"I spent a portion of my second transfer on buying bags of cement, sand, and gravel. I had intended to renovate my house, which has holes in some walls. Therefore, I decided to plaster it as well as cement the floor since it was also muddy and dusty. It was so annoying when cleaning it, even during the rainy season. Also, dust is affecting our health all the time. We could end up coughing uncontrollably. I feel relieved now that the house looks so decent and new. I no longer complain of the dust or the cold nights as before. Also, I spent around $100 on school fees for my four children, who are in primary school. Their exam was first approaching, and I am certain that they wouldn't be allowed to sit for it unless they cleared the arrears. I am thankful for having cleared the balance on time. This has however been the main challenge since I am a widow; catering for their other basic needs is sometimes not attainable because of the meagre incomes. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my four kids and other household items."

"My husband has no stable job as he currently works in a garage and what he gets can barely meet all our basic needs. I want to save enough so I can buy more goats and take care of them. They will multiply and I will get that chance of selling them and make huge profit that will be able to pay my children's fees and keep our family running. I will be happy to see all my family's needs being met and living a good life. Thank you GiveDirectly for giving us hope and visions in life."

"The current business I am doing is really progressing well and I pray that it constantly makes huge profit so that I can purchase a big land where I can build my own house and also start farming. I will plant things like maize, cabbages and kales and easily sell all my produce at my shop. I will also build my home because I am currently living in someone else's house and it gives me sleeplessness at night. The thought of not having your own house is not a very pleasing thought so to have that peace of mind, I will have to work hard and do my level best to get land, start building and have my own place."

"After I complete my tailoring course, I will start up my own fashion and design business where I will be making designer clothes that will attract a lot of customers to my business. I believe I will be able to do great work because of the passion I have for tailoring and my desire to succeed in life. Back at home, I would also want to buy a lot of goats and cows that I will be keeping and selling them in future so that I will get good money. I will do a diversified business that will bring me profit in all ways possible."

"I joined the merry go round on 12 December after I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly so as to be able to save enough for my future. I want to start a business where I will be buying tomatoes in bulk and selling them to my villagers so that I will make huge profit and achieve all my long term goals. I also want to buy more goats and cows in the future and have that sense of appreciation and belonging at my home."

"The thing that I desire the most is to join college and study and become a secretary. It has been my dream to have a good job and get paid well and have a better life in the future. I am currently working hard with all the transfers I get and also I am saving enough for the uncertain future and be able to at least be someone in life."

"I am really doing my best at school so that I can graduate with a very good grade and be able to join a good university where I will be taking engineering as my dream course. Most of my cousins have studied engineering and they are really doing well in life. I also want to save enough to buy more chicken and sell so that I can have more to invest and save."

"I currently sell chips and porridge near a bus stop. I believe when I get enough money I will be able to open a beautiful hotel where I will be selling a variety of food stuff to my clients and make bigger profits than what I currently make in a day. I make like $8 in a day that I usually use to cover all my family’s expenses. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for everything you have done for me."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well across the whole region because of the numerous transformations within us. The idea of offering me an unconditional cash transfer has enabled me to own assets that would have taken me years to acquire. I, therefore do not see anything that needs action, even as they move out of our village."