"My goal for this year is to expand my shop business. It has been thriving, but I want to enhance it by adding more stock, which will make it more stable. With school closing soon, my strategy is to use my upcoming transfers to achieve this objective. A well-stocked shop not only boosts profitability but also attracts more customers. I'm content with the progress I have made so far and eagerly anticipate a brighter future ahead."

"I am currently working on completing the fence around my mango trees to protect them from roaming livestock in the neighborhood. This is necessary to keep the trees safe as they grow. I also plan to plant an additional 50 mango trees, which will bring my total up to 60. In about 3 to 4 years, these mangoes will mature and start producing fruit, which could help our family's finances. I'm saving up for this project and, if God allows, I plan to invest in it with the support of my husband. We will use the money from the investment to pay for our children's school fees and cater to our other needs. Additionally, use the income from our mango investment to support ourselves in our old age."

"Before the transfers, our lives were filled with uncertainty and financial hardship. Without a stable income and eight children to care for, my wife and I struggled to meet our basic needs, let alone save for a home. We relied on the kindness of my in-law for a place to build a house until we were stable enough to buy our own land. We are farmers and relied on rented land for farming, but unpredictable weather often left our agricultural efforts fruitless, making it challenging to adequately provide for our family as well as save for a piece of land. The dream of owning our own home felt like an impossible achievement. However, after receiving the transfers, our lives took a dramatic turn. We were finally able to make a down payment on a 1.5 acre piece of land, securing a permanent home for our family. This newfound stability brought immense relief, lifting the constant worry about home insecurity for my children. With the burden of land expenses eased, we can now channel our resources towards improving our family's well-being and meeting other essential needs like food. The transfers didn't just provide us with a tangible asset; they filled us with hope and optimism for a brighter tomorrow."

"Food and fertilizer"

"My current objective is to gather sufficient building materials, such as building poles and iron sheets, and begin constructing a new house. To achieve this, I've adopted a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I am purchasing some materials every month, steadily building up the resources needed for the construction, for now, I have 8 iron sheets. Additionally, I've joined a merry-go-round, contributing $10 regularly. This way, once I accumulate enough savings, I'll be able to purchase all the required materials to start the construction. In the coming year and beyond, my ultimate goal is to build a decent, spacious house where I and my children can comfortably live. The determination to provide a secure and stable home for my family drives me forward, and I eagerly anticipate the day that we can move into our new house."

"With the acquisition of a quarter-acre piece of land under my name, I am excited about the possibilities it offers for planning and development without constraints. In the coming years, my goal is to build a spacious new house that can comfortably accommodate my family of two and provide room for visitors. Already, I have secured some construction materials using the last transfer, including 14 iron sheets and 10 round cedar poles. Currently, I am diligently working on my rented piece of land along the river, aiming to generate proceeds that will contribute to purchasing additional construction materials and covering labor charges during construction. Reflecting on the transformation I have experienced since receiving the money, I feel a sense of joy, hopeful that the challenges of my past life in the war-affected area will not resurface."

"In the coming year and beyond, my focus remains on improving our living conditions, starting with replacing the old and rusty iron sheets on our house's roof. Although there haven't been any leaks yet, I aim to preempt any potential issues by renovating it sooner rather than later. Thanks to the improved farming activities facilitated by better rains, I anticipate a good harvest in three months, providing food for my family of three and surplus proceeds to invest in the house renovation. I owe these goals to the support from GiveDirectly, which has empowered me to strive for improvements that I had not considered before receiving their cash support."

"In the coming years, my focus is on further expanding my goat herd, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy breeding and growth. From just five goats before the support from GiveDirectly to now having 19, I see immense progress. With reduced financial obligations now that I no longer need to pay school fees or support a larger family, I have renewed confidence in my ability to grow the herd, especially given the ample shrubs in the surrounding thicket, ideal for goat farming. Rather than selling them off quickly, I plan to selectively sell when necessary, such as during tough times or emergencies. Additionally, I aim to invest the proceeds from my current maize farming efforts into acquiring more goats, thus securing a sustainable source of income for the future."

"I am happy to share that I recently graduated from high school with the help of the monthly financial support I received. Prior to that, I faced disruptions, but since receiving the transfers, my high school education has been seamless, and I was able to pay my fees on time. My current goal is to enroll in college and pursue a teaching course in September of this year. I plan on saving my transfers every month so that I can easily pay for my tuition fees. I am hopeful that with the continued support, I will be able to achieve my career goals."

"With the rainy season looming, I'm determined to build a new house. The fear of losing my current one to the downpour pushes me forward. Thankfully, I recently fulfilled my dream of owning another goat, which boosts my spirits. My plan is to kickstart the construction process as soon as possible. When our monthly transfer comes in, I aim to gather materials by pooling $30 from each of us. This collaborative effort will hopefully set us on the path to a safer, more secure home before the rains arrive."