"Living with my youngest daughter, she's been a great help in managing transfers and phone operations. For years, we endured a dilapidated hut built way back in 1993. When the first transfer arrived, constructing a new home became a priority, and part of that support went into purchasing construction materials. With the second transfer, I acquired 12 more iron sheets, timber, frames, and nails totaling $161. Construction labor cost $64, bringing us a better, leak-free space with sturdy walls. Transporting materials incurred a $10 cost. I invested $70 in a goat, planning to add more with the upcoming transfer. With my daughter, we spent $43 on foodstuff, sustaining us to date. Relying mostly on charcoal burning and farming for sustenance, this support has been crucial. We used remaining funds on household necessities, including a bed, and bedding. The impact has been transformative, offering us a more secure and comfortable living environment."

"My goal is to attain a diploma in education. As a teacher by profession, my current qualifications are not competitive enough to secure a job in the face of stiff competition. During interviews, individuals with higher qualifications often secure the positions, motivating me to pursue further studies. The cost for the entire diploma is currently $900. However, it is challenging for both my husband (also a teacher) and me, to raise this amount at once, as our income sources only cover basic household needs. Therefore, I plan to save a portion of future cash transfers, just enough to enroll in college. Subsequently, I will gradually source funds to settle the fees as time progresses."

"By the time the transfers come to an end, my goal is to have extended one more room to my house. Currently, all four of us (my mother, my two children, and myself) share a one-room structure, and the space is too tight. Previously, it was challenging to build another room, as the little funds I made from selling palm wine were just enough for necessities like food or school fees. I am grateful that the cash transfers have enabled me to contribute to a merry-go-round where I aim to save $20 every month. I hope that when it's my turn to receive the money, I can use it to extend the room. Additionally, I want to expand my livestock herd of two goats, as I can sell them in the future to cover school fees for my children, even when my business is not doing well or after the cash transfers end."

"I am delighted that the cash transfers have enabled me to own goats, a goal that was previously unattainable. The limited income from making and selling charcoal could barely cover my children's school fees and provide daily food. Now, thanks to the cash transfers, I have four goats. I aspire to grow this herd to ten goats by the time the cash transfers come to an end. Owning goats brings me assurance and happiness, and I am grateful for this opportunity provided by GiveDirectly."

"My goal is to initiate a vegetable-selling business in my village. In my area, people have to walk for almost a couple of hours to find a market or a vegetable-selling stand. I am confident that starting this business will give me an advantage due to the demand for vegetables and the lack of competition. To kickstart the business, I need at least $60 to acquire the initial stock. Before starting the business, I plan to set up the stand by purchasing building materials. Once everything is in place, I aim to begin building a new dwelling space for my family. The current house, with a grass-thatched roof, leaks water during rainfall. I am certain that obtaining a completely new house will provide better shelter for my family."

"My primary challenge now is the medication for my son’s, Safari, epileptic condition. This is where most of my cash transfers go. My long-term plan has always been to build a new house because the current condition is very poor. The mud on the walls is disintegrating from the ongoing rains, leaving the house with holes, and it has started caving in. It is not the best living situation. I aim to construct a completely new house with an iron sheet roof and mud walls, but in a structure that is not vulnerable to rain. After achieving this, I will start planning to develop myself, particularly in terms of rearing livestock. I sincerely hope that my son will get better in the future so that I can allocate some of the cash transfers to buying livestock."

"My vision for the next few years is centered around keeping goats. I am pleased that previous cash transfers allowed me to buy two goats, both of which have given birth, increasing the number to four. Beyond goats, I aspire to purchase at least four cows before the cash transfers cease. With cows, I can use them for farming activities like plowing and even rent them out to generate funds."

"In the coming year, I am eager to dive into farming as a means to support my family of seven. My starting capital is just $20. I have devised a plan to earn this amount through casual jobs like weeding, seizing every opportunity to build the foundation for our farming venture. I see this as more than just a financial endeavor. It is about nurturing the land, providing sustenance, and creating a future for my family. With each day's labor, I am sowing the seeds of our future. Farming is not just a livelihood; it is a commitment to nurturing the soil and reaping the rewards it offers. I understand the challenges ahead, but I am ready to embrace them. From cultivating the land to tending to the crops, I am prepared to pour my energy and dedication into this venture. It is about building something substantial from the ground up, step by step, seed by seed."

"In the coming year, my aspiration is to fence our garden, turning it into a fruitful plot where I can cultivate fruits to generate income for my family of nine. My plan is to raise a capital of $300, and I aim to acquire this from the profits garnered through farming endeavors and the sale of goats. This investment in fencing the garden is more than just a project; it's a pathway toward financial independence and stability for us. By transforming this space into a fruit-bearing garden, I envision a sustainable source of income that can cater to our household needs and possibly pave the way for a brighter future. The capital I hope to accumulate from farming profits and goat sales signifies our dedication to making this dream a reality. Every seed planted and every goat raised represents a step closer to achieving this goal, one that I believe will significantly impact our family's livelihood."

"When the transfers came through, I made two essential investments: $390 went into purchasing fencing wire, a crucial step toward securing my dedicated 3-acre farm. The rest of the funds were invested in a goat, a valuable asset in its own right. The fencing wire holds immense significance as it will enclose the land where I plan to cultivate maize. This maize farm is not just about sustaining my family of six today; it is a crucial step in securing a future for my children. As I grow older, I have come to rely on farming to ensure my children have the means to pursue education by covering their school fees. This farm represents more than just a piece of land; it is a beacon of hope for the future. It is my way of laying the foundation for my children, ensuring they have opportunities ahead despite my limitations. Every stalk of maize planted is a step toward securing their future, allowing them to grow and flourish even when I am no longer able to provide as I do now."