"Collecting firewood for sale is not my dream job. But unfortunately,it is my everyday job. I go into thickets from where I collect firewood that earns me about $1 each day. With 5 children to feed, we have had to contend with two and sometimes one meal a day, for a long time. Two of my older children have already dropped out of school to find casual jobs to sustain themselves since I could not give them the life they desire. My worry is that the rest could follow in their unfortunate footsteps."

"In March 2024, I lost all my 30 goats to banditry. My 12-year-old son was looking after them on the grazing fields when, suddenly, gunshots were fired at him. Fortunately, he managed to escape death narrowly, but the trauma of the incident has stayed with him. Those goats were my only source of income, and losing them felt like losing everything. Because of the insecurity, my family of six had to flee Ng'aratuko in search of a safer place to live. Life has been incredibly difficult since then. My husband, Stanley, who is a goat trader, is trying his best to provide for us, but it is not easy. We have had to rely on him alone, and with no goats to trade, the strain is hard to bear. Putting food on the table has become a constant struggle, and some days it feels like there is no way out of this situation."

"We live in a harsh, rocky, and dry area where agriculture is no longer viable due to the hot and unforgiving climate. The biggest challenge we face is food insecurity, as we have to purchase all our food. This is an overwhelming burden because we lack a stable source of income. Our only means of survival comes from small businesses, but these ventures are unpredictable and often fail to meet our family’s basic needs.The high cost of living only worsens our situation, leaving us to constantly struggle to put food on the table. The harsh environment and lack of resources have made it difficult to break free from this cycle of hardship."

"With 6 children in various levels of education, I have already spent more than $1000 this year alone. Being a single mother, this money was hard earned from casual jobs in the village together with the sale of my goats. With less than ten goats remaining, I am worried about how I will get the same amount of money for their school fees next year."

"I have always wanted a house of my own, where I can truly feel a sense of belonging. The one I currently live in is small and was kindly given to me by my daughter because I had nowhere else to sleep. Therefore, I gradually started purchasing building materials using a portion of the transfers I received from GiveDirectly. So far, I have accumulated ten iron sheets, left with a balance of ten more, along with other necessary building materials. My heart is set on building a two-roomed house that will be spacious and comfortable. My plan for this year and the years to come is to continue dedicating a portion of my transfers toward this goal until the house is complete. I know that the day I step into my new home will be one of the happiest moments of my life. Once I have achieved this milestone, I intend to redirect part of my transfers toward purchasing goats. I believe these goats will multiply over time, increasing in number and value, and will provide me with a sustainable source of income in the future when this program comes to an end. They will also keep me active and engaged, as I plan to personally take them to the grazing fields and care for them. I am profoundly grateful for the support I receive from GiveDirectly. It has not only given me the means to pursue my dreams but has also filled me with hope for brighter days ahead. With each step I take, I feel closer to a future where I can stand tall, proud of what I have accomplished."

"I have many goals in mind, but the one at the top is owning a pair of oxen. It has been my dream for a long time, but I couldn’t afford them because they are so expensive. This has forced me to prepare my farm by hand or, at times, hire someone to do it for me. Now I plan to use my savings from the Merry Go Round to purchase the bulls. These bulls will not only help with daily farm activities but also generate income for my family, as I can hire them out to neighbors for a fee. This investment will ensure we produce plenty of farm products, as I will be able to cultivate the entire farm with the help of the bull. Additionally, the income generated will be used to support my children’s education by directly paying their school fees."

"In the coming years, I plan to fulfill my dream of renovating my house. The current structure, made of old sticks, is in poor condition and at risk of collapsing at any moment. With the rainy season fast approaching, I live in constant fear of what might happen. As a mother of four children, I am deeply concerned about their well-being, as our current shelter is not safe or conducive for a healthy living environment. To bring this dream to life, I intend to sell some of my goats and use savings from the Merry Go Round initiative to gather the necessary funds for the renovation. Achieving this goal will make me the happiest mother alive, as I will finally be free from the constant worry and stress about our living conditions. It will bring peace and stability to my family, which we have long yearned for."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to allocate a portion of my transfers to purchase more goats, with the hope that they will multiply and grow in both number and value over time, as they typically reproduce quickly. I envision these goats becoming a significant source of income for my family. When financial needs arise, I can sell one or two goats to address them. As my children transition to higher levels of education, I intend to sell some goats to cover their school fees and other related expenses. Additionally, the income generated from selling the goats will help me address my family's various needs, including providing daily meals and managing emergencies, such as sickness."

"I have a goal that has been giving me quite a headache: owning many goats on my compound. Goats are one of the most important domestic animals that can help us grow financially because they reproduce quickly, and the chances of increasing their numbers in a short period are high. To achieve this goal, my spouse and I plan to work together to save what we earn from our daily casual jobs, along with the monthly income we receive from GiveDirectly. By doing so, we will ensure we can reach our goal. Once we achieve it, I am confident that by the time my children are ready to join secondary school, we will have enough goats to support us. This will make it easier to pay their school fees and provide for their needs without much strain."

"For now, my primary goal is to build a herd of goats on my compound and eventually establish a cow in the field. This will also help support the well-being of my children. Goats reproduce quickly, which ensures that I will have many of them in a short amount of time. I plan to use my upcoming transfers and savings from the Merry Go Round initiative to make this dream a reality. Once I achieve this goal, I will be able to meet my needs more easily, especially the education of my son, who is currently in junior secondary. These animals will also be a great help, especially now that I am jobless due to health issues. They will enable me to satisfy my needs more effectively."