"Looking forward, my main objective in the coming year is to purchase these two bulls to help with plowing my farm. I also plan to generate additional income by offering plowing services to other people in the community. By continuing to save through the group, I am confident that when it is my turn to receive the lump sum, I will be able to make the purchase. The financial support has been instrumental in helping me pursue this goal and move toward financial stability. I am truly grateful for it."

"Previously, I saved a portion of my transfers each month and was able to purchase a goat for $50. That goat has since multiplied, and I now have two goats. My goal in the coming months is to buy another goat to add to the ones I already have. These goats serve as a future investment, as I can sell them in case of an emergency and raise the money I need. To achieve this goal, I plan to save a small amount from my subsequent transfers, just as I did before. I am very thankful for the financial support, which has helped us get through these difficult financial times and continues to offer hope for a better future."

"My goal in the coming months is to use the transfers to buy food and more livestock. The weather has been extremely harsh, with hot and dry conditions making farming nearly impossible. Our farms are no longer productive, so we are forced to buy food from shops, which is quite expensive. To ensure I don’t starve, I plan to use my transfers to purchase food and ensure I have enough to sustain me. Additionally, I will use a small portion to buy hens, as they can provide a good source of income in the future. I am very grateful for the financial support from the transfers, which continue to improve my quality of life."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to own a dairy cow. The economic benefits of owning one are enticing, and I am motivated to make this dream a reality. Although dairy cows are expensive, I have developed a plan to achieve this goal. With the transfers I receive, I will continue to purchase goats. Once my goats multiply, I will sell some and use the profits to buy the dairy cow. This process will take time, but I am confident that I will accomplish this goal in the end. I am incredibly happy and appreciative of the financial support from the transfers, which has transformed my livestock business and allowed me to aim for greater success."

"With my son about to complete his secondary education, I see an opportunity to expand my poultry-rearing venture next year. I plan to build a larger chicken coop and purchase more hens, which will increase the size of my flock and, in turn, boost my income from chicken sales. Since I won’t have the pressure of school fees, I can focus on growing the business and possibly purchasing other livestock, such as goats. This will further diversify my income and provide greater financial stability. I am very appreciative of the financial empowerment that the transfers have brought to my life, allowing me to support my family and improve our livelihood."

"It was around 4 a.m. when I was awakened by the familiar message tone from my phone. Curious, I grabbed it and checked the notification, my heart raced with excitement when I realized it was the first transfer! Overwhelmed with joy, I felt so happy and grateful that I could not go back to sleep. My mind buzzed with possibilities. The first thought that came to me was how I could invest more in livestock to secure my family's future. I envisioned growing my herd and the stability it would bring us. That early morning, beneath the stillness of the night, my dreams started to feel more tangible."

"I am a mother of two, and I do vegetable farming to support my husband, who relies on casual jobs to provide for our family. When I received the first transfer, I knew I had to make wise decisions for our future. I first invested $250 in buying five goats, adding to the five I already had. These goats are like a safety net for my family, ensuring we have something to fall back on in times of need or when we need money for important expenses in the future. After securing the goats, I used $200 to enroll my son, Baraka, in college. His education is a priority because it will open doors to a better future. I also paid $35 for my daughter’s school fees, as she is in grade seven and needs to stay in school to build her future. With the remaining amount, I spent $55 on essential household items to improve our living conditions, and I saved $10 for emergencies. This careful planning has not only strengthened our present but also secured our future, giving us peace of mind."

"I am a mother of seven, and since my husband retired, I rely on casual jobs to provide for my family. When I received my first transfer, I knew I had to invest wisely to improve our lives. The first thing I did was spend $80 to buy two goats. This was an important investment because goats can multiply and provide us with offspring for sale. After that, I paid $157 for my three children's school fees. They are all in secondary school, and their education is a priority for me because I want them to have better opportunities in life. Another urgent need was improving my sleeping condition, which had been uncomfortable for a long time. So, I used $150 to buy a bed and a mattress. I’m happy to say that I now sleep much better, which has given me more energy to focus on my daily tasks. With the remaining $163, I decided to save it as I carefully thought through my next investment. This way, I can be prepared for future opportunities and make a choice that will benefit my family even more."

"It was early in the morning, around 5 a.m. when I heard the familiar tone of a message notification from my phone. Curious and slightly anxious, I reached for it, wondering if this could be the moment I had been waiting for. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the message confirming that I had received my first transfer of $550. Overwhelmed with joy, I immediately called my helper to share the news, and he confirmed that it was indeed real. A wave of relief and happiness washed over me, and the first thing that came to mind was buying a new bed and mattress. The one I had been sleeping on was in poor condition, and the thought of finally being able to replace it filled me with gratitude. It felt like a new beginning."

"I woke up around 5 a.m. to the soft light filtering through my window. Still wrapped in the warmth of my blanket, I checked my phone and was delighted to see a message notifying me of the first transfer from GiveDirectly. A wave of happiness washed over me, filling me with relief and excitement. I could hardly believe it; my plans were finally within reach. The first thought that came to mind was the chicken project I had dreamed about for so long. I could picture myself nurturing the chicks, watching them grow, and imagining the opportunities they would bring to my family. This was the fresh start I had been waiting for, and I felt ready to take on the challenge."