"On the 12th of December 2024, a wave of joy washed over me as I finally received the much-anticipated funds. It felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I couldn't contain my happiness. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, realizing how perfectly timed this support was. The funds arrived just when I needed them the most, offering a lifeline during a particularly challenging period in my life. I was filled with a sense of relief, knowing that this financial assistance would help me navigate through my problems and set me on a path toward stability and hope. It was a moment I would cherish, as it signified not just a solution to my immediate troubles, but also a renewed sense of possibility for the future."

"have few months left and these transfer scomes to the end, i pay 8500 every month, took it through chama-paying back this loan-it is benefiting my family, my family depend on me. initially i did not have omne hence I used to hire for a fee focusing on edcation of my children have a total of seven children , six are all in school wife doing farming and small scale flour business"

"Since our village is prone to strong destructive winds, I have fallen victim to one which destroyed my kitchen by destroying its roof. What I hope to accomplish this year is to build a kitchen. Accomplishing this would mean so much to me because I will have a place to cook and also store my farm produce since I currently do not have a place to store my harvest. In the years beyond I hope to purchase more livestock. This is important from me to accomplish because it will be my source of income even after the transfers I receive comes to an end."

"As a motorbike driver (bodaboda rider) getting money on a day basis has been difficult since there are less jobs. While I have so many needs in my family with me being the breadwinner life has been difficult. In the coming year, I plan to enroll in a college for Masonry studies. I believe that gaining skills in masonry will be of great significance in my life since my friends who are skilled have a chance to get a lot of work and money unlike my motorcycle business. Additionally, since I depend on an hired motorcycle for KES 200 per day, sometimes I'm under threat of losing my motorbike to the owner especially when I don't get the money to pay. With the masonry skills this will be a story of the past because I won't lack work to do."

"As a parent, my greatest desire is to secure my children's education. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, I plan to continue using a portion of the transfers I receive to pay for their school fees. In addition to this, I also intend to save another portion of the transfers in our merry go round group. My goal is to invest the pooled funds in buying goats. I am hopeful that these goats will multiply, increasing both in number and value. In the future, I will be able to sell some of them, and the proceeds will help me fund my children's education further. This plan brings me a sense of hope and reassurance, knowing that I am building a foundation for my family's future.I am deeply grateful for the support we have been receiving from GiveDirectly."

"My ambition is to secure my children's future and ensure I am able to meet their basic needs especially education. I am planning to invest in livestock keeping by having two cows and five goats in the coming year. I currently own three goats and this gives me immense joy because when an emergency arises. I am able to sell a goat and cater to it. I would love my children to have a better future and even though they are still young investing in livestock keeping now means they will not lack school fees in the coming years."

"Now that I have a mattress, my new goal is to buy a wooden bed. Currently, I sleep on the mattress placed on the floor, which is quite uncomfortable. To achieve this goal, I plan to start saving the cash transfers I will receive in the coming months. Once I accomplish this, I will no longer experience the stress or sleepless nights that have troubled me for years. This will bring me much-needed peace of mind."

"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."