"I want to establish a stable source of income through the rearing of livestock. I currently have three goats that I bought through the cash transfers. I wish to have grown this herd by five by the time the cash transfers end. I believe that rearing livestock will allow me to grow my wealth and provide a sure source of income that can continue supporting the needs of my children, especially their school fees, even after the cash transfers end. It will be a valuable supplement to the little and unpredictable earnings that I currently make from selling palm wine." (Occupation: Small business)

"I am aiming to launch a retail shop, despite uncertainties about where the capital will come from. I believe that somehow, by the grace of God, the necessary resources will be provided. This endeavour holds immense significance for me, as it's not just about starting a business; it's about securing a better future for my family. With children in school, the financial strain of their education weighs heavily on me, compounded by the fact that my husband earns through casual labour, which is inconsistent. Establishing this shop will not only enable me to contribute to their education but also ensure that our household needs are met more comfortably. It's a leap of faith, but I'm determined to make it happen, believing that where there's a will, there's a way."

"What a great sigh of relief to have received GiveDirectly to our home! Since I am currently not active at work due to my health condition, I am majorly depending on my wife as the sole breadwinner. This has currently posed a challenge to me as the household head and receiving this money means a huge boost. I plan to save half of the money in a sacco to earn me a monthly interest. The remaining half ($550) will help my wife to start a small business of selling foodstuffs at home. This will act as our source of income to support the family and also to boost our savings from the profit. My end goal is to ensure I complete my house that has remained unfinished for a period of six years now. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me."

"I saved $60 through a savings group in my community intending to be able to buy goats. So far, I have bought three goats from the cash transfers. I know that the transfers will one day end, and by then, I wish to have established a solid source of income through the rearing of goats. This way, I can sell them to generate funds for my needs even in the absence of the transfers. The remaining funds, totaling $42, went towards purchasing food. I am unwell; my legs have complications that hinder me from taking on any work or running any type of business. I used to make charcoal, but I had to take a break due to the condition. So the cash transfers have been really helpful, especially in helping me acquire goats as a source of wealth that can benefit me in the future. My son, who is a long-distance luggage trailer driver, mostly provides for the family's daily needs like food. I am glad that with the cash transfers, I have also been able to actively contribute to those needs, especially when he is unable to, and also to start growing my wealth through rearing goats. I am very grateful."

"Being a single mother and the sole provider for my family has been incredibly challenging, especially with the added burden of health issues. However, I am grateful for the progress I have made in my recovery journey, thanks to the medical treatment I have received. With my health gradually improving and the ability to undertake heavy tasks, I am determined to explore new opportunities to secure a better future for my family. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, I plan to utilize a portion of my transfer to start a vegetable business. This venture will not only provide me with an additional source of income but also complement the monthly support I receive from Give Directly. By combining the profits from this business with the financial assistance from Give Directly, I will be better equipped to meet the needs of my family, including purchasing food and paying for my children's education. This initiative represents a significant step towards financial independence and stability for us, and I am optimistic about the positive impact it will have on our lives." (Occupation: Small business)

"Living in a cramped one-room house with five children has been quite challenging, prompting me to take action to improve our living conditions. My immediate goal is to construct a two-roomed house, with plans to expand it further in the future. With the necessary iron sheets already obtained, my focus now shifts to acquiring additional materials like building poles, timber, nails, ropes, and other essentials for construction. Once I have everything I need, I'll be ready to start building our new home, which will provide much-needed space and comfort for my family. The prospect of having a new house brings me immense relief, especially after enduring cramped living conditions for over a decade. I'm proud of the progress I've made so far, utilizing the monthly stipends from Give Directly to invest in improving our quality of life. This endeavor signifies a significant step towards a better future for my family, and I'm grateful for the support that has enabled me to embark on this journey towards better living conditions." (Occupation: Small business)

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to initiate an investment in livestock farming. Given the high prices of goats, I've decided to begin with chicken rearing as a more feasible option. Once I've established a sufficient number of chickens, I plan to sell them and reinvest the profits in acquiring a female goat. Therefore, I intend to allocate a portion of my transfer towards launching this project, recognizing it as a reliable investment for covering my children's school fees and addressing any unforeseen emergencies. Investing in livestock farming will provide a reliable source of income for me, enabling me to cover my children's school fees and handle any unexpected emergencies that may arise. By diversifying my sources of income through this venture, I aim to create a stable financial foundation for my family's future." (Occupation: Small business)

"I am currently in the process of building a rental house on my piece of land, and the monthly transfers have played a significant role in its construction. Previously, I couldn't afford to buy the necessary building materials, but with the help of the transfers, I'm grateful that I started the construction. I've been buying the materials gradually, as soon as I have saved enough, and my goal is to see this house come to completion. I'm assured of earning some rental income once it's complete, which will supplement my income. So far, I've been surviving on fetching and selling firewood, which doesn't pay much. I believe that earning some rental income will not only transform my household's living standards but also help me pay school fees for my children." (Occupation: Small business)

"In the upcoming months, my aim is to invest in livestock, particularly goats. I am optimistic that they will breed and provide a sustainable source of income for me in the future, even after the financial aid ends. I am pleased with the positive changes in my life that have been facilitated by the transfers. I no longer face the significant challenges I did before, and I am grateful for the progress I've achieved." (Occupation: Small business)

"My aim in the upcoming months is to fund my son's college education. His one-year course will equip him with valuable skills that can lead to lucrative job opportunities, enabling him to support our family financially. I am grateful for the financial assistance I have received thus far, as it has significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for me and my family." (Occupation: Small business)