"I am an ECDE teacher, and I have taken the initiative to further my education by pursuing a Diploma course, which has always been my top priority. In the upcoming year, I plan to focus on my studies since obtaining a Diploma is more advantageous in the teaching profession. Additionally, acquiring this qualification will lead to a higher salary compared to just holding a teaching certificate. My primary objective is to save a portion of my GiveDirectly transfer within our savings group, where I can access loans to cover my school fees. Moreover, I aspire to build a new house for my mother, as our current one is in poor condition, it's grass-roofed, and the walls are made of mud, making it weak and prone to collapse. Thus, my plan is to complete my Diploma before starting this second project. I anticipate that the extra income from my salary, along with my transfers from GiveDirectly, will help me achieve these goals. I am also grateful for the support I receive."

"I am deeply grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, which has enabled me to enroll in a technical college and pursue a certificate in Automotive Engineering, a significant milestone in my life. My immediate goal is to use future transfers to cover my school fees, as I have no other financial support. I aim to complete my course by March 2025 and hope to secure a job that will allow me to become self-sufficient. Looking ahead, my vision is to establish my own automotive business. Once I complete my education, I plan to save diligently from my transfers and future income, with the goal of raising $2,500 in the next five years to launch my business. This venture will not only sustain me but also uplift my circumstances and provide stability for my family."

"Raising a mentally challenged child with insufficient funds is making our lives harder. I have a 10 year old child with mental issues who needs total attention and care because she might get lost when left alone. This has reduced me into a housewife relying entirely on a single source of income from my husband. My husband is a casual laborer earning meager salary of KES 3000. Keeping in mind burden of schooling 4 children in primary school at different levels. Living in abject poverty saddens me and I don't wish anyone to be in our current status."

"For this year and the years to come, I have set two major goals: completing the house by adding an extra room and continuing with farming. These plans are deeply important to me and my family, and I am eagerly waiting for GiveDirectly's last transfer to help make them a reality. I plan to use the money to purchase more construction materials and pay for labor to finish the additional room. This will give my family more space, ensuring we live in a more comfortable and dignified home. In farming, I aim to venture into maize production. This will not only help my family achieve food security but also generate additional income. With the earnings from farming, I plan to expand into livestock keeping, which will provide a sustainable source of income and support us in the long term. The thought of achieving these goals fills me with satisfaction and hope. I am grateful for the opportunity to work toward a better future for my family, thanks to GiveDirectly's support."

"The biggest difference in my life now is that I no longer struggle to provide for my family’s basic needs. With the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to stabilize my business by increasing stock and clearing debt, ensuring a steady income. Additionally, I can now afford different varieties of food for my family, which has improved our meals and overall well-being. Knowing that my children are happy, well-fed, and dressed warmly brings me so much joy and gratitude. This support has truly transformed our lives in meaningful ways."

"I was at home alone when I saw a message pop up on my phone. When I checked, I saw that it was from GiveDirectly, notifying me that they had sent me $180. I was so happy and thankful. The first thought that came to my mind was to buy food, as my family had been struggling to have enough to eat. This support from GiveDirectly came at the perfect time, and I felt relieved knowing that I could provide for my family."

"My next goal is to start livestock keeping by buying cows and sheep. This will provide a steady supply of food, especially milk, which is a daily necessity. It will also help me generate income in the future. I plan to use the next transfer and the proceeds from my farm to make this goal a reality. Thinking about this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. When it happens, I will have undergone a life transformation, and it will be a great accomplishment for me and my family."

"My goal is to reclaim the one-acre farm that was destroyed by floods. The flood left behind huge amounts of sand and bushes, making it difficult to use. I plan to use the next transfer to reclaim the land, clear it, and plant maize. I also intend to settle some of the debts I have. Thinking ahead, and imagining what life will be like if I achieve all this, fills me with joy. If I succeed, I will have enough food from the harvest and will no longer have to worry about where my next meal will come from. This will greatly improve my family's quality of life and bring peace of mind."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in something sustainable that would allow me to generate income continuously. I used $400 to purchase a generator, which will significantly transform my farming activities and help me increase my harvest. With the generator, I will no longer rely on rain-fed agriculture. Instead, I can irrigate my crops year-round since I live near a river, ensuring consistent farming regardless of the weather. I used $30 to buy food because getting food in this area is a challenge, especially after the floods, which left me unable to harvest. Previously, I often depended on casual labor to provide for my family, so this support has been a relief. I spent the remaining amount to clear a debt at a nearby shop. Paying off this debt allowed me to maintain a good relationship with the shopkeeper, ensuring I could take food on credit if needed in the future"

"What stood out for me with the GiveDirectly program is their remarkable professionalism. They always ask for consent before enrolling or even speaking to anyone, which shows great respect for people’s privacy and dignity. This approach makes the program feel trustworthy and transparent. I recommend that GiveDirectly establish a permanent office in our area, even when they are not actively enrolling. This would allow them to engage with the community more regularly, conduct more focus group discussions (FGDs), and better understand the needs and challenges people face. Additionally, I suggest they introduce an exchange program where recipients from different locations can share their experiences and ideas. This could inspire new ways to utilize the support and foster a stronger sense of community among beneficiaries."