"Working as a chef at a local primary school, I aspire to go back to catering college to hone my skills. By enhancing my expertise, I aim to secure a promotion and also venture into opening my own eatery, further diversifying my sources of income."

"By year's end, I aim to have procured a motorbike to launch a transportation business within my village. This venture will provide a consistent income stream, enabling me to meet my family's necessities and initiate further family projects to sustain us."

"With my second transfer, I chose to channel most of the funds into establishing income sources to sustain my family. Firstly, I purchased a cow for $360, envisioning a future milk business. Additionally, I spent $12 on acquiring chicks to initiate a chicken farming venture. Lastly, I allocated $130 to provide my children with appropriate school uniforms, books, and to settle their school fees in full."

"As a 62-year-old grandmother responsible for supporting a family of six, which includes my two daughters and three grandchildren, getting cash assistance from Give Directly transformed my life. I was overjoyed because I had been struggling with the daunting task of providing for my family's basic needs - from food to education and adequate clothing. Those were challenging times for both my family and me."

"Upon receiving my second transfer from Give Directly, I was elated and eager to complete the projects I initiated with my initial transfer, including constructing a permanent home for my family of seven. Being a solo parent, ensuring my family has enough to eat while also covering other expenses has always been challenging. So, being able to secure food and construct a home has been nothing short of a dream realized for both me and my loved ones. I used the entire amount of $530 to build and buy other household items."

"Previously, I had concerns about the condition of the land I was farming, as it had been utilized for many years and the soil quality had deteriorated. My goal was to acquire a new parcel of land, approximately five acres in size, which would cost around $2000. Thanks to the previous cash transfers and the income generated from my casual jobs in house construction, I managed to cover a significant portion of this amount. Now, I am left with a remaining balance of $60 to fully acquire the land and commence farming on it. Once I obtain the land, I also intend to invest in reinforcing the foundation of my house by constructing concrete pillars around the mud walls. This enhancement will not only protect the walls from damage caused by adverse weather conditions but also improve the overall durability of the structure."

"I believe I would have put put a structure in my plot"

"Establishing an irrigation system has always been a long-held ambition of mine. Unfortunately, this dream remained unattainable due to financial constraints, as I am a farmer and my husband's income is derived from his job as a security guard. We are blessed with five children. Upon receiving my initial financial transfer, my husband and I believed it was the right time to connect water to our home, serving both domestic needs and farming purposes. We understood that this would empower us to cultivate and sell fruits and vegetables, providing an additional source of income. Consequently, we spent $120 towards the water connection, with the remaining funds being used for purchasing essential food items and clothing. I am delighted that this dream was finally realized in such a short span of time."

"Upon receiving our first transfer, my wife and I decided to invest the money in building a goat pen. This decision stemmed from our desire to enhance our goat-rearing venture, with hopes of eventually reaping profitable returns. Our financial circumstances had previously posed challenges due to the nature of our work; I work as a rider, and my wife is a farmer. Our income was primarily allocated to covering our basic necessities. We have been blessed with one child, which added to our responsibilities. Therefore, I spent $150 towards constructing the goat pen and utilized the remaining funds to purchase essential food items. I am elated that I was able to realize my goal in such a short time frame, and for this, I am truly grateful."

"One of the immediate decisions was to allocate $200 towards dowry payments immediately we received the transfers. This step addressed a significant cultural obligation and contributed to family unity and stability. Resolving this financial matter was crucial in ensuring our relationships remained intact and harmonious. Recognizing the potential for growth and financial security. The purchase of five goats, including one male and four females, amounted to $200. This investment holds multiple benefits; besides being a source of income, the female goats would multiply, potentially expanding our financial resources. This signifies a departure from a hand-to-mouth existence, as we now possess a means of generating income that has the potential to alleviate financial pressures. Part of the transfers, $50, was designated for purchasing food. Previously, I had resorted to selling charcoal to generate income to buy food. The ability to purchase food directly helps meets a basic need and also spares us from the exhausting endeavor of trading physical labor for sustenance. We chose to save $100 for emergency purposes. This prudent decision serves as a safety net, offering protection against unforeseen challenges that may arise. It represents our ability to plan for the future and be better prepared for unexpected situations. The support received from GiveDirectly has allowed us to transcend survival mode and enter a realm of calculated progress."