"In life, possessing essential skills is vital for survival. Presently, I am diligently saving to enroll in a driving school, aiming to acquire the necessary expertise to operate a large truck. As a current motorcycle rider and livestock keeper, I tend to five chickens and four goats. My strategy involves allowing these animals to multiply, eventually selling them to fund the acquisition of bulls and dairy cows. Bulls will assist me in land preparation, while dairy cows will provide milk for sale and personal use, such as in tea-making. The income generated will significantly improve my family's living standards."

"As a mother of five children, I ensure their education remains my utmost priority. Recognizing the need for a sustainable income, I've decided to invest in livestock, focusing on goats for their ease of multiplication. At present, I have eight goats, with two expecting babies, alongside two sheep. Previously, when my children were sent out of school, I would sell chickens to cover their expenses. However, this strategy limited my long-term plans, as I intended to transition to goat farming. Thankfully, with the support from GiveDirectly, I can now directly invest in goats. My aim is to gradually expand my livestock holdings, eventually including cows, as they multiply. This approach not only ensures a stable income but also strengthens my ability to support my children's education in the long run."

"I received the transfers at a time when I was financially struggling. My phone had a problem with the earpiece, making it impossible to hear anything during calls. Additionally, both of my children in Grade 5 were sent home to collect school fees, but I couldn't pay because my income from charcoal burning was insufficient, and my husband also lacked a reliable source of income. However, the recent transfers from GiveDirectly provided much-needed relief. I used $14.70 to buy a new phone, paid $10 for my children's school fees, and purchased two chicken for $10 as a step toward becoming a livestock keeper. I am incredibly grateful for the timely support from GiveDirectly."

"In the next year and beyond, I aim to establish a sustainable project to support my family, even if GiveDirectly's support ends. My passion for livestock rearing drives me to continue buying and raising more animals. To achieve this, I will allocate my monthly transfers to purchase at least one goat and one chicken each month; where one goat goes for around $25 and one chicken for $3, adding to my existing livestock. My ultimate goal is to build a substantial herd and flock to ensure long-term stability and self-sufficiency for my family."

"I was at home in the evening around 5 pm, preparing vegetables for our meal when I heard my phone beep from where it was placed on a chair next to my husband. I quickly put the vegetables to cook before checking the message. When I finally did, it was a notification from GiveDirectly about the cash transfer. The moment I saw it, I jumped up and down in ululation, and my husband, noticing my excitement, immediately understood what was happening. He even joked that if time had allowed, we would have bought some chicken to celebrate, knowing our children would have been overjoyed as they prefer chicken over vegetables."

"I have always wanted to start a livestock rearing project. In the recent past, I began raising chickens, but unfortunately, they all died due to an outbreak of disease. However, I did not give up. My current plan is to rear goats, and I have been saving towards this venture. With the transfers I receive, I set aside around $10 to $30 each month, and with the most recent one, I managed to save $20 for the project. Also as the breadwinner for my family of four, since my elder siblings are unable to contribute due to a lack of proper income sources, I used the remaining $14.70 to buy food for my family, as our supplies were already depleted. I am always very grateful for the support from GiveDirectly."

"Initially, my ambition was to pursue livestock farming, specifically focusing on raising cows. However, due to the severe weather conditions prevalent in our region, cows are vulnerable to drought and perish quickly. After careful consideration, I have decided to pivot my livestock endeavors towards goats and chickens, as they exhibit better resilience to drought. Consequently, I intend to allocate half of my forthcoming transfers towards purchasing goats and chickens, with the expectation that they will breed and provide a valuable resource during times of financial need. The remaining half I plan to save in a bank, envisioning the opportunity to establish my own butcher shop and cultivate a successful business in the future."

"In 2022, upon completing my form four education, I found myself burdened with a substantial school fees debt, as my parents were unable to cover the expenses. Consequently, I faced the dilemma of being unable to access my certificate until the debt was settled. Fortunately, the assistance provided by GiveDirectly has allowed me to gradually alleviate this financial strain through the regular transfers I receive. With determination, I've allocated $60 of the transfers towards reducing the debt, aiming to eventually clear it and proceed to college. Presently, my debt balance stands at $150, and I remain optimistic about achieving full repayment. Additionally, I invested $20 in purchasing chicken, foreseeing their potential to multiply and provide a valuable resource for future emergencies, offering a means of financial stability. Recognizing the importance of personal comfort, I allocated the remaining $22 towards purchasing a new mattress to replace my worn-out and uncomfortable one. I am pleased with the progress I've made towards financial stability and personal well-being."

"Having begun poultry rearing, I'm now looking to save in our merry-go-round to expand our venture by purchasing additional chicken and goats. Once they multiply, my plan is to sell some of them to generate income for my children's school fees and other essential family needs. This strategy aims to establish a sustainable income stream for our family's future stability and well-being. I'm highly optimistic about achieving this goal in the coming year and beyond. I'm truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, as it has been instrumental in uplifting me financially and enabling me to pursue this endeavor."

"As a college student pursuing a technical carpentry course, I've faced various expenses to ensure I can attend school without interruption. I allocated $45 of my transfers towards renting a house near the school premises. Additionally, I had to pay $18 for examination fees to sit for my exams. Despite the financial challenges, I'm grateful for the progress I've made in my studies. To meet the school's requirements, especially for safety gear during practicals, I spent $25 on school uniform and shoes. I also allocated $11 for food expenses to sustain myself while continuing my studies. Looking ahead, I have aspirations to become a livestock farmer, so I invested $3 in buying a chicken with hopes that it will multiply over time."