents. The prospect of having my own home fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment, and I eagerly anticipate a prosperous new year."

"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."

"The transfer we received served as a crucial lifeline for my family. As the primary caregiver for my granddaughter, who tragically lost her parents at the tender age of four months, my responsibilities have been both challenging and emotionally demanding. Relying solely on the income generated from my quarter-acre of land, where I cultivate maize for sale, has become increasingly difficult due to the recurring droughts over the past three years. This has hindered our ability to meet even the most basic needs. The weight of my granddaughter's school fees posed a significant burden. Despite her completion of secondary education in 2022, her certificate was withheld by the school due to $800 in outstanding fees. In response, I allocated $100 from the recent transfer to make a partial payment toward her school fees. Additionally, I used $80 to refurbish my granary, which had been severely infested by termites. Though the renovation is ongoing, I remain optimistic about completing it with the anticipated second transfer. This improvement will provide a secure storage space for my farm products, a stark contrast to the current situation where they are stored in the living room, vulnerable to weevils and theft. I used the small amount that remained to purchase essential food supplies for my family of three. I am truly grateful for the transfer."

"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 am thrilled that one of my most significant achievements was made possible through the financial assistance provided by GiveDirectly. Previously, I resided in a grass-thatched hut, but today, I take pride in living in a spacious house with an iron roof. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my new goal is to invest in livestock, particularly goats, as they are relatively easy to maintain. The primary objective is to acquire tangible assets that can serve as dependable financial resources. Currently, I already own a few goats, and my plan is to expand this livestock. These goats serve as a crucial safety net for someone like me who relies on subsistence farming and lacks a consistent income source. In times of financial need, these living assets become invaluable, providing a reliable means to address challenges and secure a more stable future."

"With the first transfer, I prioritise $240 in building a two-bedroom house for my six daughters. It was disheartening to share a room with them and their father, and I wanted to give them the privacy they deserved. The joy in their eyes when they saw the metal sheets for the house made every penny worthwhile. As a farmer, I often took up casual work to supplement our income, earning an unpredictable $2 per day. My husband, a casual worker, could make $15 on a good week, but it was never enough to cover our family's needs. With $65, I purchased a sack of maize, addressing the issue of hunger that had been affecting their health. Another $20 went towards buying second-hand clothes for my children, saving them from the embarrassment of wearing the same outfits repeatedly. Finally, I invested $80 in two goats, hoping that their multiplication would serve as a source of financial security for our family's future. The unconditional cash transfer not only met our immediate needs but also allowed us to build a foundation for a better life."

"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."