"I plan to become a livestock farmer, so I set aside some of my transfer money into a savings group to save up for buying goats in the future. I saved $30 toward this goal. Then, because we ran out of food, I spent $10 on groceries. Additionally, I spent $20 to repay a loan that I have been repaying for a solar panel that I took on credit. Later, I spent $10 on purchasing chickens, hoping they'll breed and increase in number. I further spent an additional $14 to buy school supplies and school uniform for my child. Finally, I wanted to get my children a more comfortable bed because they do not have a good bed to sleep in, so I spent $18 as a deposit for it."

"My ultimate goals revolve around establishing a sizable livestock collection. To achieve this, I plan to utilize my transfers gradually to purchase chickens and ducks, envisioning their growth and multiplication over time. Eventually, I aim to sell these animals and invest in acquiring goats. The proceeds from goat sales will serve multiple purposes, including supporting my child's education and bolstering my business ventures."

"As a teacher and a university student pursuing a degree in education, my main priority is to finish my studies to pave the way for a government job, which would be a source of great joy for me. In addition to my academic pursuits, I run a small fried chicken business to supplement my income and support my family. With this additional income, I've been able to make progress towards my dream of building a stone house for my family, and I've completed the exterior. Now, my focus is on saving up my transfers gradually to cover the expenses of completing the interior finishes."

"As soon as I received the unconditional cash transfer, it was a turning point for me and my family. With a sense of responsibility, I immediately prioritized my children's education. Allocating $25 towards school fees and uniforms ensured that my six school-going kids could continue their studies uninterrupted. Witnessing them enter the school gates without the burden of unpaid fees brought tears of relief to my eyes. This investment in their future filled me with hope, knowing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued our family for generations. With the remaining $77, I embarked on a venture that held the promise of long-term stability. Investing in livestock such as chickens, sheep, and goats was a strategic move aimed at securing our future. As I tend to them daily, I envision a time when their numbers multiply, providing us with a sustainable source of income. The prospect of exchanging them for a bull, which would significantly aid our farming activities, fills me with anticipation. In a world where permanent income streams are scarce, this investment represents a beacon of hope and a tangible step towards securing a better future for my family. With seven children relying on me, the potential of this venture to alleviate our financial burdens is immense, and I am determined to see it through."

"Ensuring my children's education remains uninterrupted has always been my top priority, and with the recent unconditional cash transfer, I could breathe a sigh of relief. Clearing the $42 arrears for my three children meant more than just settling a debt; it meant providing them with the opportunity to learn without the looming threat of being sent home. The thought of their bright faces immersed in their studies filled me with immense joy and gratitude. Alongside securing their education, I invested in our future by hiring someone to prepare our farm. With $20, I paid for their services, confident that once the rains came, we would reap the rewards in abundance, ensuring food security for my family. In addition to education and sustenance, I seized the opportunity to invest in a small asset, purchasing a chicken for $5. While seemingly modest, I viewed it as a step towards creating a more stable future and a reliable source of income in times of need. Moreover, the $23 spent on food alleviated the persistent worry of going to bed hungry. The simple act of ensuring our stomachs were full brought a sense of peace and security to our humble abode. The remaining $13, carefully tucked away, served as a safety net against unforeseen emergencies. As someone without a stable job, this reserve provided a sense of security, alleviating the constant worry of how to handle unexpected challenges. "

"Some months ago, I made a conscious decision to take control of my family's future by joining a Merry Go Round in our village. Over the past three months, I have diligently contributed $60 towards our collective goal of building a new, more spacious home. With five children, our current dwelling feels cramped, and the thought of providing them with a comfortable living space drives me forward. However, knowing that constructing a new house outright would be financially daunting, I embraced the community initiative of the Chama to gradually achieve our dream. In addition to investing in our future home, I prioritized my children's education by allocating $26 towards their school fees. The recurring fear of them being sent home due to unpaid fees haunted me, but with this support, I could ensure their uninterrupted learning. Furthermore, I purchased two chickens for $10, a seemingly unconventional choice but one that provides a sense of security in times of financial uncertainty. As my husband and I navigate the unpredictability of casual jobs, having this backup plan offers comforting assurance. With the remaining funds, I stocked our pantry with essential food supplies, alleviating the strain on our finances during lean periods. Each expenditure, fueled by the unconditional cash transfers, represents a step towards stability and resilience for my family."

