"In the past, I faced financial difficulties that compelled me to take on various jobs such as selling charcoal, working as a farm laborer, and even selling cooked food. However, I now have a new aspiration to embark on a tailoring business. Fortunately, my husband is a skilled tailor, which will make the transition smoother. I intend to learn the art of sewing and subsequently invest in a sewing machine, estimated to cost around $100. This investment will lay the foundation for my own tailoring business. Establishing a tailoring business holds great promise for me. It will serve as a reliable source of income, enabling me to meet my financial needs more effectively. By leveraging my newfound skill in sewing, I can offer tailoring services and create unique garments for customers, contributing to the local market. Moreover, as my children are growing, I recognize the need for additional space to accommodate their needs and provide them with a comfortable living environment. With this in mind, I plan to construct an extra room. This expansion will not only cater to the growing needs of my children but also provide me with a sense of privacy and personal space."

"I have a plan to make strategic investments with my upcoming transfers, focusing primarily on purchasing livestock. This investment holds long-term value for me, as the animals have the ability to reproduce and multiply over time. This means that my initial investment will continue to grow and provide a sustainable source of income. By expanding my livestock holdings, I can harness the potential of their reproduction to increase their numbers. As the animals multiply, I will have more opportunities to generate income. This will not only ensure the continuity of my investment but also create a foundation for future financial stability. One of the key benefits of this investment strategy is the flexibility it offers. In the future, when the financial support from transfers comes to an end, I can rely on the income generated from selling the livestock to support various expenses, particularly the education of my children. This reliable source of income will enable me to continue providing for their educational needs, even without ongoing financial assistance."

"I would like to thank GiveDirectly for their invaluable assistance, which allowed my daughter's college tuition to be fully covered by the transfers. She is currently progressing through her second year of studies. It gives me great pleasure to see her consistent academic journey, as opposed to the past, when financial constraints forced her education to be discontinued. Previously, I struggled to meet her tuition deadlines, but the ongoing transfers have alleviated this burden significantly. My primary goal right now is to ensure that she completes the tailoring course and, as a result, is able to open her own shop. In addition, one of my long-term goals has been to replace my worn-out bedding, which had failed to provide a restful sleeping environment. I have put aside $55 for this purpose, with the goal of saving at least $90. This will allow me to purchase a new bed and mattress, giving me a comfortable place to rest my head."

"My household has five individuals including my mother, my 3 siblings, my child and I. It is however unfortunate that we all sleep in one room as the house is quite tiny. This is not just uncomfortable but also embarrassing so I intend to construct a separate house where some of us can sleep in. With the food crisis that we experienced for the better part of this year now over after the generous harvesting season that we have just witnessed, I am now in a position to save for this goal with the help of the transfers and from my small business. Once this has been achieved, I would like to invest in livestock, most especially goats which are cheaper, less demanding are easy to keep. The goats are a long term investment for future years when this project shall have ended. The goats will be my emergency exit plan as I will be able to sell them when in urgent financial need to raise the money, most importantly to cater for my child's school needs. Besides, this they will also be a proof of GD's great impact in my life after the project is over."

"Thanks to the transfers I have received from Give Directly, I have been able to acquire four goats. The exciting news is that these goats are soon expected to give birth, effectively doubling my initial investment. Considering this positive outcome, I am eager to further expand my livestock holdings by purchasing additional animals to complement the four goats, four sheep, and ten cows I already possess. This decision proves to be a wise investment strategy as it provides a safety net in case of unforeseen emergencies. If the need arises, I can sell some of the livestock to address the emergency situation. Additionally, as the animals reproduce, my investment grows further. The financial support I have received has brought immense happiness during a challenging period in my life. It has not only enabled me to purchase food but also provided the means to pay for my son's education. I am truly grateful for this assistance, as it has been instrumental in alleviating financial burdens and ensuring the well-being of my family."

"My aspiration is to construct a brick-walled house that will serve as a long-term residence. Currently, my dwelling consists of walls made from mud and weakened building poles, necessitating frequent and costly repairs. However, I am optimistic that with the monthly transfers providing a financial boost, I will be able to achieve this goal by next August. The financial support I have received thus far has been incredibly fulfilling and has played a vital role in improving my circumstances. I am genuinely grateful for the assistance I have received and the positive impact it has had on my life."

"Since I completed high school 4 years ago, I have been working in construction which I learnt locally after failing to join college due to lack of income from my parents to finance my college education. I have grown to love this job and would like to learn more skills to better my opportunities and get more clients. I would also like to work for high-end clients and win major construction tenders, but this is not possible because I have no official training nor do I have any certifications making it impossible to move from working as a handy man to a constructor even though I do quite a decent job and have acquired a lot of experience over the 4 years. To bridge this gap, I have decided to enrol in college to pursue a course in Building and Construction which unfortunately I must sponsor single-handedly as my parents are unable to raise the funds. To make this happen, I have been saving part of my monthly transfers and earnings from the construction jobs I engage in through a local savings group. I have also been accepted into 2 colleges that I applied to but I am yet to decide which of them I will be joining as I require a bit of flexibility so that I can be taking my course part time while I work to be able to support my needs while in college."

"\ I have a plan to establish a vegetable-selling business within our village. Currently, there is a high demand for vegetables due to the abundant maize harvest from local farms. To manage the business, I intend to entrust my wife with its operations, while I continue working as a motorcycle taxi driver. This business will serve as an additional source of income to complement my job and help us meet our financial needs. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support that has significantly contributed to improving my life."

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, I am excited to share my aspirations for a new chapter in my life. My focus centers on launching a business centered around selling charcoal and firewood, with plans to kickstart it as soon as next month using my hard-earned savings. This venture not only promises to provide a steady income but also holds the potential to create a positive impact on my community by catering to a basic need. With dedication and the desire to succeed, I am confident that my determination will propel me towards the achievement of this goal, allowing me to secure a more prosperous future for myself and those around me."

"It was around 6 p.m. when I returned home from a community gathering, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. As I wearily glanced at my mobile phone, a message notification lit up the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe my eyes; I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy washed over me, tears welled up, and an indescribable sense of relief enveloped my soul. With this lifeline, I knew I could finally put an end to the persistent pangs of hunger that had haunted me for so long. It was a moment of hope, a fresh start, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow."