"Previously, life was very hard for me. I wasn't employed, and the only work available to me was farming. However, sometimes I lacked the capital to start farming or even the money to rent land for it. After receiving a third transfer, I used $200 to clear the arrears of the farm I had initially bought but hadn't completed payment for. I saw this as a good opportunity to stop renting land for farming and instead have my own farm.After completing the payment for that half hectare, I invested $150 to plant maize on it. Unfortunately, all the maize was swept away by floods, including the house I had built with the second transfer. Currently, we are living in Salabani Primary School, which is located in a raised area safe from floods.I also spent $90 on food. Getting food was very difficult, especially while supporting a family of five. I took up casual jobs like working on other people's farms or doing farming around Lake Baringo to make ends meet.The remaining cash I used to pay my utility bills so that I could save for the future. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for improving my life. I am certain that if it weren't for these floods, I could have harvested around 40 bags of maize, providing food for my family and giving me the means to make other investments."

"I have been surviving on menial jobs, including doing construction work for years to make a living and educating my two children in college. Their educational journey has not been easy, and at times I failed to raise their fees on time, causing them to stay home before I could pay. As a parent, my main goal has always been to ensure that my children achieve their educational goals. Receiving my first transfer of $200 brought me great relief, as I could pay for their tuition fees on time. They can now continue with their studies without any interruptions due to fees. I am no longer engaging in casual jobs, currently doing subsistence farming in the village and I am happy that the transfer has catered for my children's education. In addition to paying fees, I also acquired six goats and six chickens for $230, which I am currently keeping in my homestead. These are assets that I can sell to cater to my financial needs, such as paying fees for my children. I previously had some livestock, but I had to sell them to raise fees for my children. These new assets will allow me to breed and multiply them to sell or exchange them for a dairy cow. I also spent $30 on hiring a tractor since it was the planting season. I paid for the services to ensure timely land preparation and cultivation. My acreage was fully utilised, and I am hoping for a good harvest. The remaining amount was spent on buying foodstuffs for my family and some household items, such as utensils that were lacking."

"I completed a tailoring course but I could not afford to start my own tailoring shop. A friend let me work for them, but I was not earning much. My goal was always to start my own shop, and when I received my first transfer, I used it to buy a new sewing machine for $150 and started my own business. I'm glad that I finally achieved my dream of owning a tailoring shop where I can stock materials and serve my own clients. I am now earning a good income, which is enough to take care of my family of four. Also, I am now able to provide adequately for my family's basic needs with ease, unlike before when I used to struggle. With the remaining $390 from the transfer, I bought building materials which included 16 pieces of iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. I used them to build a new house for my family. Our old house was weak and collapsed after a heavy rain, leaving me and my two children almost homeless. I managed to build a temporary structure at that moment as I waited until I could save enough money to buy the materials for a new house. This would have taken a long time to achieve if it was not for the transfer. I am at peace, having built a decent, iron-roofed house to live with my family and no longer worrying about the rain."

"In the upcoming months, my main focus is on expanding my livelihood through a simple yet strategic plan. I aim to purchase goats, knowing that their numbers will multiply over time. Once they increase, I'll be able to exchange some of them for a pair of oxen, a valuable asset for farm work. With oxen, I can significantly enhance my farming activities, making them more efficient and productive. Moreover, I plan to utilize these oxen not only for my own farming needs but also to offer them for hire to friends and neighbors, generating an additional stream of income for me and my family. This step forward represents more than just a transaction; it's a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of my livelihood. With careful planning and hard work, I'm confident that this venture will pave the way for a brighter future for myself and those around me."

"In the years ahead, after my son graduates from college, my plan is to become a goat owner. Having goats will be a crucial step for me to sustain prosperity even after the GiveDirectly program concludes. It's about securing a future where I'm not solely dependent on external aid. With a herd of goats, I'll have a reliable source of income and sustenance. No longer will I worry about how to provide for my family when I have a flock of goats to rely on. It's a simple yet powerful idea: investing in something tangible that can offer security and stability for years to come. So, as I look forward, my focus is on building this foundation, ensuring that my family's well-being is safeguarded long into the future."

"In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones."

"As the heavy rains approach, my priority is to utilize my upcoming transfers to procure the remaining four pieces of iron sheets required to fully cover the roof of my house. This initiative aims to prevent rainwater leakage into the house during the rainy season. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance received, which has enabled me to fulfill essential obligations such as paying school fees for my children and ensuring the well-being of my family."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to expand my livestock farming. I plan to grow my herd of goats and eventually exchange them for a cow. With one cow being equivalent to eight goats, I aim to carefully manage my herd so that when the time comes for exchange, I'll still have a substantial number of goats for reproduction. This strategy not only increases the value of my livestock but also ensures a sustainable source of income. The high market value of goats will facilitate the smooth funding of my children's education through secondary school without putting excessive strain on our resources. By strategically investing in livestock, I aim to secure a brighter future for my family, where education is not just a dream but a reachable goal."

"My primary objective is to construct a new and secure dwelling for myself. With my forthcoming transfers, I intend to procure additional iron sheets and building poles to kick start the construction process. I'm immensely grateful for the financial assistance, as it has not only provided practical support but also imparted valuable lessons on wise spending and strategic investment. I'm confident that the knowledge gained will play a pivotal role in fostering my financial stability and securing a brighter future for myself and my family."

"For the past five years, I've been grappling with recurring abdominal pain, despite numerous visits to various hospitals. Thus far, the remedy provided has been limited to painkillers, offering only temporary relief. My objective in the upcoming months is to utilize funds from my subsequent transfers to seek specialized medical attention, aiming to identify and address the underlying cause of this persistent discomfort. Finding a lasting solution to this health issue would bring me immense happiness and relief. I am deeply appreciative of the financial support extended by Give Directly, which has significantly improved the quality of my life."