"For a long time, I struggled without livestock after losing all my cows due to severe drought. I love keeping livestock because they provide security and a source of income, especially when they multiply. So, when I received my last transfer, I used $450 to purchase two cows, knowing they would help me in the future. My plan is to take good care of them so that when they reproduce, I can sell some and use the money to pay school fees for my five children. Before this, life was very difficult because I relied only on casual labor and farming to support my children. The income was unstable, and sometimes I couldn't meet all our basic needs. However, with the cows, I now have hope that things will improve. Farming alone was not enough, especially when drought or floods destroyed my crops. With livestock, I now have a long-term investment that will support my family in times of need. Being a widow, I have had to take full responsibility for my children's well-being since my husband passed away a long time ago. The burden has been heavy, but I am grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my life. I believe that with hard work and determination, I will be able to provide a better future for my children. My dream is to see them complete their education without struggling as much as I did."

"I used to rely on charcaol burning to meet my family's daily needs, but it was never enough for all of us. Life was tough, and we were cramped in one-room house with limited space for my family of six. When i received my first recent transfers, I decided to invest it in building a two-room house for us. It was not a easy decision , but i knew it would make a huge difference. Now, my family is living comfortably in a spacious and secure home, and i feel so relieved to have made that step towards a better life for us all."

"I have always wanted to own a cow so that I can have a steady supply of milk without having to buy it from the shops. With $100, I finally purchased one, which will help me save money in the long run and provide milk for my children. In addition, I used another $100 to rent a piece of land for farming since I needed capital to start growing crops. Farming will ensure that I have plenty of food at home, reducing the burden of buying food and making life more sustainable for my family. Furthermore, I spent $100 on household furniture, specifically sofa sets, because I had only plastic chairs, and I wanted my home to be more comfortable. I also used $50 to pay school fees for my five children, as their education is important to me. With my husband being a casual laborer and a charcoal burner, our income is often unstable, so I had to prioritize their school fees to keep them in class. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food since we relied heavily on casual jobs to afford meals. Before, life was tough because we struggled to provide for our children, but now, things have improved. The cash transfer has given me hope and a way to build a better future for my family. I am grateful that we can now live with less stress, knowing that we have food, milk, and a plan for a better life ahead."

"I appreciate the way GiveDirectly officers conducted themselves; they were very obedient and understanding. They treated us with respect and ensured that everything was done in an organized and fair manner. I did not see anything bad from GiveDirectly because everything was smooth and well-coordinated. Their support has made a big difference in our lives, and I am truly grateful for the assistance. I have no complaints, but I wish them all the best as they continue helping others in need. Their work is truly impactful, and I hope they keep up the good efforts."

"I was in my kiosk serving customers when I heard a message come through on my phone, but I ignored it since I was busy at the time. Then one of my customers mentioned she had received her transfer from GiveDirectly, which made me quickly check my phone, and to my delight, I had received mine as well! I was so happy but decided to keep the news to myself and continue working. I couldn’t wait to get home that evening and share the exciting news with my family."

"I hope to accomplish the goal of starting a business that will secure my family's future. with my husband unable to contribute as much due to his blindness, i know its up to me to create a stable foundation for us. Starting a business will not only provide financial stability, but also it will offer long-term security for my family. My goal is build something sustainable that will help us thrive and create a better future together."

"My house is a little old, made of mud, and I have always dreamed of having a better house made of bricks. This year, I have made a plan to join a SACCO and start saving a portion of my transfers from GiveDirectly there. My goal is to accumulate enough shares so that I can access a substantial loan. With this loan, I will be able to purchase the building materials I need to construct the house I have always wanted. As a mason, I will be able to use my expertise to cut down on the labor costs, which will significantly help in managing the expenses of building. I truly hope that by the end of this journey, I will have a beautiful, solid house for my family and me. This will bring me so much happiness and peace of mind. I am deeply grateful for the support I have been receiving from GiveDirectly—it has been a great help, and I feel encouraged and motivated to keep moving forward with my plans."

"I am happy that I managed to construct a one-room mud-wall house through the previous months’ transfers, giving me a place to call my own. Now, my next goal is to buy a modern standard bed and a mattress so that I can sleep well. Currently, I sleep on a small traditional bed that is uncomfortable, and every morning, I wake up feeling exhausted. A good bed will improve my sleep, giving me the energy to work harder and take better care of myself. To achieve this, I plan to save $10 a month until I have enough to buy the bed and the mattress. Step by step, I am building a better life for myself, and this next goal will bring me comfort and rest, allowing me to focus on bigger dreams in the future."

"In the coming year, my biggest goal is to build a new house because the one I live in now is very old and leaks whenever it rains. It has been my dream to have a strong and comfortable home for my family, and I have already started working towards it. I have been buying iron sheets bit by bit, and so far, I have managed to get five pieces. I plan to continue saving and purchasing more until I reach my target of 20 pieces. With determination and the support of GiveDirectly, I am confident that by the end of this year, I will have enough materials to start the construction. A new house will bring my family safety, comfort, and peace of mind, especially during the rainy season. Beyond this year, I hope to improve our home further, making it a place where my family can live happily without fear of storms and cold nights."

"As I look ahead to this coming year and beyond, I am determined to continue using a portion of the transfers I will receive from GiveDirectly to pay my children’s school fees, who are in secondary school, ensuring that they are able to continue their studies and eventually complete them. I also plan to start saving a portion of my transfers so that once I have saved enough, I am able to start a clothing business. It is a dream of mine, and I believe that with hard work, I can make it a reality. Once the business is up and running, I will be truly happy, as it will provide me with something to rely on after the program ends. My husband is a retired teacher, and although he receives a small pension, it is not enough to fully support our family. Together with the transfers from GiveDirectly and the small profits I will make from the business, we will be able to provide for our children’s education and meet our basic needs. I am incredibly grateful for the support I receive from GiveDirectly. It has made a significant difference in our lives, and I feel hopeful for the future."