"Looking forward to the beginning of next year, my goal is to initiate a defined savings project for the education of my nine children. Given that most of them are still in primary school, there is a long journey until they complete their secondary education. I aim to set aside a portion of the cash transfers to cover any outstanding school balances or unforeseen expenses. Additionally, I aspire to start a venture in poultry and goat rearing. Currently, I have only one chicken, as financial constraints, such as school fees, hindered me from acquiring more. With the school holidays underway, I see an opportunity to expand my poultry and goat holdings."

"Currently, without the cash transfers, our situation would be exceedingly challenging. My husband, the primary breadwinner, is advanced in age and can no longer undertake strenuous activities to support our seven children. Recognizing the need for a sustainable source of income, I aim to venture into livestock keeping, particularly cattle. While I have experience with poultry like chickens and ducks, I believe that owning livestock such as cows would be a valuable asset. I hope that the cash transfers will enable me to save and eventually acquire at least one cow to contribute to our long-term financial stability."

"My primary goal is to re-enter the business arena, driven by a deep passion for entrepreneurial endeavors. Specifically, I aspire to engage in poultry farming, with a focus on raising chickens, as it appears to be a lucrative venture. I plan to use forthcoming transfers to turn this ambition into reality. The prospect of establishing a steady income stream through this venture holds the promise of restoring a sense of normalcy and fulfillment in my life. I am content with the progress I have made so far and am optimistic about the journey ahead."

"In my village, we endured a prolonged drought that significantly impacted our sources of livelihood. To sustain my family of seven during this challenging period, I resorted to the laborious task of burning and selling charcoal. Fortunately, with the arrival of ongoing rains, the situation has markedly improved. I transitioned to farming and poultry keeping as alternative income-generating activities and I am happy to report that I currently have a flock of forty chickens and ducks. Allocating $68, I invested in two goats, viewing them as assets for future financial support, particularly for upcoming school fees when the term resumes. The remaining $34 was dedicated to obtaining essential treatment for my differently-abled child, and I am grateful for the notable improvement in his well-being. I am grateful for the positive transformation in my life, a change facilitated by GiveDirectly."

"We started a merry go round group with other beneficiaries with an aim of using the money that one receives in lump sum to do something tangible in our lives. We contribute $ 20 every month and with my recent transfers, I used $ 60 to pay for my contribution. When my turn comes, I'll use it to pay school fees for my children and to purchase new beddings majorly a bed and mattress. Using the remaining amount, $ 38, I bought some detergents, food and other household necessities after using $ 4 to purchase a chicken for rearing. I have five children in different levels of education and paying their school fees with the money from our group will give me enough time to continue saving and looking for more money."

"I am the eldest among five siblings, and seven years ago, I had to discontinue my education in grade six due to financial constraints within my family. My father earns a living as a casual laborer, relying on tasks such as removing tree stumps and selling charcoal, while my mother fulfills the role of a housewife. The arrival of GiveDirectly in my village has been a significant blessing. Their support enabled me to establish a livestock business, and I've been able to contribute towards my siblings' education by assisting with their school fees. Utilizing the received transfers, I allocated $40 to purchase food to supplement our insufficient harvest. Additionally, I invested $48 in acquiring a goat and a chicken, which were added to my existing herd, strengthening my business. The remaining $14 was dedicated to settling a school fee debt for my siblings, who had been sent home due to an outstanding balance. I am happy that this project has undeniably transformed my life, providing me with the freedom to pursue my aspirations."

"Over the next year, my goal is to sell my chickens and transition into raising goats. Goats thrive in our area, presenting a promising venture for me. The decision is rooted in the recognition of the favorable conditions for goat farming, anticipating both personal benefits and economic sustainability. By diversifying into goat rearing, I aim to tap into the agricultural potential of our region, capitalizing on the resilience and productivity of goats. This aligns to my goal of cultivating a sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprise."

"A substantial part of my recent cash transfer, approximately $26, was dedicated to realizing a long-cherished dream: owning livestock. With this money, I acquired three chickens and a goat, animals I had yearned to have for a considerable time. As someone without a job and dependent on my husband's subsistence farming, financial constraints always prevented me from fulfilling this desire. Now, with these thoughtful additions to my household, there's a renewed sense of hope and security. I believe that having these animals will not only bring joy to our home but also serve as a means to tackle any unforeseen emergencies that might arise. The remaining funds were wisely allocated to address other pressing needs. I purchased clothes worth $5 for my seven children, who had been wearing tattered clothes, making it challenging for them to interact with their friends. The transformation in their appearance has brought a newfound joy, and they can now confidently engage with their peers. Lastly, with the remaining $3.7, I secured food for our family of nine. This has been a beacon of hope, especially in times of constant famine. The unconditional cash transfer has not just met our immediate needs but has also planted seeds of optimism for a more secure and stable future."

"In the coming year, my aspiration is to establish a chicken butchery, expanding my entrepreneurial ventures. This venture will serve as a platform to market and sell the chickens I raise, thereby augmenting my income beyond the profits generated from poultry farming. The vision is not only to enhance financial sustainability but also to contribute to the local community by providing quality poultry products. By diversifying my business, I aim to create a more robust and resilient source of income, fostering economic growth and sustainability."

"In the coming year, my goal is to construct a secure chicken coop to provide a safe haven for my chickens and chicks when I am not at home. I have encountered numerous challenges, such as theft and attacks by stray dogs and other animals in the surrounding bushes. The chicken coop is crucial for ensuring the safety of my poultry, especially on Sundays when I attend church and the chickens won't be free-ranging. This initiative aims to mitigate the risks posed by external threats, creating a protected environment for my chickens and enhancing their overall well-being."