"Since my husband passed away two years ago, I've shouldered the responsibility of covering our children's school fees, clothing, food, and other essentials. Our house was already in poor condition when he passed, making it difficult to meet all their needs with the limited profits from my charcoal business. With the current increase in prices of essential commodities, the situation has become even more challenging. While I'm thankful that the transfers enabled me to replace the roof, our safety is still at risk due to cracked walls allowing reptiles to enter. My immediate goal is to rebuild the walls, and I plan to allocate $4 each month for purchasing construction materials. I can't save more than that right now because I have other basic needs to address. Hence this is my goal in the coming and beyond."

"Working as a hairstylist in a salon on commission isn't as fulfilling as I hoped because I don't get to retain all my earnings. However, my ultimate aspiration is to run my own salon, where I have autonomy over my business. To realize this dream, I'm committed to diligent work and save. I've decided to allocate $15 from my monthly transfer towards this objective. The support from Give Directly is immensely appreciated; it feels like a beacon of hope shining at the end of a challenging journey. With determination and the assistance of Give Directly, I'm optimistic about turning my dream of owning a salon into a reality. By saving diligently and persevering through challenges, I believe I can achieve financial independence and fulfill my aspirations."

"Receiving the transfer has completely changed my life for the better. I now have more energy and can even eat, which was impossible before when I was really sick. Additionally, being able to buy food has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I do not have to rely on my under-18 children to do casual work to put food on the table, which always made me feel guilty like I was subjecting them to child labour. Though I am still not able to work myself, knowing that we have enough food for a while brings me a sense of relief."

"The support I received from GiveDirectly has truly made a difference in my life; its unconditional nature allowed me to address my immediate needs and uplifted me, for which I am very grateful to God. The officers who helped me enroll were respectful, and the entire enrollment process was free and fair, promoting equity. Another great aspect of GiveDirectly is the follow-up process, which ensures that the funds are spent wisely, leading to a positive impact on our community overall. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this same approach."

"This month, I'm set to begin my journey into goat farming. My plan is to raise them in substantial numbers, envisioning a future where they become a solid asset for me and my family. As a widow, it's become all the more crucial for me to secure a prosperous future for my children and the generations to come after them. Investing in goat farming feels like the right step forward, offering not just a source of income but also a tangible asset that can withstand the test of time. With determination and hard work, I believe I can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, one where my family's needs are met and their futures are secure."

"My top priority is to invest most of my upcoming transfer in expanding my livestock. Right now, I already own a cow and a goat that I purchased with funds from previous transfers. I anticipate that these animals will have offspring in the next few months, which will boost my investment considerably. Once my cow matures, I'll be able to sell milk to people in the nearby village and generate income. These transfers will not only aid in my personal growth but also fuel my determination to attain financial stability. I'm committed to maximizing these opportunities for a brighter future and to working hard towards saving for college through my investments"

"As time goes on, my main goal is to keep adding more goats to my herd. I reckon having a sizable herd will come in handy down the road. If there's ever a financial squeeze in the future, I can always sell a few goats to sort things out. It's like building a safety net for myself and my family. With each new addition to the herd, I'm not just increasing numbers; I'm building a backup plan, a fallback for any tough times ahead. It might seem like a simple plan, but sometimes the simplest ideas are the most reliable. So, my focus for the coming year and beyond is on growing my goat herd, one goat at a time, ensuring a bit more security and stability for whatever the future might bring."

"My plan is to use the transfers from GiveDirectly to purchase more goats and expand my livestock holdings. I intend to nurture them diligently, aiming for their numbers to multiply over time. My ultimate goal is to build a substantial herd, which I can then sell for a significant profit in the future. This venture fills me with hope and excitement, as it represents a pathway towards greater financial stability for my family. Additionally, I am committed to continuing my hard work with my motorcycle. By saving diligently from my earnings, I aim to boost my finances further. With time, I envision my savings growing, boosted by the proceeds from goat sales. Together, these funds will pave the way for the realization of my lifelong dream: building a sturdy and permanent home for my family. The thought of providing my loved ones with a secure and comfortable dwelling fills me with immense joy and gratitude. It's a dream that has sustained me through difficult times, and now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, it is within reach. I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited for the bright future it holds for my family."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main priority is my studies. Time is precious, and I can't afford to waste any of it, especially since resources are scarce. I'm determined to make the most of every moment to achieve my goals as quickly as possible. Missing classes could disrupt my schedule, so I need to stay focused. I'm truly grateful to Give Directly for their financial support because without it, I wouldn't be able to pursue the course I'm taking. I chose a welding course because once I finish the practical work, I'll be able to employ myself."

"When I'm back home from School, I sleep at my older brother's place who lives in Mombasa. I really want to have my own house because soon my brother will need his own space when he gets married, or when he returns from the city. I don't want to bother him then. It would be embarrassing to have to find somewhere else to sleep in my neighborhood. So, my goal for the next year and beyond is to build my own house. To make this happen, I got two goats to raise. Goats breed quickly, so I believe they'll help me get building materials by selling some of their offspring. Additionally, every month, I'm setting aside $20 to save up for building my house. I'm very optimistic about achieving this goal."