"I have a dream—a dream of providing my family of four with a better home. Our current living conditions are far from ideal, as we dwell in a mud-walled house that has been infested by termites and washed away by rain. The thought of constructing a two-roomed iron-roofed house fills me with hope and determination. To make this dream a reality, I have set aside $200 for the task. It is a modest budget, but I believe it is enough to create a comfortable and safe dwelling for my family. To fund this project, I plan to sell our goats and honey, assets that I have worked hard to nurture and grow. This endeavor is not just about the physical structure; it is about providing my family with a place they can call home, where they can feel safe and comfortable. It is about eradicating the constant worry of termite infestations and creating a better future for my loved ones."

"The impact of GiveDirectly's transfers has been nothing short of transformative in our community. Lives that were once marked by uncertainty and struggle have taken a turn towards hope and prosperity. As people have acquired assets and ventured into extensive businesses, a wave of positive change has swept through our village. However, to truly solidify this progress and transform these changes into long-term solutions, we believe that extending the duration of these transfers is essential. While the initial support has undeniably made a substantial difference, the challenges we face in our region require sustained and consistent assistance. Long-term transfers would allow us to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability."

"My dream is to add more goats to my flock. Those five goats, purchased with the financial transfer, are the foundation upon which I can build a more stable and prosperous life. While I may not be able to toil in the fields like I used to, I know that these goats can be a source of income and sustenance for my family. As the goats breed and multiply, I have the opportunity to expand my flock. Selling some of the offspring will generate the funds necessary to buy food and meet other essential expenses for my family of six."

"My husband, Chengo, runs a clothing business, a venture he opened with the first transfers and on which the family of four depends. He would often spend a significant portion of his earnings on transportation to reach his customers. It was a hurdle that hindered the business's growth potential. We both understood that a motorcycle could be the game-changer, the key to unlocking new opportunities and expanding the business's reach. However, with finances being a pitfall, we never purchased anything until the transfers arrived. When we received the transfers, we used them all to purchase a second-hand motorcycle. I am glad the motorcycle has not only improved our financial situation but also brought a sense of security and stability into our lives."

"The prospect of expanding our millet and maize farming to feed my family of four fills my heart with determination and optimism. These crops, known for their drought resistance, hold the promise of a bountiful harvest even with limited rainfall. I am glad my family will have food on the table. To make this vision a reality, I intend to take on casual jobs, such as weeding, to earn additional income. Together, these efforts will provide not just sustenance but also a sense of self-reliance and security."

"My family of eight relies on the water vending business to make ends meet. However, the income earned from this business cannot cater for all the family's needs, such as food, school fees, and clothing. I cannot help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the assistance we have received from GiveDirectly, as most of my financial problems have been solved. When I received the transfers, I used $25 on debt repayment in a shop where I usually take goods on a loan. I further paid $300 in school fees for my children in grade 11 and college, respectively. The school fees had been a constant source of worry, a mountain we struggled to climb. For the rest of the transfers, I purchased food for the household. I am elated that these funds were not just about money; they were about hope, opportunity, and a chance for my family to rise above our circumstances."

"Now, thanks to the cash transfer program, I not only have three goats but also a maize harvest from the recent planting season. My goal is simple: to keep buying more goats and expand my little herd. With each new addition, I get closer to securing my medication for my anemia. Also, every year-end, I eagerly anticipate celebrating with my family and preparing a special meal for all of us. These goats will play a crucial role during those festive moments. I can't express enough how grateful I am for the cash transfer program, which has brought a ray of hope and self-sufficiency into my life."

"With the recent successful harvest that I am confident will sustain my family until next year, I plan to address other needs that were previously challenging to afford due to constraints related to food. My main objective is to actively contribute to the education of our four children, thereby providing support to my husband and alleviating some of his financial burdens. To achieve this, I believe that venturing into goat rearing is a promising option. However, goats have become relatively expensive, with each goat costing nearly $40. Nevertheless, with the assistance of the cash transfers, I am confident that I will be able to save and embark on my goat-rearing journey."

"Looking ahead, my goal is to construct a brick-walled house, as it offers greater durability compared to my current mud-walled dwelling. The house I built six years ago is showing signs of weakening walls and foundations over time, and I am determined to avoid the risk of it collapsing, leaving me without shelter before I can construct a new one. Additionally, I plan to expand my poultry farm by acquiring different breeds of chickens, including layers and broilers. I aim to make poultry farming my primary source of income, especially since I do not currently have a job. By selling broilers and eggs from the layers, I am excited to further develop this venture, providing for my family and supporting the education of my four children."

"My goal remains to keep buying goats and grow my herd from the two I already acquired through previous transfers. Since food is not a concern at the moment due to our maize harvest, I intend to allocate most of the cash transfers toward buying goats. My ultimate objective is to accumulate enough wealth through livestock so that when the transfers eventually cease, I will have a source of income to contribute to the household's needs, such as food, without relying solely on my son."