"My primary goal for the upcoming year and the years ahead is to construct a larger house. At the moment , I live in a small, one-roomed, grass-thatched house that does not accommodate my family comfortably. To achieve this objective, I plan to continue setting aside a portion of my transfers. The prospect of constructing a better home holds great significance for me, as it will provide my family with a more comfortable living space, ultimately bringing us peace of mind. I take pride in the progress I have already made this far."

"In the coming months, I aspire to buy a new bed and a quality mattress to replace the worn-out bedding I've been using for several years. The current bedding no longer provides the comfort I need for a good night's sleep. My goal is to set aside a minimum of $100 for this purpose. There have been occasions when I had to resort to sleeping on the floor due to financial limitations, a situation far from my ideal. My dream is to finally have a comfortable and cozy sleeping arrangement, providing me with the restful sleep I deserve."

"The moment when the message arrived was quite significant. I was at home alone, eagerly awaiting the confirmation from my children, who were at school, to read the message for me. The anticipation had been building up for a while as we were informed that the transfers would come in anytime that month. When my children finally confirmed the content of the message, a wave of joy swept over me. The first thought that crossed my mind was the aspiration to build a good, sturdy house. Our current dwelling wasn't in the best condition to provide the protection and security we deserved. This opportunity from GiveDirectly felt like a key to unlocking a better, safer living environment for me and my family."

"In the upcoming year, my goal is to use these funds to open a retail shop and sell fast-moving items. I've identified a need in my village for easily accessible everyday goods, and I believe this venture can provide a reliable source of income for my family. This initiative will also contribute positively to the local economy. I intend to save the next two transfers and invest in that retail shop, since school are closing and I won't have to pay school fees for the next two months. I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and how these cash transfers are opening doors to a more prosperous future for me and my loved ones."

"After several years of laboring in low-wage jobs, primarily focused on selling and producing charcoal, I've recently embarked on a new venture within my village: selling second-hand clothing. This represents a significant milestone for me, as it promises to liberate me from the demanding and strenuous task of charcoal production. All my savings are now being directed into expanding this business, which is my sole source of income. Previously, my livelihood was heavily dependent on the laborious process of burning and selling charcoal, a vocation that fell short of meeting the needs of my family. I am overjoyed by the prospect that I will no longer struggle to provide for my children's education. With this new business, I am confident that I can secure a bright future for them and enable them to pursue higher studies, a dream I hold in the highest regard. I have set my sights on growing this business, and I anticipate that the monthly transfers will play a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal."

"Our biggest challenge is hunger. We depend on charcoal burning for a living. The drought has been very long hence we make zero harvests from our farms. We've even given up on farming due to the consistent losses experienced over the years. This has made our ability to put food on the table hard. It affects even the chance of us helping our grandchildren. We're always worried of the next meal."

"In the coming year, My top priority is to prioritize my studies and work diligently towards becoming an engineer. With the financial support from the transfers, I believe I will make progress in my education and secure a better future for myself and my family. Additionally, I plan to invest in livestock as a source of income. This investment not only aligns with my aspiration to pay for my further studies but also allows me to support my family, particularly my mother, who has raised us singlehandedly, and provide her with the support she deserves. The cash transfers have opened up a world of possibilities for us."

"My primary focus is on expanding my livestock farming operation through the transfers, which will not only increase my income but also allow me to save for my child's future. Additionally, I plan to save a portion of the profits from my livestock endeavors. With this savings, I intend to open a grocery shop in my village. The lack of access to groceries has been an issue for the community, and I see an opportunity to address this need while also creating a sustainable source of income for my family. This way, I hope to make a positive impact on the village's accessibility to essential goods."

"My priority is to complete the construction of my house. It's been a dream, and these transfers have given me the means to make it a reality. Additionally, I intend to invest in livestock rearing, starting with buying sheep and reselling them for profit. This will pave the way for me to purchase a dairy cow, sell milk and establish a sustainable source of income. I will then open a shop in the village, selling fast-moving items and further enhance my financial prospects."

"The assistance from Givedirectly has been nothing short of transformative. We have achieved what seemed nearly impossible due to our age and financial constraints. The dream of having a store to secure our valuables was almost fading away, and even seeking help from our children didn't yield any positive response as they were facing their financial struggles. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, we have managed to overcome this hurdle. This gives us a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind knowing that our valuables are safe and accessible whenever needed. The impact of GiveDirectly goes beyond financial relief; it's about restoring a sense of agency and dignity, allowing us to address long-standing concerns that would have otherwise remained unmet. We are truly grateful for this opportunity that has significantly improved the quality of our lives."