"In the coming year and beyond, my primary focus is to invest in cattle rearing. Owning a cow is a great idea because it provides a significant source of income, which can be used for meaningful projects. I am pleased to share that I have already purchased a male cow with my previous savings. My goal now is to buy a female cow, as this will allow me to have a steady supply of milk and also benefit from the cow’s ability to reproduce. I enjoy rearing cows because they are relatively easy to manage and not overly expensive to maintain. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling us to form a savings group, or "chama," which helps us save and share ideas that contribute to community development."

"My current house has mud walls, and despite my ongoing efforts to maintain it, the persistent rains have made it clear that frequent repairs are both challenging and costly. I’ve always wished to provide a stable and secure house for my family, which is why I’ve decided to save my transfers and begin building a new, more durable three-roomed house with a verandah. This decision fills me with optimism and excitement, knowing that this new permanent house will not only offer shelter but also comfort and stability for my loved ones. It’s a significant step toward a brighter future, and I’m eager to see my family thrive in our new house. To achieve this, I plan to save diligently, not only from my transfers but also from the profits of my broiler chicken business. I’ve also opened a bank account specifically to save for this goal. With careful planning and perseverance, I’m confident that we will soon enjoy the security and comfort of our new house."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to purchase a mattress. After successfully buying a wooden bed, I now want to get a mattress to improve my comfort. For a long time, I have been sleeping on the bare, uncarpeted floor on top of a sack, which has led to severe back pains and discomfort. To achieve this goal, I plan to save a portion of my transfers next month and use it to purchase the mattress. I am appreciative of the financial support that is helping me achieve my set goals in life."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to use my subsequent transfers to purchase livestock, particularly goats. I believe that rearing livestock can lead me to financial freedom, as goats have the ability to multiply quickly. This will allow me to grow my herd and eventually sell some in the future to generate income. With farming becoming increasingly unreliable due to harsh climatic conditions, I see livestock rearing as a more dependable path to financial stability. I am confident that this approach will help secure my financial future, even beyond the five years of financial support. I am truly appreciative of the financial assistance, which is helping me improve my life and work towards my goals."

"My house was partially destroyed by floods. Although some materials were salvageable, the house was in a poor state. Before receiving the transfers, we had lived in a temporary tent outside our compound for a month because we had no other option. Once I received the money, my priority was to secure better shelter for my family. I spent $40 on demolishing the damaged house and building a one-roomed, muddy-walled house where we now live. I’m grateful to GiveDirectly for this support. In addition to the house, I had lost all my maize crops to the floods at a farm; I was expecting more than 20 bags of maize. My farm was submerged, and water is still lying on it. With food being essential, obtaining it became almost a nightmare. My wife and I worked hard through charcoal production and casual jobs to meet the needs of our three children. I used part of the transfer to buy enough food, spending a total of $64 to ensure we had something to put on the table. Furthermore, most of our clothes were also destroyed in the floods, so I spent $60 to buy new clothes for everyone in my household. To ensure sustainability, I invested $13 in preparing and planting a kitchen garden with black nightshade. We have already started harvesting and selling from the garden, earning about $15 so far, which has helped with our daily needs."

"Using part of my first transfer to invest in crops has given me a sense of pride and empowerment as a woman. For many years, I depended on support from my husband, but now I’m taking steps to contribute on my own. After losing our maize crops, I look forward to harvesting the beans. The income from the harvest will not only help me reinvest in more crops but also provide for our needs and support my husband for once. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for giving me this opportunity"

"For the longest time, I had wanted a sofa but could never afford one. I admired sofas in other people’s homes, but my priorities and income never allowed me to save up for one. Now, I finally have it. During the day, when I’m tired, I can comfortably lie on my sofa. I still can’t believe I have it. Thank you, GiveDirectly!"

"The spending made a significant difference in our lives. Before the transfer, we faced the challenge of replacing essential household items that were destroyed in the floods. We used part of the transfer to buy a mattress, clothes, and utensils, which helped us regain some comfort and functionality in our new temporary house. In addition, the transfer allowed us to address our food needs. We bought a variety of food, including milk, which was a special treat for our young children. This provided us with essential nutrition and also brought a sense of normalcy to our family."

"The moment I received my first transfer was one I'll never forget. It was a Sunday, and I had just come back from church with my neighbor. As we were walking home, a message notification came through our phones. We were both overjoyed to discover that we had both received the transfer, and we felt that this was truly a blessing from God and a special coincidence, especially considering the timing. My first thought was of my children—I could finally build them a proper house. I am very thankful to GiveDirectly."

"Our area was severely flooded, causing extensive damage to my home and sweeping away my 5 hectares of maize and butternut. I felt deeply embarrassed and stressed, with no place to stay. I decided to relocate and rent a house at a nearby center. Life became very difficult, but receiving this unconditional cash gave me a glimmer of hope. Now, I have enough food at home, which has alleviated some of my stress. My son is comfortably attending school. Without GiveDirectly’s support, I fear I might have fallen into a deep depression, as I cannot bear seeing my children suffer while I have the ability to work and earn money. I am sincerely happy and thankful, and I feel close to overcoming poverty, especially when I receive the second transfer."