"In the forthcoming years, my aspiration is to establish my own store in Bamako, where I intend to retail a diverse range of clothing along with the traditional herbs I cultivate in my personal farm. I plan to realize this objective by investing in goats, which I will purchase soon using the remaining portion of the second transfer. I believe that as the goats multiply, I can sell some of them and utilize the proceeds to construct the shop. The fulfillment of this dream would bring me immense joy, as it has been a long-standing desire of mine. However, the limited income I currently derive from selling sisal is predominantly allocated to essential needs such as food and other necessities."

"In the years ahead, my aspirations are deeply rooted in providing a stable and nurturing environment for my three children. I dream of acquiring a shamba, a piece of land, where they can build their dreams and call home. With unwavering determination, I plan to channel my efforts into expanding my clothing business, not only relying on it for sustenance but also saving diligently. Beyond my entrepreneurial pursuits, I am committed to exploring additional employment opportunities to further secure my family's future. The prospect of achieving this vision fills my heart with joy, and when the day comes, I intend to express my gratitude through a heartfelt thanksgiving offering to God, acknowledging His guidance and blessings on my journey towards realizing these dreams."

"My ultimate goal is to support Kalume's education until he graduates from college. Understanding that the cash transfers may not continue for the entire duration, I plan to invest the funds in livestock. By doing so, I aim to create a sustainable source of income for the future. Selling the livestock will provide the necessary funds to cover Kalume's school fees even after the cash transfers cease. I am thankful for the progress made, having bought two goats with previous transfers, both of which gave birth, growing the herd to seven goats. This assures me that Kalume's education will be supported even beyond the cash transfer period. Given my stomach ulcers preventing active work, creating wealth through livestock becomes a valuable means of sustaining our needs."

"My goal is to acquire a bed and a mattress. I have been using a sisal-roped bed for an extended period, and it has become both uncomfortable and structurally compromised. I fear it may not last much longer as it has started breaking. Therefore, I aim to purchase a wooden bed and a fitting mattress. Since the cash transfers constitute my primary source of income, I plan to save upcoming funds until I accumulate enough to fulfill this goal. This is my current focus, and once achieved, I will redirect my attention to other needs."

"Previously, I used to engage in charcoal making to assist my husband in providing for our two children. Unfortunately, due to the physical toll it took on me, resulting in chest complications, I had to discontinue this activity. Since then, my husband has borne the sole responsibility for supporting the family through his chewing stick business. I am happy the cash transfers have allowed me to actively contribute, especially towards school fees. I plan to use the funds to create wealth through goat and chicken rearing, providing a sustainable source of income even after the cash transfers conclude. Despite my inability to engage in physical work, keeping livestock will enable me to continue supporting the needs of my family through potential sales in the future."

"Residing in an area teeming with snakes made sleeping on the floor a dangerous choice for my two children and me. When the much-needed transfer of $180.1 from GiveDirectly came through, it was a game-changer. Swiftly, I allocated $38 for a sturdy bed, an essential upgrade from our situation. $ 28 was devoted to acquiring a decent mattress. No longer would we rely on rags and worn-out pieces to cushion our sleep; my aching back and waist welcomed this change. Being a single mother, relying on sporadic jobs, the struggle to put food on the table was a constant battle. Thus, $58 went towards ensuring our kitchen was well-stocked. Additionally, investing $14 in new plastic chairs replaced the old ones borrowed from my neighbor, adding a touch of comfort to our humble abode. Considering safety, $6 was utilized for a temporary fence around our compound. The need for organization led me to allocate $3 for a bag to store our clothes at home, a small yet impactful change in our daily lives. Education is a priority, and with $10, I purchased school bags for my children, a simple but significant provision they lacked. However, foresight was crucial for sustainability. Hence, $20 was invested in chickens, a step toward ensuring a steady source of income through their sale when times are tough. This assistance wasn’t just about immediate relief; it was a lifeline toward creating a more secure and comfortable future for my family."

"Upon receiving my first cash transfer, I invested a significant portion of the money in setting up a salon for my wife, who had always dreamed of running her own business. With about $150, I purchased all the necessary salon equipment, from a high-quality blow dryer to various oils and hair products. I also rented a space for her salon to flourish. My hope is that this venture will not only provide a stable income for our family but also empower my wife to take charge of our financial well-being, especially given the uncertainty of my casual laborer job. In addition, I allocated funds to fulfill a long-cherished dream of my mother. I gave her $130 to purchase two goats, a desire she had harbored for years but couldn't afford. These goats weren't just animals; they symbolized a safety net for the entire family in case of future financial crises. I also set aside $70 for iron sheets to add a room to our modest home, which initially had only a single room that couldn't comfortably accommodate our family of four. After that, I ensured that our family no longer went to bed with empty stomachs, purchasing enough food to sustain us. Finally, I set aside $50 as an emergency fund, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of my casual labor job, which brought in around $10 irregularly. This allocation was a safeguard against unforeseen challenges that life might throw our way."

"Looking ahead, I aim to use my subsequent transfers to acquire another goat, further expanding my livestock holdings. This strategic step will contribute to the growth of my goat herd, increasing the potential for multiplication and amplifying my initial investment. Despite the challenges of age and the inability to fully provide for myself, the financial transfers have been instrumental in helping me pursue and achieve my goals."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by delivering unconditional cash transfers that have empowered me to acquire valuable assets. With their support, I made a strategic decision to invest in a dairy cow, a move that has not only become a sustainable source of income but has also elevated our standard of living. The flexibility of the cash transfer allowed me to make choices aligned with my family's needs, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility."

"In the upcoming year, my aspiration is to construct small buildings on the land I recently acquired, enabling me to operate my business. With three children, I hold a strong belief that establishing these businesses will allow me to adequately provide for my kids and ensure a brighter future for them."