"My current residence is quite small, and one side of it has collapsed after heavy rains. Despite my efforts to renovate and stabilize it, my attempts have been in vain. This situation has been a significant concern, as I'm forced to seek alternative shelter every time it rains. Adding to this issue is my deteriorating health due to age, and my most pressing need is a comfortable and secure home. To address this pressing need, I have embarked on a plan to construct a new, more spacious house. This endeavor will require 14 iron sheets, building poles, and nails. To fund this project, I've taken part in a merry-go-round savings group, contributing a minimum of $15 every month. I'm delighted to share that I have managed to accumulate almost $80 so far, which I intend to use to purchase the necessary construction materials in the coming months. My greatest aspiration is to finally have a spacious, iron-roofed house for myself. I lack a means of financial support besides the occasional transfers. In addition to my housing project, I've also acquired a chicken, which cost me $3. I'm currently raising it with the goal of expanding my poultry stock. These chickens will serve as a valuable resource when the time comes to start the construction. Finally, I spent the remaining funds for essential needs. I purchased foodstuffs to sustain my family, bought new clothes for both myself and my daughter, and procured school supplies for her as she was preparing to return to school."

"I am immensely grateful to GD for granting us an unconditional cash transfer. This approach granted us the freedom to allocate the funds in alignment with our pressing needs and aspirations. When I consider the choices I made with the transfer, I experience a profound sense of contentment and accomplishment. Utilizing the money, I not only facilitated my child's enrollment in tertiary education but also made strategic investments with the second transfer. I acquired around twenty chickens and three goats, investments that I am confident will ensure my financial stability in the future through their reproduction. This opportunity has empowered me to plan for a more secure tomorrow."

"My objective is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by acquiring more goats and chickens. Presently, I am maintaining a flock of 50 chickens, which I consider a valuable asset. I'm aware that, in times of financial necessity, I can readily sell these chickens to generate much-needed cash. My intention is to transform this livestock into a sustainable income-generating venture, as I currently lack any stable source of income. My primary means of sustenance is subsistence farming for household consumption. However, when unexpected financial challenges arise, overcoming them can be quite challenging. I firmly believe that owning and growing my livestock will serve as a reliable safety net during times of financial hardship. This endeavor will not only provide additional financial security but also help improve the overall economic stability of my household."

"For many years, my livelihood has been sustained through the sale of palm wine in my village, enabling me to provide an education for my three children. However, my journey has not been without its share of challenges as a single mother. Recently, my daughter entrusted me with the care of her four children while she ventured into town in search of employment. Her support, though appreciated, barely covers our expenses. I am grateful that these transfers have allowed me to purchase food, pay school fees, and provide clothing for my family. Additionally, I invested $68 in acquiring chickens and goats, which I plan to raise to maturity and subsequently sell for a profit. The remaining $34 was allocated for the treatment and medication required to address my son's hernia diagnosis. This organization has renewed my hope, and I am eagerly looking forward to a brighter future."

"The recent financial support from GiveDirectly has brought positive changes in my life. Firstly, I managed to ensure the continued education of my grandchild by paying $100 for her secondary school fees. In the past, I used to sell livestock like chickens and goats to secure funds for school fees, which was often challenging. Now I am glad that I can pay without stressing much. Secondly, I invested $200 in acquiring a dairy cow. This strategic decision was influenced by the arid nature of the land, making traditional farming challenging. The dairy cow provides a sustainable milk production for my family as it extends to cormmercial purposes where we could sell the surplus milk. Lastly, I utilized $150 to build a store. This space is crucial for safeguarding valuable items such as medications for livestock and chemicals used in farming, it ensures that these essential items are stored separate from everyday household items, promoting safety and organization. In essence, GiveDirectly has empowered me to make strategic investments that enhance the present and future well-being of the family. I'm grateful for the support that has enabled these positive changes."

"In the coming year and beyond, I hope to have a growing number of livestock, including chickens, goats, and cows. I feel that my husband's work of making and selling charcoal alone cannot cover our children's needs, especially their school fees. Having livestock will provide us with some financial security because I can sell these animals for funds. Currently, I have eight hens and one goat, which I obtained through previous cash transfers, and my goal is to continue acquiring more."

"I serve as the pastor in charge of our local church, and I also engage in farming. It brings me great joy to witness the arrival of rains in our village after a prolonged drought, resulting in a bountiful harvest this season. Life was a constant struggle for us in the past, with challenges in putting food on our tables and providing education for our children. I am overjoyed to report that, through these transfers, I have managed to secure an education for my three children – two in primary school and one in secondary school. I directed $15 towards purchasing food before the harvest, and $77 was utilized to clear an outstanding school fees debt and fund an upcoming educational school trip. I used the remaining funds to purchase two chickens, marking a fresh start after my previous flock was eliminated by coccidiosis. This transformation has not only benefited me but has also had a positive impact on our entire community."

"The arrival of these transfers fills me with a sense of contentment, knowing that they hold the key to resolving most of my challenges. My primary objective is to venture into livestock farming, with a particular emphasis on goats and chickens. I see this as a sound investment, with plans to sell them at a profit in the future. I'm committed to saving and judiciously utilizing my forthcoming transfers to turn this goal into reality. Establishing a stable source of income is not just a dream but a beacon of hope, providing me with the peace of mind that my family's needs will be well taken care of."

"My top priority is to venture into the rearing of egg-laying chickens, a step I believe will enhance my income and boost the stability of my business. Additionally, I aspire to construct a larger shed to house these chickens, ensuring they have ample space. I intend to utilize future transfers from GiveDirectly to realize these goals. I take great pride in reflecting on the progress I have made, all made possible through GiveDirectly's support. It has truly been a life-changing journey."

"I am a mother of six children who rely on me to provide for all their needs. Raising them has been quite challenging, as the income from my charcoal-selling business falls short of covering our expenses. Fortunately, my life took a positive turn when GiveDirectly arrived in our village. I am happy to report that with the transfers, I can now address some of my needs and take a much-needed break from the strenuous task of producing and selling charcoal in Mariakani town. With the funds I received, I allocated $28 to settle a school fee debt that had accumulated over time. Additionally, I used $26 to purchase a chicken and a goat, which I plan to raise to maturity as a valuable investment that will endure beyond the project's duration. Another $25 was utilized to buy a bed for my children, as they had been sleeping on the floor, which was detrimental to their health. I used the remaining $23 to purchase medication for two of them who had fallen ill and acquiring essential household items that had been depleted."