"My son has recently started high school, and since I don't have any external support, my plan is to finance his education through the monthly transfers that I receive. These consistent transfers provide me with the assurance that I can cover his school fees, enabling him to pursue his educational objectives without any obstacles. I am fully committed to ensuring timely payment of his fees and facilitating a smooth and uninterrupted educational journey for him. In my experience, owning goats has also proven to be a valuable investment, as it has allowed me to send my children to school. Recognizing the significant impact of this investment, my goal is also to expand my livestock holdings by acquiring more goats and chickens. Currently, I own nine goats, having sold some previously, and six chickens."

"I joined a merry-go-round group upon receiving the cash transfers from GiveDirectly. Contributing $30 from the transfer, I accumulated funds that enabled me to expand my livestock-selling business by investing in additional stock. This move resulted in an increase in profits, providing the means to meet my household needs. The $40 allocated for the school fees of my six children not only kept them in school but rescued them from the possibility of being sent back home, a stark contrast to the challenging times before receiving the transfers. Furthermore, the surplus from the business allowed me to invest in a solar lighting system, creating a conducive environment for my children to study at home. I allocated $2.45 to food, facilitating both sustenance and the cultivation of our own produce, now overseen by my wife. Additionally, a portion of the transfer, $7.5, was dedicated to rearing chickens. This investment not only ensures a steady supply of eggs for our consumption but also generates income when we sell them in the market. Reflecting on this transformative journey, I am genuinely grateful for the positive turn our lives have taken, and I extend heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support."

"I have been buying chicken over a course of time, I bought chicken in January and also in November. I have a plan that I hope will be able to provide me with emergency funds. I am unemployed, My husband is a construction worker working on a casual basis. He only makes money when he secures work and that is not as often as we would want. I want to buy chicken which will hatch eggs that will become chicks and when they are all grown up the cycle continues. This means that incase we get emergencies such as health or school related we can sell the chicken and pay for those services."

"This year, my goal is to finally start poultry farming. It's something I've been wanting to do since last year, but I couldn't make it happen then. If I can achieve this, it would be a significant step for me. The plan is to sell chickens and goats that I bought with the second transfer from GiveDirectly, and the income from this venture will help me pay for school fees. This way, I aim to create a sustainable source of income that not only supports my family but also contributes to the education of my children."

"I recently spent $34 from my transfers to cover my daughter's school fees as the new term began. This has significantly reduced the outstanding fee balance and provided me with a sense of tranquility. I now have ample time to prepare for the upcoming payment, ensuring my daughter's education is uninterrupted. Apart from supporting my daughter's education, I also manage a successful poultry project that has proven to be a lucrative investment. Currently, I have 40 birds in stock, and I recently invested $40 in purchasing chicken feed and medicines while seeking veterinary services to maintain their health. This venture has not only generated income but also allowed me to acquire four goats, further diversifying my resources. In addition to my poultry project, I operate a general shop stocked with various products and groceries, which has provided another stream of income. At times, whenever I ran out of stock, selling the chickens has proven to be a reliable source of capital, restocking and reinforcing the sustainability of my shop. Consequently, the well-being of my family has significantly improved, and the challenge of paying for my daughter's education has become more manageable as a result of the proceeds from the shop. Lastly, I spent the remaining amount on paying for DStv monthly subscription for my son who operates a movie shop. I am pleased that his shop is now thriving, contributing to his financial independence."

"My son faced lung complications, necessitating a comprehensive check-up, including a scan to identify the root cause. Financial constraints, stemming from substantial spending on medication, made it difficult for him to afford the necessary examination. In support, I contributed $34 to cover the medical expenses, ensuring he received the required treatment. My hope is that he will recover fully, regain his vitality, and resume his role as the family's primary provider. Throughout his illness, I took on the responsibility of caring for his six children, all of whom are enrolled in school—two in high school and the others in primary school. Upon the reopening of schools, I covered their tuition fees, providing a sense of security that, despite my son's inability to work, they could pursue their education without hindrance. Currently relying on subsistence farming as my primary occupation, I've managed to sustain the family's nutritional needs without difficulty, thanks to the financial assistance I received. Moreover, I saved $10 in our local savings groups, creating a financial buffer for unforeseen emergencies. In addition to these, I also invested $21 in acquiring a goat and two chickens, adding to my existing livestock of 20 goats and several chickens. This diverse livestock serves as a financial safety net, ready to provide support in times of dire financial need."

"I am immensely grateful for the support I've received from GiveDirectly, which has truly transformed my life. Previously, I had been using used sacks and worn-out mats for sleeping, providing little comfort. However, with the recent financial assistance, I was able to purchase a new mattress for $40, replaced the old bedding, and now I am enjoying a much more comfortable sleep. Additionally, I used part of the funds to invest in livestock, acquiring five chickens and one goat. My plan is to allow these animals to multiply, and in times of financial need, I can sell them to generate income. This becomes especially crucial as my youngest child has recently enrolled in junior high school. With no current source of income, the livestock will serve as a financial cushion, helping me cover school fees when faced with difficulties. I spent the remaining portion on paying school fees and shopping for my child, who was starting junior high school. I was able to purchase new school uniforms and essential books, and I'm pleased to share that the admission fee was paid, allowing my child to begin high school."

"The significant challenge of food scarcity in my household was alleviated when I successfully cultivated my acreage and reaped a bountiful harvest. Now, I no longer bear the burden of food expenses. However, my reliance on sporadic menial jobs persists, and there are times when securing employment becomes challenging. To address this inconsistency, I have devised a plan to invest a portion of my transfers in acquiring livestock, particularly goats and chickens. This investment holds significant value for me, as livestock serves as a valuable asset that I can depend on, supplementing the uncertainties of the casual jobs that I do. By diversifying my income sources to include livestock, I aim to move beyond my sole dependence on menial jobs. Furthermore, the ownership of livestock opens up avenues to contribute to my children's education, thereby securing their future."

"My roof was leaking , about two of the iron sheets on it were badly damaged. I knew that was a priority for me in November due to the rains, I spent $16 on buying the sheets and spent $5 paying the handy man who fixed the roof. The rest of the money went into buying food and toiletries. In December I bought two chicken for rearing at $6, I got a thermos at $9 and food at $14 while I got toiletries at $5. In January my two children who are in grade went to school with a new pair of uniform, shoes and bags which all cost me $23 I left the rest of the money with my mother to ensure she could purchase any school needs the children come in with."

"I have about 20 chicken, I have bought them over the period of time I have been a beneficiary of the program. I buy them chicken feed and sometimes buy them medicine or vaccination using the transfer. I spent $15 in November buying chicken feed, $8 in January buying some more chicken feed and medicine for deworming them worth $2. I also have had members of my family sick over the last three months, my child in November and myslef in January. I was admitted and hence ended up using $20 for hospital bills, in November I spent $10 for my child's treatment. A portion of my land needed tilling in November I spent $9. During the festivities I spent $25 on clothes for my children and $9 for buying wheat flour."