"Before the cash transfers came in, I lost two of my goats to a disease, which was really painful because I had invested a lot in keeping livestock. Having paused my job as a waitress, rearing livestock had become my best shot at contributing to the needs of my three children and supporting my husband, who had also lost his job. Losing the very thing I had put so much faith in was frustrating. I was hoping for a chance to replace the lost goats, but it had all been in vain until GiveDirectly sent the cash transfers. I immediately obtained three more goats, increasing my herd to eight. This now revives my hope because, more than ever, I am sure I can sell them in the future to raise funds for my children's education. I also hope to continue growing the herd whenever I have a chance."

"In a few months, I'm looking forward to finally completing the construction of my house. It's been a long journey, but soon I'll have a place to call my own. No more sleeping at my daughter-in-law's house, which has been a bit uncomfortable at times. Having my own space will bring back a sense of dignity and independence that I've missed. Another thing on my list is to invest in good bedding, something more comfortable than the traditional rope bed I've been using. It's been causing me pain lately, and I know a modern bed with a nice mattress will make a world of difference. These may seem like simple goals, but they mean the world to me. I'm determined to see them through and make life a little easier for myself."

"My aim for the upcoming year and beyond is straightforward: I want to gather more funds to complete the construction of my ten-room rental house, located in the nearby village. Once finished, this project will provide me with a valuable asset from which I can generate a steady income through rental fees every month. This additional income stream will significantly ease the financial burden on me and allow me to take better care of my loved ones without constantly feeling strained. The completion of this house represents not just a personal achievement but also a means to ensure stability and security for my family's future."

"In the coming months, I've got a solid plan lined up. I've saved up enough money to finally take the leap and start keeping two dairy cows. It might sound simple, but to me, it's a big step towards securing my future. You see, my job isn't the most stable thing in the world; it's seasonal and often leaves me uncertain about what's coming next. But with these cows, I'm hoping to change that. They'll become my reliable assets, ones that I can depend on as I age. I believe they'll provide a steady source of income, not just for now but for years to come. So next month, when I bring those cows home, it won't just be about starting a new venture; it'll be about investing in my future, ensuring that I have something solid to rely on no matter what."

"Starting this August, my main goal is to construct a new house. Every rainy season, I endure the frustration of leaks in my current dwelling, and I'm just plain tired of it. It's time for a change. I'm confident that this plan will succeed. With determination and hard work, I'll make it happen. A new, sturdy home will not only provide shelter from the elements but also offer a sense of security and comfort for me and my loved ones. I envision a future where I no longer have to worry about leaks or structural issues, and where I can relax and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning a safe and reliable home."

"My main goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to stick with raising goats. Right now, I've got three of them, and I aim to expand my herd because I see big potential in these animals. My ultimate plan is to gather enough goats so that I can trade them for a pair of oxen down the line. Having oxen will be a game-changer for me when it comes to farming. With their help, I can cultivate my land more efficiently and effectively, which I believe will play a significant role in lifting me out of poverty. It's a simple plan, but I believe it's a solid one. With hard work and determination, I'm confident I can make it happen."

"My main goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to concentrate on finishing the construction of my house. Right now, it's still a work in progress, and I'm aiming to acquire around 14 pieces of iron sheets to complete it. Currently, I'm living in a temporary shelter since the previous one collapsed. It's been tough living in uncertainty, but I'm determined to see this through and create a stable home for myself and my loved ones. With every piece of iron sheet, I'm one step closer to achieving that dream. I believe that once my house is complete, it will bring a sense of security and stability that I've been longing for, making all the effort and hard work worth it in the end."

"Right now, I have 32 goats and 2 sheep. My aim for the coming year and beyond is simple: to expand my herd by acquiring more goats. This growth isn't just about numbers; it's about securing a better future for my family, particularly my son. As he prepares to transition to secondary school and eventually college, I want to ensure that finances don't stand in his way. With an increased herd, I'll have the means to cover his education expenses without strain. Moreover, having a larger flock provides a safety net. In times of emergency, I can sell one or two goats to address unexpected expenses or challenges that may arise. It's all about laying a foundation of stability and opportunity for my family, and expanding my herd is a crucial step in that journey."

"My goal for the upcoming months and beyond is straightforward: to steadily acquire goats using the funds I receive from GiveDirectly. With each passing month, I plan to invest in these animals, seeing them not just as livestock but as a form of security for the future. As an elderly individual without employment and dealing with health issues, having these goats will provide me with a safety net in case of emergencies. Their value goes beyond mere monetary worth; they represent stability and a means to sustain myself during times of need. So, with each addition to my herd, I'm not just buying goats; I'm investing in my own well-being and peace of mind."

"Immediately after I received the transfer, I knew it was my chance to build a latrine. My children had built me a stable house, but the homestead lacked a latrine. We mostly used the bush, which was both challenging and unhealthy. So, I spent $52 to buy building materials to start the construction process, and I paid the builder $130 in advance. The building is in progress, and I am excited to see this project take shape in the next few days. My husband also fell ill; his knee started having complications, and he could not walk by himself. So, we used $15 to fund his treatment and medication. I am happy that he is progressing well with medication and can now move around. I saved the remaining amount to continue funding the construction of the toilet space. Once that is done, I also aim to build a kitchen structure. Currently, I use part of my house for cooking, and I fear the soot could cause some health repercussions. Having a separate structure will prevent this. Due to my advancing age and the fact that my husband constantly falls ill, we cannot take jobs to fend for ourselves. Given that our youngest child is still in secondary school, his elder brother usually supports his education. I am happy to have found some independence through these transfers now."