"In the coming year and beyond,I want to start a business of raising animals because I don't have a steady income. I think it will make me more money in the long run. So, I'm planning to save some of the money I get each month to reach my goal. Since my kids are in school, I can't get enough money all at once to buy a goat. But I can start by buying chickens. When I have enough of them, I'll sell them and use the money to buy a goat. I think this project will help me a lot in the future and keep me safe from any money problems."

"I work in the chief's office as a member of the community security team. My life has undergone a huge transformation since I was enrolled in the cash program. Previously, I struggled to make ends meet for my family of eight members. The pay I earned was very little, and I could not adequately support my family. After joining the program, I invested the money in starting a poultry project. I currently have over 40 hens, and once they mature, I will sell them to earn a good income. This investment is something I had longed to do for a very long time, but financial constraints were a major hindrance. I spent $34 to purchase two pieces of iron sheets, which I used to complete the construction of the chicken coop, ensuring the hens have a good place to stay. Additionally, I spent $21 to purchase animal feed and medicines to deworm my three goats. I am happy that the goats are healthy. Furthermore, I paid school fees for my six children, ensuring they stay in school and continue their education without any hindrances. Finally, I purchased food worth $22 for my family, ensuring we had plenty to eat and never lacked food. I am very happy and deeply appreciate the financial support from Give Directly, which has helped me become financially stable and improve my family's well-being."

"It has been a challenging journey since my husband left us, leaving me to navigate the rough waters of single parenthood with seven children in tow. The burden of providing for them alone weighed heavily on my shoulders, especially with the irregular income from my casual labour. However, the cash transfer brought a ray of hope into our lives. Allocating $70 towards my children's school fees lifted a significant weight off my chest. Witnessing them back in the classroom filled me with immense relief and gratitude for the support that made it possible. With a portion of the funds, I invested in a goat, three chickens, and a small security blanket in the face of uncertainty. These assets provide a sense of stability, knowing that in times of need, I have something to fall back on. As the dry season persists and we await the much-needed rain, the remainder of the cash was wisely spent on food, ensuring that my family's basic needs are met despite the challenging circumstances. Though the road ahead may still be tough, I am grateful for the assistance that has eased our burdens and given us renewed hope for the future."

"My plan for the coming year and beyond is straightforward yet crucial for my future and that of my children. I intend to continue tending to my goats and chickens diligently, nurturing them with care and attention. By next year, I aim to sell some of them to raise funds for college. My dream is to enrol in a beauty therapy course, a field I'm passionate about. I believe that acquiring skills in this area will not only open doors to job opportunities but also provide me with the option to become self-employed. With my dedication and hard work, I'm confident that I can excel in this field and create a better life for myself and my family. Ultimately, this empowerment will enable me to provide the best possible care for my children as they pursue their own studies, ensuring a brighter future for us all."

"I have a growing interest in starting a turkey rearing project. In fact, I have already managed to purchase two turkeys to get started. Although turkeys are a bit more expensive compared to chickens, they yield a higher profit when sold. This makes them a valuable investment opportunity. Given the profitability and potential growth of this venture, I am confident that turkey rearing will be a successful endeavor for me. With school-going children, I am committed to securing their future through this investment. Over the coming year and beyond, I plan to use the profits from my turkey rearing project to cover their educational expenses. By reinvesting my monthly transfers into this project, I aim to ensure that my children have the financial support they need for their schooling. This approach not only supports their education but also helps me build a sustainable source of income for the future."

"I've invested in chickens with the intention of them multiplying, allowing me to trade them for goats. These goats, in turn, will multiply and be traded for cows, which I plan to utilize for ploughing and hiring out for additional income. This strategy is driven by my desire to secure resources that will support my children's education and other essential needs. Each step in this plan represents a commitment to providing a better future for my family. I am hopeful that through hard work and strategic investments, I can create opportunities for financial stability and prosperity, ensuring that my children's needs are met and their aspirations are supported."

"My goal is to gradually expand my poultry farm by purchasing more chickens using my transfers, while reserving my savings to eventually invest in goats. I believe in the power of these animals as assets akin to banks, as they can be easily traded for money when needed, providing financial security for my children's future educational needs. Moreover, I see my group savings as a means to realize my dream of building a home for my family—a plan that was initially derailed by unexpected emergencies and the allocation of funds towards essential expenses. Both chickens and goats serve as invaluable resources, not just for immediate needs but as long-term investments that can support my children's education and contribute to our overall well-being."

"Leaving my marriage of over 20 years due to domestic violence was a tough decision, but I knew it was necessary for my well-being. Starting afresh, with nothing, was daunting, but my siblings provided me with a place to stay as I rebuilt my life. The support from Givedirectly feels like a blessing, offering a chance to restore myself and my family of two. Once I receive the transfers, I plan to spend $150 to expand our cramped one-room house, making it more suitable for us. Another $300 will go towards investing in goats, while $50 will be spent on chickens to generate additional income. The remaining transfers will cover household furniture and food. With more time devoted to caring for our livestock, I hope to reduce my reliance on casual jobs and find meaning within my community. This opportunity is a beacon of hope as I strive to lift myself out of extreme poverty."

"My foremost goal is to provide my children with a quality education. In addition to this, I've invested in livestock—a cow and chickens—using previous transfers. The cow has already birthed a young one, adding to the family's assets. My intention is to nurture these animals, allowing them to flourish over time. This isn't just about raising animals; it's about creating a legacy that my children can inherit and be proud of. As they grow, they'll witness firsthand the fruits of their father's hard work and dedication, instilling in them values of perseverance and stewardship."

"My long-held dream of owning a home has finally begun to take shape, flooding my heart with profound gratitude. To propel this dream forward, I dedicated $50 from the transfers toward the construction of my new house. Simultaneously, I'm actively pursuing my ambition to invest in livestock, directing $30 towards acquiring chickens and goats, envisioning their growth and future sale as a means to ease my financial burdens. As the school reopening draws near, I set aside $10 to ensure my child's smooth transition back to school. Lastly, I allocated the remaining $12 from the transfer to secure my family's sustenance by purchasing food. This journey is driven by a relentless spirit of hope and determination, not only realizing my personal aspirations but also safeguarding the well-being of my cherished family."