"I used to live in town with my family and work part-time on construction sites to support my wife Neema and son. During the rainy season, the types of jobs that I used to do are typically unavailable. During the El Niño rains that hit the country late last year, it became more difficult to find work. This made it impossible for me to even make ends meet, let alone buy food, so I was forced to move back home with my family. Coming home meant beginning over, with no money saved up to even purchase necessities like food and clothing, and a house that is on the verge of collapsing due to the rain weakening it. It depresses me that I can not seem to build my family a decent house and give them a good place to live because of my lack of employment that has resulted to no income."

"Charo, my husband, is a casual worker in a tent-making factory. Being the sole provider makes it difficult for him to meet all of the household's needs. He finds it difficult and stressful to provide for a family of six, two of whom are in school. My family's most difficult challenge has been a lack of adequate finances as a result of low income."

"I have a wife and one child, and I run a motorbike taxi business. However, the income from this isn't sufficient to cover both our daily needs and the $4 daily loan payment for the motorbike. To improve our financial situation, I thought of starting a vegetable business for my wife, creating an additional source of income to supplement what I make from my daily rides. Looking ahead, I plan to focus on expanding this vegetable business. My wife manages it while I continue with the taxi service. This setup should help alleviate some of our financial pressures, as the extra income from the vegetables will assist in covering the daily loan payments for the motorbike."

"With my immediate need for a mattress and bedding now resolved, I'm channeling my full attention towards my passion for livestock farming. It's not just about buying chickens and goats with my transfers but about nurturing a dream, one that promises growth and sustainability for my family's future. Every purchase of a chicken or goat is a step towards building a thriving farm, where each animal holds the potential to multiply and expand our resources. It's a journey filled with anticipation and determination, knowing that with each addition to our livestock, we're laying the foundation for a more secure tomorrow. As I continue to invest in my livestock, I'm fueled by the belief that with dedication and perseverance, I can create a sustainable source of livelihood that will support us through any challenges that may arise. It's a journey worth embarking on, one that resonates with resilience, hope, and the unwavering determination to build a better future."

"After successfully establishing myself as a livestock farmer, I've been wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing my animals, watching them thrive, and eagerly anticipating the day when I can reap the rewards of their growth. This venture, made possible with the invaluable support from Givedirectly, is a realization of my long-held dream, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity it has afforded me. With my livestock flourishing, I've turned my attention to another important aspect of my life, family. I've taken it upon myself to fulfill a duty that my son, currently without a job, couldn't undertake. In our community, honoring traditions is paramount, especially when it comes to marriage. It's essential to formally meet and respectfully engage with the bride's family, often involving a financial gesture as a sign of respect. Thus, I've diligently been setting aside funds from my earnings to embark on this significant journey of meeting my prospective daughter-in-law's family. While the process requires financial commitment, it's not merely about adhering to customs; it's about fostering mutual respect and understanding between our families. By demonstrating our sincerity and commitment, we pave the way for a harmonious and joyful union, ensuring that both families embrace each other wholeheartedly."

"I'm grateful to have received a motorcycle though on loan . I relocated to the city where business prospects are better, aiming to earn enough to pay off the loan. Additionally, I set up a vegetable business for my wife to help support our family. Going forward, my main goal is to expand the vegetable business. Once it becomes stable, it will generate extra income, allowing us to focus on fully paying off the motorcycle loan."

"As I mentioned earlier, the money arrived at a crucial moment when I was deeply worried about losing my three-acre maize crop, which was withering due to the lack of rain. With no funds for irrigation, I feared losing everything, as it was the only source that I depended on to fend for my only son. However, the transfer rekindled the hopes that I had before. I immediately used $66 to purchase petrol for the generator, enabling me to pump water from a nearby river to save my crops. The joy I felt seeing my maize thriving again is beyond words. Additionally, I also invested $100 in buying a dairy goat, something I had admired for a while, inspired by a friend who owns two. The goat promised a good amount of milk for our needs as well as selling some to earn an income. I am pleased to say that the goat is almost ready to sire offspring. I used the remaining amount to purchase food for myself and my son, ensuring we were well-fed."

"Since I began receiving support from GiveDirectly, what really struck me was their compassion, especially when my mother passed away. Their cash transfers made a huge difference in our lives. I was able to pay my rent and ensure that my younger sibling, who is now in a new school, had all fees covered. I appreciate everything GiveDirectly has done for us. So far, I haven't noticed any issues or areas that need improvement."

"Before the cash transfers came in, I lost two of my goats to a disease, which was really painful because I had invested a lot in keeping livestock. Having paused my job as a waitress, rearing livestock had become my best shot at contributing to the needs of my three children and supporting my husband, who had also lost his job. Losing the very thing I had put so much faith in was frustrating. I was hoping for a chance to replace the lost goats, but it had all been in vain until GiveDirectly sent the cash transfers. I immediately obtained three more goats, increasing my herd to eight. This now revives my hope because, more than ever, I am sure I can sell them in the future to raise funds for my children's education. I also hope to continue growing the herd whenever I have a chance."

"In a few months, I'm looking forward to finally completing the construction of my house. It's been a long journey, but soon I'll have a place to call my own. No more sleeping at my daughter-in-law's house, which has been a bit uncomfortable at times. Having my own space will bring back a sense of dignity and independence that I've missed. Another thing on my list is to invest in good bedding, something more comfortable than the traditional rope bed I've been using. It's been causing me pain lately, and I know a modern bed with a nice mattress will make a world of difference. These may seem like simple goals, but they mean the world to me. I'm determined to see them through and make life a little easier for myself."