"When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I took the time to create a budget and made sure to stick to my plan. I used $50 to buy a new fishing net since my previous one was torn. This investment will increase the number of fish I catch and, therefore, transform my business. I also spent $40 on necessary food items at home, including maize and beans, to ensure we have enough food. This way, I could save more since we wouldn’t need to buy food outside. This transfer came at a perfect time because two of my children in school needed support for upkeep and transportation to travel home for the Christmas holiday. I used $60 to ensure they were comfortable and got home safely. In addition, I gave my husband $30 so he could take care of his personal needs."

"In the coming year, my main goal is to build a herd of goats that will serve as security for my future, even after the GiveDirectly program ends. Goats are a smart investment because they are easy to care for and multiply quickly. Each month, I plan to use my transfers to buy a goat, unless an emergency arises. Over time, as the herd grows, I aim to exchange goats for cows, which will provide even greater value to my family. A cow is equivalent to five goats in the current market. This plan excites me because it gives me hope and a clear path to financial stability. With a growing herd, I’ll not only secure a steady source of income but also create a legacy for my family. Beyond this year, I dream of owning a mix of goats and cows that will sustain us for years to come."

"In the coming year, my main goal is to buy goats because they will serve as a security source for my future, even after this program ends. Goats are valuable assets with a ready market, and I can sell some to meet pressing needs when they arise. To achieve this, I plan to start saving at least $15 every month from the transfers I receive. This disciplined saving will allow me to buy my first goat soon, and with time, I hope to grow a small herd. Owning goats will not only provide me with a reliable source of income but also give me peace of mind knowing I have something to fall back on during tough times."

"In the coming years, my greatest aspiration is to focus on my children’s education, nurturing their growth into responsible, independent individuals who can navigate life confidently. Each lesson they learn and milestone they achieve will be a step closer to that vision. To support this dream, I’ve resolved to save at least $10 monthly. Beyond this, I hope to build a legacy of love and resilience, teaching my children not only to excel but also to embrace challenges with courage and integrity."

"In the coming year, my greatest goal is to build a good and spacious house for myself. After my house burnt down, I have been sleeping in the kitchen, and it has been very challenging. I dream of having a safe and comfortable home again, and I am determined to make this happen. Unless an emergency arises, I will commit every monthly transfer I receive to buying building materials bit by bit. With careful planning, I will achieve my goal."

"In the coming year, I aim to grow my herd of goats. As of now, I have five goats, but I want to expand because goats are a valuable asset. They are easy to maintain, and their demand keeps growing. To achieve this, I will be saving at least $10 monthly from my transfers. Bit by bit, I plan to buy one goat at a time until I have a sizable herd that can sustain my family. Beyond this, my vision is to continue growing my herd, eventually exchanging some goats for a cow or selling them during peak demand seasons to generate more income. This goal will secure my family's future and help me provide better opportunities for my children."

"In the coming year, my main goal is to focus on renovating my house by flooring it with cement. For a long time, I have dreamed of having a solid, clean floor in my home, but I couldn’t afford it. Now, with the help of the transfers I receive, I plan to dedicate all of them to the ongoing renovation unless an emergency arises. I will take it step by step, using the transfers to buy the necessary materials and hire labor when needed. Flooring the house will not only make it more comfortable for me."

"The first thing I did when I received the money was to purchase a bed and mattress for my children. For the longest time, they had been sleeping on a sisal mat on the ground, which I eventually replaced with a sisal-woven bed. However, both options were quite uncomfortable for them, leaving them restless and weak. I decided it was time to provide them with proper sleeping arrangements, so I bought a bed and mattress for $140. I also wanted to address the overcrowding in our home, as we are a family of nine, my husband, our seven children, and myself. Our house was too small to accommodate us comfortably, so I invested $190 in building materials, including timber, nails, 14 pieces of iron sheets, and labor costs. My plan was to build an additional house, which would allow us to split the family into two homes, making everyone more comfortable. Next, I allocated $180 toward nutrition for my family. With a large household, food security was always a challenge, and I wanted to ensure we had enough to eat. This money allowed me to buy several bags of maize flour, sugar, beans, and groceries regularly. I also spent $20 to construct a toilet for my family. Our previous toilet had collapsed two years ago due to heavy rains, and since then, we had been using the bush, which was unsanitary and embarrassing. This transfer gave me the chance to finally hire someone to build a proper toilet. Additionally, I purchased two chairs for $10 because I felt embarrassed whenever we had guests, as we had nowhere to seat them. Finally, I used the remaining $5 to buy a new uniform for one of my children, whose previous uniform was torn and worn out. I wanted him to start the school year with a fresh start."

"I clearly remember how the day unfolded. I was at home doing chores, anxiously waiting for the funds to arrive because the organization had informed us of the approximate date. I spent the entire day checking my phone repeatedly, hoping to see the confirmation message. The money finally arrived at around 4:00 p.m., and I was elated. My excitement was heightened because most of my neighbors had already received their transfers earlier, and I had been eagerly anticipating mine. It felt like a huge relief and a moment of joy when it finally came through."

"The most significant difference this money has made is allowing me to build a toilet for my family. As I mentioned, our previous toilet collapsed two years ago, and we had been using the bush ever since. This was not only unsanitary but also deeply uncomfortable, especially during rainy or sunny weather. Having a proper toilet has restored our dignity and improved our hygiene, something I had long hoped to achieve. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the transformative impact it has had on our lives."