"I bought some construction materials and some Agricultural inputs"

"My foremost goal is to fortify my financial independence by strategically investing in assets, specifically goats. Recognizing the impermanence of certain aid programs like GiveDirectly, I aim to secure a sustainable future for myself. By purchasing more goats, I envision building a valuable asset base that can generate income through breeding and sales. This strategic move is motivated by a desire to cease dependency on my children for financial support, ensuring that I have a tangible resource to fall back on. I believe that by making prudent investments, I can not only weather the uncertainties of external aid but also pave the way for a more self-reliant and secure future."

"My primary mission is clear: I am determined to secure additional funds to cover the education expenses of my three children. With two in secondary school and one in primary, the financial responsibility has become substantial. My aspirations extend beyond merely paying school fees; I aim to provide them with a quality education that will open doors to opportunities and a brighter future. Whether through finding additional income streams, exploring scholarship opportunities, or tapping into community resources, my commitment to their education is unwavering. I believe that investing in their learning today is an investment in their success tomorrow, and I am driven by the conviction that education is the key to breaking the cycle of limitations."

"My aspirations are centered around building a more secure and stable future for myself and my family. I am determined to start keeping livestock, particularly goats, as a means to have a financial safety net in case of any unforeseen economic challenges. The prospect of selling goats not only provides a source of income but also a sustainable and flexible asset. Additionally, a significant part of my focus will be directed towards completing the construction of my house, a project that holds both personal and familial significance. I believe that by combining these efforts, I can create a more resilient and comfortable life, ensuring financial stability and a secure home for those I care about."

"Once reliant on charcoal burning and odd agriculture jobs, my life took a turn with a recent transfer. Wondering how to secure my children's education and ensure a stable future, I invested $300 in two cows. The vision was simple: as cows multiplied, so would my bank account. Their higher selling price compared to goats promised a robust return. With this, I planned to cover the school fees for my five children.Allocating the remaining funds, I ensured sufficient food for my family and embraced a joyous December Christmas. This transformation was made possible by GiveDirectly, liberating me from the grind of charcoal burning and agricultural toil. The cows not only symbolized hope for my children's education but also a newfound financial stability, breaking the cycle of day-to-day struggles."

"Upon receiving the funds, I allocated $150 towards completing the construction of my long-pending house, fulfilling a longstanding aspiration. Simultaneously, recognizing the need to provide a constructive path for my son, who had struggled academically after completing secondary school, I invested an additional $150 from the received amount to enroll him in a technical college. This decision aimed to equip him with masonry skills for a promising future. Diversifying my financial endeavors, I allocated $250 from the transfer to expand my goat-selling business. This strategic investment resulted in a significant increase in my livestock, proving particularly advantageous during the festive season. The markets were bustling with eager buyers, leading to a successful period for my business. Witnessing the thriving success of my venture not only brought a sense of accomplishment but also provided a stable income that is currently sustaining my family."

"I LOOK GOOD THESE DAYS BECAUSE WE ARE ABLE TO EAT GOOD FOOD, I WAS ABLE TO IMPROVE MY HOUSE"

"My primary goal for this year is to complete the construction of my children's house. The current living space is inadequate, prompting the need for a more spacious house. I have already started the process by purchasing the necessary materials such as iron roofing sheets, and I am in the process of acquiring building poles. I intend to use upcoming transfers to fulfill this objective and am happy about the prospect of a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead."

"I faced the unfortunate closure of my hotel business due to challenges in raising the rent from its own proceeds. This led me to seek an alternative income source, and I secured a job as a nanny. While contemplating my next steps, I am mindful of the program's imminent conclusion and aspire to create a lasting memory from it, coupled with the establishment of a growing investment. In light of this, I have decided to invest in livestock, specifically goats, which thrive in this environment. Upon receiving the cumulative savings from my monthly savings plan, I plan to allocate them towards the purchase of goats. Having sufficient time on my hands now allows me to care for and nurture them effectively. These goats hold significant value for me. They serve as a financial resource during emergencies, providing a safety net. Moreover, when I finalize a new business idea, the goats can be sold to generate the necessary capital. This strategy ensures that the investment continues to yield returns even after the program concludes, offering both stability and the potential for future entrepreneurial pursuits."

"As my livelihood depends solely on livestock keeping and farming, my primary objective for the year is to enhance my agricultural endeavors by reducing expenditures associated with hiring tractors for farm cultivation. To achieve this goal, I aim to acquire bulls, commonly utilized in this region for such activities. Currently, I own two goats, but to purchase a substantial bull, I need at least five goats, valued at a cumulative $200. However, for two bulls, I would require ten goats. Given my current financial situation, raising enough funds for a bull directly is challenging. Therefore, my strategy involves initially buying goats, which are more affordable. Once I accumulate ten goats, I plan to sell them to generate sufficient funds for acquiring the bulls. Having the bulls not only allows me to cut down on farming expenses but also presents an opportunity to generate income. I can offer ploughing services to other farmers in the area, charging $20 per acre. Bulls are preferred over tractors due to their cost-effectiveness. With the bulls, I gain the flexibility to cultivate a larger portion of my land, eliminating previous limitations. This, in turn, translates to increased food production for my family and surplus for selling. In essence, I envision a future with elevated income and an improved standard of living for my entire family, stemming from the successful integration of bulls into my farming practices."