"Out of the recent transfers amounting to $102, I used $30 to pay school fees for my three primary school children. They had been on and off school due to the lack of funds, and it weighed heavily on my mind. Ensuring their education is paramount to me, and seeing them return to school filled me with relief and happiness. Education is their pathway to a brighter future, and knowing they are back in class, learning and growing, brings me immense peace and satisfaction. Next, I invested $42 in buying nine small chicks. This poultry investment is a step towards securing a stable income for my family in the future. I believe raising these chicks will yield positive returns, providing us with eggs and meat, and potentially even more chickens to sell. The remaining $30 was crucial for our immediate needs. Depending on casual labor makes our income unpredictable, so I used this amount to buy food, ensuring my family would not go hungry. This balance between immediate relief and future investment gives me hope and a sense of stability."

"In the coming year and beyond, my sole focus is on enhancing my goat and chicken rearing ventures. With five school-going children to support, I've decided to prioritize livestock farming as my primary source of income. Previously, I engaged in low-paying casual jobs, but upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately transitioned into farming. The support from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in this journey, allowing me to expand my livestock holdings significantly. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and with 13 goats now in my possession, I consider it a substantial achievement, especially considering I have one that consistently gives birth to twins. This shift towards livestock farming marks a significant turning point for me and my family. It not only provides a more stable and lucrative income but also aligns with my long-term goal of securing a better future for my children. With dedication and hard work, I aim to continue growing my livestock enterprise, ensuring a sustainable livelihood for my family and fulfilling my aspirations for their education and well-being."

"Running my coconut-selling business, I often found myself trapped in a cycle of financial strain, especially when it came to providing for my children's education. The burden weighed heavily on me, knowing that their future depended on it. However, when the unconditional cash transfer arrived, it felt like a lifeline. Without hesitation, I allocated $76 towards their school fees, ensuring all five of my children could continue their education without interruption. The relief and joy I felt seeing them back in school were immeasurable, knowing that this opportunity wouldn't have been possible without the support of the organization. Seeking avenues for additional income and personal growth, I invested in chickens, drawn to their promise of thriving in our environment. With $10, I began building a small poultry operation, envisioning a future where the surplus could be exchanged for a goat, further diversifying my assets. This step towards self-sufficiency filled me with hope and determination. With the remaining funds, I secured enough food to sustain my family, easing the daily pressure of providing nutritious meals. The impact of this assistance was profound, not only alleviating immediate financial strain but also instilling a sense of stability and empowerment for the future. I am deeply grateful for the organization's support, which has transformed our lives in ways I never imagined possible."

"I am currently operating a spare parts and repair shop in my village, and my aim has always been to scale up and expand it. With the recent cash transfer, I spent almost $35 to buy more spare parts and grow my inventory. This investment has already made a noticeable difference, as the returns now are far better than before. The support from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline, allowing me to take care of my young family with much less struggle. Also, I used $20 to bolster my poultry farming by purchasing more chickens and feed. I am confident that as the chicks grow and multiply, I'll soon have a steady stream of customers, further improving our financial stability. Additionally, clearing my $25 debt to my neighbour was another significant relief. Being able to pay off this debt has given me peace of mind, freeing me from the constant worry that had weighed on me. Moreover, being able to provide a small solar panel for my siblings illuminated their nights, facilitating their studies with much-needed light. With the remaining funds, I have been able to consistently buy food for my family, ensuring that we have enough to last several days. The stability and peace these transfers have brought to our lives are immeasurable, and I am profoundly grateful. The future now looks much brighter, and I am optimistic about the continued growth of my business and the well-being of my family."