"My vision for my life is to become a dedicated livestock farmer, one who can truly rely on livestock as a steady source of income and security. For the coming year, I plan to use my transfers from GiveDirectly to expand my herd by purchasing more goats, adding to the ones I already have. My hope is that these goats will multiply, grow in value, and set the foundation for something lasting. Once I have six goats, I can trade them for a cow and I intend to have many goats so that I can trade some of them for several cows. I am working towards this goal with so much anticipation. The bulls will be invaluable for plowing my farm, which will allow me to save on the high costs of hiring tractors each season. Meanwhile, the cows will keep multiplying, providing milk for my family and an additional income stream from milk sales. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it is helping me bring my dreams to life. This opportunity gives me such hope for the future, hoping that I can create a stable and sustainable life for myself and my family."

"When the money came, it was at night while I was sleeping. I checked my phone at 6am and saw the message. I became very happy and thought to myself that I would take some time to figure out the best way to use the money. The first thing that came to my mind was my child's school fees. I had some arrears, and I wanted to clear them so that my child could study peacefully without any disturbance. I felt relieved knowing that with this money, I could finally bring some peace to my home and focus on my child’s education without worrying about fees."

"For the past seven months, I’ve been struggling with a problem in my right leg that kept me from working. It was painful, and I couldn’t provide for my children, which was heartbreaking. My family was suffering because of my illness, and it felt like there was no way out. Then, I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, and it truly felt like a lifeline. With $60, I was able to get medical treatment, and my leg is now healing. This allowed me to go back to work, and I can finally provide for my family again.I also used $200 to plant butternut, which grows quickly and has a good profit. This will help us earn money in a short time, and I’m hopeful that it will bring us some stability. In addition, I bought two sheep for $85 because they multiply fast, and I can sell them when needed. I also used $50 to buy school uniforms and books for my five children, so they can go to school and have a better future. The rest of the money went toward buying food, which gave us much-needed relief. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has changed completely. I’m healthy again and able to work, which lifts a huge burden from my family. My husband has been working hard, and together, we can now provide for our children and meet their basic needs. I am so grateful for this support, and I truly appreciate everything GiveDirectly has done for us. This help has brought us hope, and we now feel like we can build a better future."

"My plan is to become a successful large-scale farmer, growing maize, tomatoes, and vegetables on a bigger scale. I want to use the profits from my shop to invest in farming, so I can afford the seeds, equipment, and irrigation needed for a larger operation. Expanding my farm will help me earn more income and create a stable source of food and money for my family. I hope this will also allow me to provide a good education for my children and improve our quality of life. With time, I aim to grow my farm to be self-sustaining and profitable. Achieving this goal would mean more stability and security for us all in the coming years."

"I poured my heart into farming to provide for my family, but there were times when finding the resources was nearly impossible. When I had a bit of capital, I’d always manage to plant watermelons, a crop that brings hope to my family, yet sometimes I struggled to gather even that small amount. With this transfer, I finally had the chance to invest fully, using $220 to buy seeds, plough the land, and fuel the generator for watering. The watermelon crop is now flowering beautifully, promising a profit of around $1,500 for just one acre—a return that can lift us significantly. Additionally, I allocated $80 to cover my child’s school fees. Education is something I want for all five of my children, as I know it will give them opportunities I never had. In our household, farming is the primary source of income, so each season matters. This transfer allowed me to keep my child in school without risking our farming resources, giving me peace of mind about both their future and our present. To secure another part of our livelihood, I also bought two goats for $150. These goats will soon provide us with milk, which not only supports my family’s health but can also generate some income. My wife and I work side by side on the farm, tending to both crops and livestock. Life wasn’t easy before, but with these investments, I see us growing, little by little, toward a better future for our family."

"Life had been a constant struggle, and I had grown used to facing it all on my own. Raising four children without any support was overwhelming; I had never married, and every responsibility fell on me. Paying school fees was one of my biggest burdens—I often had to sell my livestock, organize small fundraisers, or rely on farming to scrape together enough. When I received the cash transfer, I used $80 to pay for their fees, finally easing that load. Knowing my children could continue their education without interruption gave me a deep sense of relief and hope.With another $60, I bought a bed and mattress, something I’d needed for so long. Before this, I had been sleeping on a broken bed with no mattress, which made for long, uncomfortable nights. Having a proper bed to sleep on has changed my nights completely, and I finally wake up rested and ready for the day. It’s a simple thing, but for me, it’s been a huge improvement. I’m grateful for this small comfort, which has made such a big difference in my life.Lastly, I spent $40 on food. I used to rely on casual jobs to feed my family, but work was never guaranteed. My usual place to burn charcoal, a source of income for us, was no longer available after the lake submerged the trees. With the cash transfer, I could buy enough food to keep my family going without the constant worry of where our next meal would come from. This support has truly changed our lives, giving us stability and a chance to focus on other things besides daily survival."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the goal of starting a grocery store in my village. We currently have no nearby grocery, and I see this as a great opportunity for an income-generating activity that will benefit both my family and the community. Once I finish fixing the windows in my house, I plan to use the transfers I receive to fund this venture. I estimate that it will require about $40 in starting capital, and I am excited about the possibilities it will open up for us. This grocery store will provide a steady source of income and fill a crucial need in our area."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the renovation of my house by building pillars to make it more resilient against the fierce winds that we sometimes experience in our area. This is important for the safety and security of my family, as I want to ensure that we are protected from the unpredictable weather. To achieve this, I have been diligently saving $20 every month from my transfers, and I am determined to continue this effort until I can afford to complete the renovation. This improvement will give us peace of mind and a stronger, safer home."

"In the coming year and beyond, my biggest goal is to build a good, secure house because the one I currently have is in poor condition and on the verge of collapsing. It has been a constant worry, and I know my family deserves better. To make this dream a reality, I have committed to saving $10 monthly from my transfers. It may take time, but I am determined to steadily build towards a safer, more stable home for my family. This goal is more than just shelter; it’s about giving us the security and peace of mind we’ve long needed."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to grow my livestock by purchasing more goats through my monthly savings. Right now, I have one goat and one cow, but expanding my herd will secure a better future for my family. I’ve already started saving $10 per month through a merry-go-round group, and I’m committed to continuing this until I can afford to buy more goats. With a larger herd, I’ll have more resources to provide for my family’s needs and create long-term stability for us. This plan gives me hope and a clear path forward."