"Looking ahead to the next few years before the cash transfers conclude, my goal is to establish a reliable source of income. Despite my current limitations due to the accident that paralyzed my hands and cost me my teaching job, I aspire to start a business. Initially, I am focusing on goat-rearing, with the hope that the livestock will eventually generate enough capital to kickstart a business. While I haven't decided on the type of business, I am optimistic that I will figure it out as I accumulate wealth through the livestock venture. Having a business will serve as a meaningful substitute for my teaching job."

"In the coming year and beyond, I aspire to complete the construction of the house I started three months ago. Progress has been slow due to financial constraints, including the cost of food. My job of cutting and selling building poles could barely support basic needs let alone the construction process. To finalize the construction, I estimate that I need around 14 pieces of iron sheets. I plan to utilize some of the cash transfers, where possible, to purchase these building materials and expedite the completion of my house." (Occupation: Small business)

"My goal is to further invest in livestock rearing. From previous cash transfers, I have acquired three goats. Ultimately, I aspire to own a dairy cow, whose milk can contribute to my family's consumption and generate income when sold. While I cannot currently estimate the cost of a cow, I plan to continue accumulating livestock like goats until I have enough to exchange for a cow in the future. I am optimistic that the cash transfers will enable me to expand my goat herd and work towards my long-term livestock-rearing goals." (Occupation: Small business)

"I want to invest in my children's education, My children are in form 3 and class 6going class 7. As a single mother with three children to provide for it is a bit tough on me. I would like to direct my Givedirectly transfers to pay for their schooling as my work as a charcoal seller does not make much. I would like to also have my youngest start school as they are almost of age now. I will use most of my transfers early in the year getting my child in class 7 settled as for them I need to buy new uniform as well as books which is a costly affair.." (Occupation: Small business)

"she feels happy because she was able to start a business" (Occupation: Small business)

"My main goal at the moment is to start a small business so that I can be able to always cater for my children's needs on time. I am planning to open a retail shop and since I do not have enough capital at the moment, I will be buying my stock in bits. I believe that with time, I will have enough stock and I'll be selling all the household provisions ranging from cereals, detergents and other non food items. I have decided to have a business of my own since I currently depend on farming and it is not realiable due to unpredicatable whether conditions."

"I operate a kiosk business where I sell food items like sugar, maize flour, and tea leaves. This small venture has granted me financial independence. My proudest achievement has been using my subsequent earnings to expand my inventory, attract more customers, and ensure substantial profits. Achieving greater financial stability through this business will enable me to lift my parents and siblings out of poverty. I'm delighted that these earnings are providing me with a fresh start, benefiting not only me but also my family members." (Occupation: Small business)

"I operate a successful business selling lessos, which are cotton fabrics primarily used by women, and this has been a significant achievement for me. The consistent monthly transfers have played a crucial role in the prosperity of my business. With five children, including two in secondary school, I've managed to provide them with a good education through the proceeds from this venture. Furthermore, I've strategically invested in twenty goats, viewing them as a valuable long-term asset. Utilizing the recent transfers, I allocated $64 as additional capital to strengthen and expand my existing business, contributing to its ongoing success. The remaining $38 was wisely used to address the essential needs of my family, particularly in purchasing food. This financial freedom to allocate the transfers according to my priorities has profoundly changed my life, and I take pride in the positive impact it has had on my family's well-being."

"When I got married my husband was the breadwinner for his home and he was still responsible for taking his siblings through school, I geuss thats why it was not in his priorities to build his own house. I was given a house by his younger brother who is yet to marry when I was married and I have been living in that house since. My goal has been for us to eventually have a home for us. I joined the savings group to help me save better for this project. I am working towards this goal even as I allow my husband to still take care of his family as he still has three school going children he is responsible for." (Occupation: Small business)

"I am a mother of 6 children, 4 boys and two girls. I have a two roomed house which is meant to accommodate us all. However this house is so small to meet our housing needs. I send two of my oldest to their grandmother to sleep there. This is inconveniencing to her seeing that my two older children are all boys. I have wanted to build a house for my children and the most expensive building material is iron sheets. My plan is to use my savings from my VSA once given to me to buy iron sheets that I will use to build a house for them." (Occupation: Small business)