"We never had the opportunity for an education, which has put us at a disadvantage for a long time. As I look at my children, I want to ensure they don’t face the same struggles we have experienced as their parents. We are determined for them to receive an education, and as I mentioned before, all my transfers will be directed towards their schooling. Additionally, I burn and sell charcoal to earn extra money to help my spouse support our family. With a large family like ours, it requires both of us to work extra hard so we can provide our children with their basic needs. Therefore, in the coming year and beyond, my spouse and I will concentrate on caring for our children, particularly making sure they receive the best education possible."

"Now that I’ve finished building my two-room house with the help of some of the transfers I received a while ago, I have a new goal: to buy more goats and keep them at my homestead. I feel that my financial struggles have partly been due to a lack of dependable assets that I could sell when needed. To achieve this, I’m now planning to save about $20 each month from my transfers, so I can fulfill this dream as soon as possible. Once I reach my goal, I’ll be in a good position to sell some goats and pay my bills on time, especially since I don’t have a permanent job at the moment. Having goats at home will also ease my burden, as I won’t need to borrow money in case of emergencies. Instead, I’ll be able to sell one or two goats and settle any expenses that come up."

"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future."

"When I received the cash transfer, I saw an opportunity to improve our living situation. I decided to buy a piece of land in Eldume where flooding is less severe. Land in that area is not cheap—a half-acre goes for about $550—but I spoke with the owner and they agreed to let me make a deposit of $300 from the transfer. Where we currently live, flooding is a constant worry, and I have been wanting to move my family to higher ground for a while. In addition, I used $100 to plough half an acre and plant tomatoes. My husband had already bought tomato seedlings, but we didn’t have the funds to prepare the land. This cash came at just the right time, allowing us to get the field ready for planting. Tomatoes mature faster and can sell at a good price, so we’re hopeful that this crop will bring in a steady income to support our household. Lastly, I used the remainder of the money to buy household food items. Ensuring that we are food secure is important, especially as we embark on this new farming venture. With food stocked and a new land investment underway, I feel that we’re on the path to a better future. This cash transfer has truly been a blessing, giving us the boost we needed to improve our lives."

"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves."

"When I woke up in the morning, I reached for my phone to check the time, and there it was—a message notification waiting for me. I opened it without thinking much, and then I saw it: money from GiveDirectly! I could hardly believe my eyes. My heart raced, and this wave of joy just took over me. I couldn’t contain myself; it was like a dream come true! I'd been planning to start farming for so long but never had the resources to make it happen. Now, with this cash in my hands, that journey was finally possible—no more putting it off, no more empty plans."

"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed."

"I currently have a few pieces of iron sheets that I bought with transfers some time ago. My goal now is to build a new house, as my current one has become too small to accommodate me and my grandchildren. I am saving a portion of the transfers I receive each month to construct a one-room house, where I will move once it’s finished, leaving the old house for my grandchildren, who can comfortably live there. I trust that by next year, my savings will allow me to purchase the remaining materials needed to start construction on my new house. This will restore my dignity and provide me with the privacy I need, as well as that of my family members. I believe this will earn me the respect I desire."

"My main goal now is to buy a wooden door to install in my house. Currently, my house lacks a door, and I live in fear that someone might enter while I’m away and take my belongings. This situation has prevented me from going far from the village, as I worry that people might take advantage of my vulnerable state. I am tired of feeling this way, and I believe it's high time I address this issue. Therefore, I plan to use my small savings from my kiosk business and a portion of my transfers to buy and install the door. I believe that this is the only way to restore my happiness, joy, and the peace of mind I have been lacking."

"Considering my age, I realize that I am getting older, and I fear that once this program ends, I may lack something to rely on in terms of assets. I have set a goal for the coming years: to save at least $15 from my monthly transfers for several months to buy more goats. I currently have four goats on my compound, and acquiring more will increase my benefits. Once I achieve this, it will be easier for me to pay the school fees for my children who are still in primary school, even after the program ends. Additionally, having livestock will provide me with security, as people will be more likely to trust me and lend me their items knowing I have assets."