"Because I am starting something completely new, my goal is to learn as much as I can about tailoring, sewing, clothes, and designs in order to make this a primary source of revenue for my family. I have no plans to start something new till this one is successful."

"The method employed by GiveDirectly to give unconditional cash transfers and grant recipients the freedom to decide how to use the money is an extremely effective approach to tackling poverty. This enables us to make informed decisions about how to allocate the funds based on our individual needs, while also empowering us to invest in our priorities, whether it's buying food, paying school fees, or investing in a small business. Their commitment to professionalism and equity has made GiveDirectly stand out among other organizations we have observed. I hope that they will extend this same approach to other villages in a similar manner."

"As an elderly couple with most of our children moved out and only the two youngest attending school, household tasks like fetching water from the river have been difficult for my wife, who is over 60, and myself at 74. However, when we received the second transfer, we saw an opportunity to improve our situation. We spent $210 on a large water tank that now collects rainwater from our roof, providing us with water for a whole month when full. Additionally, I used $200 to buy a heifer to add to the one I had borrowed from a neighbor, with plans to breed and sell the offspring in the future to pay for our children's school fees. I also bought construction materials for a chicken coop, and once completed, we plan to start a poultry project. Finally, the remaining amount was used to buy food for our family of five."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to construct a new kitchen that matches my newly constructed house. While I am proud of my new home, the old kitchen detracts from its overall aesthetic and functionality. I believe that by constructing a new kitchen, I will enhance the value of my home and improve my daily living conditions. However, I am aware that my financial situation is challenging, and paying school fees remains a priority. As a result, I have been unable to complete the floors in my home. To address this issue, I am currently part of an informal savings group, and I hope to use the funds from my turn to complete the flooring project. Ultimately, I hope to strike a balance between improving the quality of my living conditions and providing for my family's basic needs."

"I have always desired to own cows but financial constraints and lack of relevant resources have been a major obstacle. There are so many benefits that I could rip from owning cattle. I could sell the milk they produce as well as hire them out for plowing tasks to raise funds. However, the far my income, from selling chewing sticks, can take me is secure food for my wife and four children; I cannot afford to buy cows with it. In the next few years, I hope to have saved enough money from the cash transfers to obtain at least 5 calves and let them grow.  "

"My wish is to pull my family out of poverty and lift the heavy burden off of my mother’s shoulders. She has suffered for a long time and struggled to make charcoal to provide for my five siblings and me; it is time I took over. After I complete high school this year, I want to initiate a project of rearing goats and cows. I believe that building wealth through livestock is the surest way to bring prosperity to my family. As the herd grows, I could sell some of these animals to support the education of my five siblings who are still in primary school. "

"With the current amount offered to households, an immense change can be seen. Houses have been upgraded from grass-thatched to iron-roofed, dairy cows have been bought, and assets have been added at large. Lives have changed, so to say, thanks to GiveDirectly. It is only my appeal that the transfer amount be increased and prolonged to cater to other needs that have not been met."

"Since maize farming does not thrive well in this area, I opted to farm vegetables in a green house under irrigation. I often sell the produce to the vegetable vendors in the market at a profit of $3.5 daily, which I use to support my family of ten. To extend the profits, I hope to use $300 to purchase a 10,000-liter water tank to harvest and store water for irrigating these vegetables during dry seasons. I will be happy to be recognized as the greatest supplier in this area and therefore earn more income for the family."

"Instead of sitting at home idling and waiting on my soldier husband to support our family of six, I enrolled in a tailoring course that I will hopefully complete in December 2023. After graduation, I plan on using $1000 to open a tailoring shop at Mwarandinda Center to sew clothes and sell materials to the people of this area. Through the profits, I will be able to expand the business as well as support my husband in raising the family."

"In every aspect of life, family comes first, and to make them happy, all their needs should be met. I am glad to have provided most of their needs except shelter. To make this a success, I plan on constructing a spacious two-room house to accommodate my family of nine. At the moment, we live in a one-room makuti-roofed house that often leaks during rainy seasons, and I am now worried that my family's health might be affected. I have already manufactured enough bricks to initiate this project, and I am hopeful that all will be well and my family will have a decent shelter."