"I bought a cow and also constructed my house"

"Reflecting on the possibilities ahead in the coming year,With the cash transfers I've received, I aim to build a thriving livestock enterprise. The plan is to rear more animals, creating a self-sustaining cycle that ensures financial stability. I am cultivating a more secure and prosperous future for myself and my family. Thanks to Givedirectly."

"The first thing on my agenda is to save up and purchase the necessary equipment to start my own salon business. I've always had a passion for making people feel confident, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into a reality. It's just not going to be about me. My parents have been living in a house that's seen better days, tilting slightly to one side. With the earnings from my business, I'm determined to build them a more comfortable home, providing them the stability they deserve. ."

"I am determined to open my own hair salon using the Givedirectly transfers. I will also equip it with top-notch beauty products. My goal extends beyond personal success; I aspire to create employment opportunities for others in my community. Additionally, I will position it at a shopping center, aiming to attract a diverse clientele. In the end of it I will have a stable source of income and I'm so excited about the journey ahead."

"My primary goal is to enroll in a driving school, a dream that has been on hold for far too long. Currently, I'm diligently saving $10 a portion of the transfer every month. I intend to accumulate $100, then I will be ready to start my training. This endeavor is not just about acquiring a driving skill; it symbolizes a step towards securing employment and establishing a sustainable source of income for my family. The support from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer, and I am sincerely thankful."

"When I received my second transfer, I invested in building materials to construct a new house for my family. The current one is too small for us family of five. We lack space to accommodate visitors who, unfortunately, have to sleep at our neighbors' homes, which is far from ideal. The materials cost $433.5. Upon receiving my final transfer, I will commence construction. With the remaining $16.5, I added a little more to purchase a 210-liter water drum. It is crucial for us, especially during the dry season, as we face severe water shortages in our area. As a small-scale farmer practicing irrigation, the seasonal river has been a challenge. For three years, my harvests have been poor, leading to a decrease in income and making it difficult to meet my family's needs. This situation also prevented me from expanding our house and contributed to the accumulation of loans from our local SACCO. Recently, my husband secured a delivery job. Although the salary is modest, it brings us hope. With his support, we're optimistic about managing our finances better. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support."

"I BOUGHT TWO COWS BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIND LAND IMMEDIATELY INSTEAD OF BEING TEMPTED TO MISUSE MY MONEY"

"After successfully replenishing my kiosk with high-demand products, I intend to shift my focus towards investing in livestock. My strategy involves allocating my transfer funds from February to September to acquire goats, viewing it as a promising investment due to the expected appreciation in their value over time. The income generated from selling these livestock will not only address my immediate needs but also serve as a financial safety net in case of emergencies. I am delighted that this financial support has contributed to my economic stability, a significant contrast to the past when I faced challenges in managing bills."

"I rely on subsistence farming to earn a living, but the unpredictable weather has made it difficult to support my family. To supplement our income, I take on various odd jobs. Life can be challenging, especially without formal education or skills. My primary goal is to provide my son with an uninterrupted education and help him complete his college studies. I plan to use my monthly transfers and earnings from nearby casual jobs to cover his school fees. The assistance I have received has truly transformed my life, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact it has had on my family."

"I currently hawk various products in town to make a living, but the earnings are not substantial, and the business is unpredictable. Sometimes it is booming, and other times it goes down, which reduces my income. To address this challenge, I have decided to keep goats as an alternative source of income. I have five goats that I am taking care of, and I plan to buy more and let them multiply. Owning goats gives me the assurance that I can easily sell them to meet my financial needs whenever they arise, and this will no longer be a challenge."