"The iron sheets on my house are in a sorry state, being both old and rusty, and riddled with holes that let rainwater seep inside whenever it pours. By the year's end, I aim to save up a sufficient amount of money to purchase brand new iron sheets and completely overhaul the roof. Alongside repairing the roof, I have another aspiration to support my children's education by using the transfer funds."

"I've been a stay-at-home mother for years, primarily engaging in subsistence farming when we have sufficient rainfall. Unfortunately, I lack a steady source of income to meet my financial needs, like food, and at times, I find it overwhelming to fulfill the various household requirements. Meanwhile, my husband makes a meagre living from his construction job which is frequently insufficient. However, in the coming year and beyond, I intend to open a shop in town where I will sell charcoal and make a profit. To make this happen, I plan to save any extra money, add to my small savings, and save enough money to buy a large stock of charcoal for resale. This opportunity will change my life by allowing me to be self-employed and earn my own money. With this newfound financial stability, I will be able to meet my needs more effectively and comfortably. This goal is extremely important to me, especially now that I have enough food after a successful harvest. I am determined to pursue this opportunity and build a better future for myself and my family."

"Given the financial challenges my family has been facing, my primary objective is to establish a new, reliable source of income that ensures our financial stability. To achieve this, I intend to make significant investments in acquiring livestock. Through diligent livestock rearing, I anticipate their numbers to multiply, enabling me to sell some at a profit. This profit will be instrumental in meeting my family's daily needs, which I currently struggle to provide for. I am optimistic that this venture will lift me out of poverty's grasp."

"In its current state, my house is in a dilapidated condition with weak building poles causing it to lean precariously to one side. This situation is a cause of great concern for me, especially with the safety of my newborn baby at risk. I fear that the house might collapse in the near future, posing a significant threat to both of us. However, I have devised a plan to address this issue. I intend to save enough money from my upcoming transfers to purchase the necessary stones and cement. My goal is to construct sturdy pillars around the house, ensuring its safety and strength."

"My aspirations lie in launching two ventures: a clothing business and a hotel. The unexpected hurdle of joblessness has led me to explore new avenues for financial independence and fulfillment. My vision encompasses not only personal success but also the chance to contribute to my community by creating job opportunities and offering quality products and services. As I plan and strategize, I am filled with hope and determination, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead and turn my dreams into a thriving reality."

"I want to cater to my children's school fees without much struggle because I believe that it will pave the way for a brighter future for them and ease the financial burden I currently face. Already, one of my children has graduated from university, and I have faith that she will help me support the rest of the family after I invested in her education. My main goal is to provide my children with the resources they need to pursue their studies and achieve their dreams. Education is crucial for their success, and I want to give them the best opportunities possible. By supporting their schooling without excessive hardships, I hope to empower them to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Seeing my eldest child graduate from university fills me with pride and hope. It reaffirms my belief in the power of education to transform lives and create a brighter future. I trust that her accomplishments will open doors for her, allowing her to help our family in the future. As a parent, I have a deep sense of responsibility and love for my family. By investing in my children's education, I am making an investment in their future success and well-being. I understand that education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of financial struggle and create new opportunities."

"With the cash transfers in hand, I made decisions that aimed to transform our lives for the better. The first step towards securing a brighter future was investing in our home. I used $100 to purchase 10 pieces of iron sheets, a significant contribution towards building a solid and stable shelter for my family. The dream of having a proper home, a place to call our own, had always been a distant hope. But with the cash transfers, that dream began to take shape. Each iron sheet represented a piece of our future, a step closer to providing my family with a safe and comfortable place to live. Beyond shelter, I recognized the importance of presenting oneself well. With $30, I bought clothes that would not only make me look presentable but also boost my confidence as I carried out my daily duties. It was a small investment, but its impact on my self-esteem was immeasurable. My brother fell seriously ill, and we had no choice but to rally together as a family to support him. With $70, we managed to pay the hospital bill, ensuring he received the medical attention he needed. The experience brought our family even closer, reminding us of the strength we possessed when we united for a common cause. With a grateful heart and a determined spirit, I looked forward to the next cash transfers, knowing that they would continue to open doors of opportunity for my family."

"The offspring of the goats brought additional streams of revenue, easing the burden of school fees and other expenses that once seemed daunting. With the goats thriving under our care, I decided to take a break from the arduous business of burning charcoal, focusing instead on nurturing our livestock. The decision to shift my focus was not made lightly, but it was a necessary step to secure a brighter future for my family. The goats required attention, care, and proper management to ensure their health and productivity. As they flourished, so did our financial prospects. By dedicating myself to the goat husbandry, I discovered the art of animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture. I learned to breed and care for the goats, optimize their diet, and provide them with the best living conditions. The knowledge I gained through this venture was not only practical but also empowering, equipping me with valuable skills for the future. Reflecting on this journey, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude to GiveDirectly for their generosity and support."

"With $110, I embarked on a mission to ensure that my loved ones never had to endure the pangs of hunger. It was a daunting task, especially when the casual work I depended on proved to be inconsistent, and money was always tight. With careful budgeting and resourcefulness, I managed to purchase enough food to fill our humble pantry. The joy on my family's faces when they saw the stocked shelves made every sacrifice worthwhile. However, I knew that securing our well-being wasn't just about immediate needs. To pave the way for a more stable future, I made a bold decision to invest $240 in a dairy cow. This decision was met with skepticism by some, given our financial constraints, but I believed that this wise investment would yield great returns. In another leap of faith, I used some of the remaining funds to purchase two mattresses, each costing $25. It was a small comfort, but one that made a world of difference to my family. For the first time in a long while, they slept peacefully, knowing that their comfort mattered."

"I am grateful for the assistance that came from GiveDirectly during difficult economic times. With the transfers they provided, I was able to purchase food worth $110, ensuring that my family of five had enough to eat. Furthermore, I invested $340 to build a new house, as our previous one was a mud house. I believed that improving our living conditions was essential, so I decided to build a house with iron sheets all around. This decision brought happiness and comfort to all of us, as we now had a sturdier and more secure home. The support from GiveDirectly made a significant difference in our lives. It not only helped us meet our basic needs but also enabled us to take steps towards a better future. Having a comfortable and safe home is a fundamental aspect of our well-being, and we are grateful for the positive change it has brought to our lives. As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and gratitude. With our improved living conditions and the support we received, we are motivated to face the future with renewed determination and optimism. We are thankful to GiveDirectly for being a beacon of hope during challenging times. Their assistance has made a lasting impact on our family, and we will forever be grateful for the support that helped us through those difficult days."