"I am happy to say that I have managed to build my own house after living with my mother-in-law for years, despite being married. I am now enjoying my own privacy with my children. However, the house I built is not spacious enough to accommodate all of my children, and they are sometimes forced to seek shelter elsewhere. To solve this problem, I plan to build an extension of one room to accommodate them all under one roof. I will buy iron sheets every month, at least two per month, and enlarge my house when I receive a transfer."

"My singular focus is on realizing a long-held dream: building a new house. Each month, I diligently set aside $10 of my earnings with this specific goal in mind. The urgency is undeniable, as my current dwelling is a constant source of frustration, its structural integrity compromised to the point of collapse, particularly during the relentless rainy seasons. The hardships endured within its dilapidated walls only serve to reinforce my determination to see this project through. With every penny saved, I edge closer to the day when I can finally provide myself and my loved ones with the safety, security, and comfort of a sturdy new home—a sanctuary from the elements and a symbol of hope for a brighter future."

"This year, my objective is to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase a water tank, priced at $500. Acquiring this tank presents a promising business opportunity for me, particularly in light of the persistent issue of water scarcity in my village, particularly during the dry season. My strategy involves storing water in the tank and subsequently selling it to generate income. I am immensely grateful for the ongoing financial assistance from Give Directly, which has been instrumental in supporting my family's education endeavors."

"Amidst the daily challenges I faced, I found myself juggling numerous responsibilities. Living with my mother-in-law and our young daughter, the burden of providing for my family weighed heavily on me, especially with my husband working as a mason in a distant town. The heavy rains had wreaked havoc on my mother-in-law's house, leaving it on the brink of collapse. Determined to provide her with a safe shelter, I invested $390 shillings into salvaging her home, ensuring she had a decent place to rest. Additionally, being expectant meant routine trips to the clinic for check up and for ultrasound scans to monitor the well-being of my baby. I spent $40 of the transfer on travel expenses for the scan was necessary, bringing me immense relief upon learning that my baby was healthy and thriving, easing my worries as I awaited my due date. Unfortunately, tragedy struck once more when my daughter broke her leg while playing outside. The urgency of the situation prompted her father to rush her to the hospital, costing us $40 from the transfer. Witnessing my daughter's recovery and her relief from pain brought immense joy to our family. With the remaining funds from the transfer, I prioritized purchasing food, as our supply was insufficient and in my condition a balanced diet is necessary."

"My goal for this year and beyond is to do two things. First, I want to build a new home for my family. Second, I want to pay the school fees for my kid, who will soon be starting PP1. These goals are really important to me because they will help us move forward in life. It would mean everything to me to achieve them."

"Once, I got $450 from GiveDirectly. I decided to spend $100 on growing beans and $210 on buying a generator for pumping water from the river to my farm. Before, I had to rent generators which were expensive and not reliable. Now, I plan to sell most of the beans I grow and use some for my family's meals. The extra money I make from selling them will go towards educating my three kids and covering household expenses. I also used $90 to build a small shop, or kiosk. I hope to open it soon to sell things and make more money for my family. This will help us have a steady income."

"My aspirations are tied to building a sustainable future for myself through poultry farming. While I am currently in college, I recognize the importance of laying the groundwork for financial stability once I graduate. My plan involves utilizing the monthly cash assistance from GiveDirectly to save up and kickstart my poultry farming project. With diligent care and strategic planning, I aim to grow my poultry business to the point where I can exchange the chickens for goats, gradually building up assets that will serve as a foundation for my future endeavors. This venture represents not only a means of income but also a pathway towards self-sufficiency and independence as I navigate my journey beyond college."

"My main objective for the year ahead is to procure all necessary construction materials and commence the building of my new house. Over the forthcoming months, I plan to finalize the purchase of building poles before moving on to acquire the necessary quantity of iron sheets. I am overjoyed and deeply appreciative of the financial support I've received through the transfers. It has empowered me to invest in goats, and my herd has now grown to 20, marking a significant milestone towards building wealth and achieving financial stability."

"Housing is the current challenge I am facing in life. I live in a two room house which has mud wall. The walk is so weak such that it can be blown by wind anytime. Last year during the elnino rains I was very scared to live in my house because the rain was very heavy. The house really affects mental wellbeing."

"Lack of school fees for my children is the current challenge I am facing in life. I am a teacher by profession but I earn very little income that can not sustain the family needs. This has caused my daughter not to join college seven years since she did her form four exams."