"The main challenge I am facing is the lack of a stable source of income to meet my family's basic needs. I rely on my small business as the backbone of our livelihood, using its modest earnings to pay school fees for my two children in high school and to support a family of seven. This responsibility weighs heavily on me, as the income is often insufficient to cover all the necessities, leaving us in a constant struggle to make ends meet."

"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to invest in goat rearing and poultry keeping, as these projects will help me achieve my ultimate aim of building my own house. I am determined to have a house of my own before getting married, as I do not want to bring my wife to live in a relative's house. To achieve this, I save through our merry-go-round group, which will help me buy building materials more quickly. I also rear goats, and if they multiply rapidly, I plan to sell some and combine the proceeds with my savings to accelerate the construction process. Currently, I have two goats, and I am confident they will multiply over time, providing additional resources to fund my home-building efforts. Living in my uncle's house motivates me to work hard, as I aspire to have a place to call my own. By selling vegetables to my neighbors and using the transfers I receive, I am confident I can purchase more goats, grow my investments, and ultimately build my home while improving my financial stability."

"We live in a banditry prone zone. When we last had an attack about ten months ago, my husband and I relocated together with our children and livestock. We only came back a few months ago after the government confirmed safety. Having lived in constant fear of attacks, we have sold most of our livestock at a throw away price — to reduce the chances of becoming targets. Consequently, without livestock we will not be in a position to give our 3 children quality education."

"My primary goal is to ensure my family has a stable source of income in the future, particularly during emergencies. To achieve this, I have been using my previous transfers from GiveDirectly to purchase goats and plan to buy more with future transfers. I hope these goats will multiply and grow in value over time, allowing me to sell them when needed to cover my family's necessities and support my children's education. Goat farming is a vital part of my plans, and I am determined to see it succeed because it holds great importance for my family's well-being. This vision of a secure and prosperous future motivates me to keep moving forward. To reach this goal, I plan to use part of my transfers to invest in these projects, starting with the one chicken and three goats I already have. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has made these aspirations possible."

"I suffered from polio as a child. Now 36 years later, the struggles of my childhood are reflected in my 7 year old son, Fabian ,who has been diagnosed with the same problem. I cannot move without the help of my crutches nor go long distances without someone to hold my hand. Fabian began schooling a year ago and I am already feeling the burden of paying for his education with nothing much to do with my disabled self. In most cases, I depend on assistance from my siblings to put a meal on the table."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to save enough money to purchase a motorbike. This will enable me to run a successful business transporting charcoal and vegetables to the market, which will significantly improve my family's financial stability. I am committed to saving $15 every month towards this goal, and I am confident that once I have the motorbike, it will open up more opportunities for income and help me provide better for my family. This is a step I am determined to take, as it will bring lasting change to our lives."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to focus on savings so that I can build my own house. I am determined to set aside $25 from the monthly transfers to buy iron sheets, which will be the foundation of my new home. Once I have the iron sheets, I will continue to save and buy the other necessary building materials. I am committed to making this dream a reality, and with perseverance, I know I will be able to provide a better and safer living space for my family."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to build a stronger foundation for my family's future by expanding my herd of goats. Goats are a reliable investment, and as the herd grows, I plan to exchange some for cows, which will provide even greater stability. I have already made progress, trading five goats for a cow, and now I have four goats and one bull. To achieve this goal, I am committed to saving $20 monthly to purchase more goats. This plan will not only secure my family's future but also ensure we have sustainable resources to rely on."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to expand my investments by buying more goats. Currently, I have three goats, but I know that increasing my herd will help secure my family's future and provide greater financial stability. To achieve this, I plan to save at least $10 each month. With consistent savings and careful planning, I believe I can reach this goal and build a stronger, more sustainable source of income for my family. I am determined to make this happen and watch my investments grow over time."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to accomplish my dream of building a proper house for my family. I’ve already made progress by purchasing the building poles, but I still need to secure iron sheets and cover the labor costs for the contractor. To achieve this, I will continue saving $20 monthly, staying committed to my goal. This house will provide my family with the safety and comfort we deserve, and I am motivated to see this vision become a reality step by step."