"This coming year, my biggest goal is to start a small business and open a shop in a new area that I’ve set my sights on moving to. I’ve been scouting the place for a while now, and one thing is clear: there isn’t a single shop within the neighborhood, which creates a good market opportunity. People would really benefit from a reliable place to buy their daily essentials nearby, and I know I can fill that need. Once I receive my third transfer payment, I plan to use a portion to complete paying for the plot I have in mind, ensuring I have a solid base to set up my shop. It’s exciting to envision it finally taking shape, knowing that my little store could become a go-to spot for the community. Farming has been my main source of income up to this point, mainly growing tomatoes and vegetables, which has been both rewarding and challenging. But with the unpredictable weather and rising costs, I know I need to diversify my income. Opening this shop will be my way of balancing the risks that come with farming and finding a steadier source of revenue."

"I want to thank GiveDirectly for the financial support, it has truly helped me support my family without the financial strain I experienced before. I really do not want to return to the level of poverty I was in before GiveDirectly came to our rescue. That's why I want to invest in a business, so that when my transfer comes to an end, I can be financially stable and have a continuous income to support my family. I have started a grocery business and I want to expand it by adding more small fish for my customers who love them. In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest part of my transfer into boosting this business to achieve good returns. I know that if it picks up well and I maintain my customers, I will be in a better position to meet my family's needs with greater ease."

"We have experienced significant change in our community since GiveDirectly arrived in our village. Personally, I plan to invest a portion of my transfer into a profit-generating activity that will continue to provide benefits even after the transfers end. Therefore, I have decided to purchase goats and raise them as a future investment. As a parent of school-going children, I need to plan carefully. In addition to using the income from this investment to pay for school fees, it’s important to be prepared for any financial emergencies that may arise. Rather than relying on friends for help, I will have my own investment to depend on. I’m pleased to share that I have already bought eighteen goats, and I intend to acquire more until I have a substantial number. I believe that, over time, they will also reproduce and increase in number. Furthermore, I want to initiate a poultry project as well. Having both of these ventures will help support me during financially difficult times, as there is a ready market for both poultry and goats in our area. These are my plans for the coming year and beyond."

"When I received my transfer, it was a huge relief because my son, who is in secondary school, had been sent home due to unpaid school fees. The timing was perfect, as he returned home the very next morning after I got the money. He had arrears of $220, so I immediately paid $150, leaving a balance of $70, which I plan to clear with my final transfer. At the same time, my maize on three acres of land was ready for harvest, but I had lost some to floods. Thankfully, I still had some maize left on two acres, though I feared losing it due to lack of money. I had even considered borrowing, but I was fortunate enough to receive my second transfer from GiveDirectly, which I used to cover the $100 needed for harvesting, transporting, and shelling the maize. We also had an issue with seating in our home, as our family of seven only had a three-seater sofa, which I had bought with my first transfer. It wasn't enough, so I spent $100 on an additional sofa, plastic chairs, and a table. Although having maize was a blessing, it didn’t fully make us food secure. We still lacked other essentials like beans and various household items, so I spent $50 on those. I also used $40 to buy clothes and shoes for all of us, as our old ones were worn out, and we didn’t have anything decent for special occasions. The remaining amount went toward my transportation to town to purchase everything we needed."

"Enrollment was conducted at home, where every household was registered individually by GiveDirectly officers, ensuring there was no discrimination. This independent process made the experience feel fair and inclusive for everyone involved. Since participation was optional, it gave us the freedom to decide whether or not to enroll, which reinforced the program's transparency. The follow-up on transfers has been a great encouragement, helping us use the money responsibly and meet the organization’s broader goal of reducing poverty. I find their approach effective, and there’s no need for improvement; please continue with the same model."

"Going forward, my plan for this year and the years to come is to invest in livestock keeping and crop growing. I intend to use the next transfers from GiveDirectly to buy more goats and to invest in farming. This will help ensure that there is a sustainable income in my household, providing financial stability for my family. The thought of having livestock and crops fills me with confidence, knowing that I will have something to rely on in times of emergency. I feel much better knowing that I can build a foundation for the future and take care of my family's needs, even when unexpected challenges arise."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I already had a plan for how to use it. I had been deeply affected by recent floods, which swept away my home and left me in a life-threatening situation. As an elderly person who spends most of my time at home, not having a proper place to live was truly distressing. I used $300 to buy construction materials, and I’ve since built a new house in a safer area, far from the risk of floods. Now, I feel secure and can live peacefully again. During this time, I also became ill, likely due to the cold and exposure to mosquitoes during the flooding. My vision and hearing were affected, making daily life difficult. I spent $25 on medication, which has thankfully restored my health, bringing me back to my normal self. The rest of the money went toward buying food, as it’s essential for my well-being. I no longer do casual jobs and generally rely on my children for support, but GiveDirectly’s assistance has allowed me to be less dependent on them. Now, I can afford my own food, which has improved my quality of life and brought greater ease to my family."

"What truly stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the approach of providing unconditional cash. Having the freedom to address my own needs in the way I think best has been incredibly empowering. This support has allowed me to buy livestock and invest in my grandson’s education, giving me the means to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. I have no specific recommendations for GiveDirectly, other than encouraging them to keep up the good work. Their support has made a real difference, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in recipients to decide what’s best for themselves."

"My goal for this year, and for the future, is to complete the construction of a new house for my family. I have already started purchasing building materials, and now I’m eagerly waiting for the final transfer from GiveDirectly to complete the project. This new house means more than just a place to live; it represents a future of comfort, safety, and stability. Once finished, we’ll have a home that provides protection, especially during the flood seasons, which have always been a threat to us in our current house. Knowing that soon we will be in a secure and spacious home fills me with hope and relief, and I look forward to the peace of mind it will bring my family."

"My goal for the coming years is to focus on farming, especially once I receive my third transfer. Since I am getting older, charcoal burning has become too physically demanding for me. Farming feels more manageable, and with the help of my children, I believe I can make it successful. My children are now old enough to assist, so we will work together to make the most of the land. This plan gives me hope, as it will provide food and income for our family without the need for the hard labor of charcoal burning. I look forward to building a stable future for us through farming."