"I aspire to expand my goat rearing project and maintain my farm work. To realize this dream, I intend to utilize my third transfer to ensure the successful accomplishment of these objectives."

"My goal is to provide my growing sons with separate sleeping spaces by building a one-roomed house for them. With a family of 7 children; 1 girl and 6 boys and only a two-roomed house, the current living arrangement has become messy, and it's essential to ensure their comfort and privacy as they transition into adulthood. To achieve this goal, I'm committed to saving at least $10 from my monthly transfers and plan to commence construction by the end of this year, ensuring that my sons have a more spacious and suitable living environment."

"My primary goal is to establish a small eatery business by the end of this year. Despite completing my elementary education, my health issues prevented me from pursuing further studies, and I no longer wish to burden my parents by fully relying on their support. Instead, I aim to become financially independent and contribute to my family's well-being. To realize this dream, I plan to be saving a portion of my monthly transfers and use the savings to start my eatery venture, which will not only provide me with a source of income but also support my parents and six siblings."

"Bought land and a bull for rearing"

"I am a retired teacher with a family of 11 members. Seven of my children are still schooling and this has put a lot of pressure on me. Imagine in a term, I am expected to raise around $400 as school fees because I have a son who is in college. Since I receive $100 as a pension, this amount can not sustain my burden, and I am forced to sell my livestock to support them. I used to have a herd of cattle but currently, I have remained with 9 cows. Since the burden of school fees is still on me, I am worried this will completely take away my investment. Hence, the financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge."

"Living in this poorly structured house has been a daily reminder of the dream I've carried with me for so long – to build a better home for my family and myself. It's a dream that has often been overshadowed by the harsh reality of financial constraints. Every penny I manage to scrape together ends up being spent on the most basic necessities, leaving nothing for the construction I yearn for. I've envisioned a cosy and secure place, one where my family could truly feel safe and comfortable. But as the years pass, the gap between that dream and my reality seems to widen. The dilapidated walls and leaky roof of our current home are constant reminders of the struggle I face."

"The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the fact that I now have a place to call home—a piece of land with a house that shelters my three children and me. No longer are my precious little ones the subjects of ridicule in our village; the cramped dwelling we once shared within my father's compound has become a source of embarrassment and stress for me and my children alike. But today, as a single parent, I am overwhelmed with happiness, for I have not only provided my family with a secure and peaceful abode but also restored their sense of joy and contentment. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my children can now truly thrive, free from the burden of insecurity and humiliation that once weighed on their hearts."

"Receiving my first unconditional cash transfer was a turning point in my life. With the entire amount of $550, I decided to invest in building materials like iron sheets, nails, bricks, cement, and sand, along with covering the labor costs. This expenditure was all part of my plan to construct a permanent retail shop structure, a dream I had nurtured for years. I had been struggling to make ends meet with my small business of selling chapatis, which often yielded meager income and brought with it numerous challenges. It was difficult to provide for my family of three, especially since my spouse worked as a casual laborer, earning just $10 a day, and even that wasn't constant. There were nights when we went to bed with empty stomachs, but I held onto the belief that our story could change for the better. The retail shop represents hope and opportunity. It's a place where I can expand my business, sell a wider range of products, and generate a more stable income to support my family. It's not just a physical structure; it's a symbol of our resilience and determination to create a better future. As I watch the construction progress, I can't help but feel a sense of optimism. I know there will still be challenges ahead, but I believe that with hard work and the support of my loving family, we can overcome them."

"I spent $230 of my recent unconditional cash transfer to breathe new life into my struggling hotel business and retail shop. The businesses were on the brink of collapse. Before, I was barely making $30 in two weeks, which made it incredibly challenging to provide for my family, especially when it came to putting food on the table and paying for my children's education. With the infusion of funds, I've managed to turn things around. Now, I earn around $100 in two weeks, a significant improvement that has brought stability to our lives. I also bought new clothes for my kids and invested in new mattresses for them, costing $120 in total. Their previous mattresses had worn out, and they were sleeping on mats, which was uncomfortable and unhealthy. Now, they sleep comfortably, and I have peace of mind knowing they're well-rested. Additionally, I used the remaining amount to complete the construction of my house, a project I had initiated with the first transfer. It's a relief to finally have a home that accommodates all five members of my family. Previously, we had to seek shelter from neighbors, especially during the harsh winter seasons, as we couldn't afford to build a new house on our own, given the limited income from both my husband and me, who run our businesses. These changes have brought stability and comfort to our lives, and I'm filled with gratitude for the support that has allowed us to overcome these challenges."

"I am eager to venture into goat farming, starting from scratch without any goats at the moment. My plan is to gradually invest in these animals, with the flexibility to sell them when needed to generate income."