"Being a single father to five children has never been an easy road, especially with my meager income from my charcoal business. The recent unconditional cash transfer came as a lifeline, allowing me to address some pressing concerns. I immediately allocated $300 of the transfer to pay the school fees for my son, who is in high school. Education has been a constant struggle due to financial constraints, resulting in my children's on-and-off attendance and, consequently, their academic performance suffering. With the fees settled, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness and relief as I watched all my children head to school together, knowing they would finally receive the education they deserve. The remaining amount from the transfer was wisely invested in purchasing a dairy cow. This decision wasn't just about securing their future education; it was about long-term sustainability. The cow will provide a steady source of income through milk production, ensuring that I can consistently cover their school fees and meet their daily needs. As I look at the cow grazing in the field, I can't help but feel a sense of optimism for the first time in a while, knowing that I'm taking steps toward breaking the cycle of financial struggle for my family."

"The transfer will be timely. We've had consistent food insecurity for the last 3 years. We plan to buy foodstuffs such as maize, beans, sugar, and cooking oil amongst other household essentials. We'll spend all of the first transfer($200) to buy food. This should support us for at least 3 months. To ensure we have enough income in the future. We also plan to buy 4 goats, 2 sheep, and 2 cows. This will cost about $600. Livestock do we here and should sustain us in the long term. Will provide us with milk and can sell when the numbers grow. We also plan to renovate our 3-roomed house. It's old and not cemented. We need to cement it to improve our healthy conditions and also ease the burden of cleaning it. That can cost almost $300."

"As I gaze into the future, my unwavering goal comes into sharp focus. I yearn to channel my resources into a venture that not only secures my family's future but nurtures it with abundance. The path I've chosen is to add more livestock, specifically cows. Their presence and the duality of benefits they offer that is milk and meat production convinces me of the wisdom in this choice. Cows stand as a testament to nature's generosity, and in turn, they will stand as the cornerstone of my aspirations. The allure of cows surpasses that of goats, for they possess the ability to offer both white rivers of dairy and the wholesome solidity of meat when the time is ripe. With a heart full of anticipation, I embrace their potential for not only enrich our dining table but also our financial stability."

"I was digging, I felt so happy, I first thought of buying a cow"

"I bought a cow because i can get milk from it."

"I made a wise decision by investing in a cow for $300. While I previously had a wine and spirit business, I recognized the importance of diversifying my income sources. Business ventures can be unpredictable, and I wanted to have something more reliable and stable, like owning a cow. The cow represents a tangible and valuable asset that can provide a steady stream of income through milk production and potential offspring. Unlike the uncertainties that come with running a business, the cow offers a more assured means of generating revenue. In addition to acquiring the cow, I also invested $130 to expand and improve my existing business. I realized that the key to increasing revenue was having a good stock of products. By carefully selecting and diversifying my inventory, I have been able to attract more customers and double my revenue compared in just three years. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, thanks to GiveDirectly. With a diverse income portfolio and a thriving business, I am confident in my ability to overcome challenges and achieve my aspirations."

"Embarking on proper farming of fruits like mangoes and pawpaw holds the promise of transforming my financial situation. I firmly believe that this venture will not only provide me with a stable income but also give me the means to take care of various expenses at home, including paying school fees on time. Farming fruits can be a lucrative endeavor, especially given the demand for fresh and healthy produce. By focusing on high-quality mangoes and pawpaw, I aim to establish a reputation for providing excellent fruits, attracting more customers and boosting sales. One of my other aspirations is to purchase a dairy cow, which will be another important source of income for my family. Dairy farming can provide a steady stream of revenue through milk sales, and the surplus can be used to support other aspects of our livelihood. Not only will it improve our financial situation, but it will also enhance our overall quality of life. The struggles I am facing now will become stepping stones to success, and I will be able to overcome financial challenges with confidence and resilience."

"With the transfers I received, I saw an opportunity to invest in my future financial stability. I used $50 to start a hotel business, believing that it could be a lucrative venture and boost my income significantly. This business has opened up new possibilities for me, and I am determined to make it thrive. Allocating $50 for school fees was a wise decision. Previously, I relied on selling charcoal, which was not providing enough income to meet the educational expenses of my children. With the transfers, I can now comfortably pay for their schooling, ensuring they receive a good education. Farming has always been my passion, and with $120, I seized the opportunity to expand my farming activities. Instead of farming on just one acre, I can now utilize a total of 4 acres of land. This expansion will increase my agricultural output, providing more opportunities to generate income and improve my family's well-being. To secure my future financial stability, I used $230 to add to my livestock. I already had some goats and cows so I bought two more goats and one dairy cow, and with this additional investment, I am taking steps towards building a sustainable source of income. Having a stable livestock base will ensure I have the resources to support my family's needs, including school fees for my children when they grow up. I am confident in securing a more prosperous and stable future for myself and my family, I am immensely grateful for this opportunity"

"My current goal is to acquire more livestock, specifically goats. While a substantial portion of the recent transfer mainly went towards meeting essential needs such as food and educational expenses for my children, my farming efforts recently yielded a bountiful harvest. This harvest has effectively alleviated my household's food scarcity, presenting an opportunity to redirect transfers toward livestock investment, specifically goats. My livestock assets currently consist of six cows, and I am determined to supplement this with the acquisition of additional goats in the coming year and beyond. Owning the goats will not only cater for my financial needs but will also take care of my six children's education."

"I bought a cow, land, I gifted my son 1,500,000/."