"I feel good because I know there is money kept in the cow u bought"

"GiveDirectly is doing a great job, and they should continue in the same way. Providing direct cash has been beneficial in reducing school dropouts due to fee burden in my Chepkotoyan village in Baringo."

"Before the assistance from GiveDirectly of $450, my floor was in a poor state and dusty, making cleaning tiresome and attracting ants. The smearing of dirt was a constant issue, making our living space less than ideal. Understanding the necessity of a more permanent solution, I invested $300 in cementing the floor. The new cemented floor has transformed our home into a more comfortable and conducive environment, free from the previous issues of dust, mud, and ants. Their support not only allowed us to cement our floor but also enabled us to address another critical need – food security. With $150 of the funds, I bought enough food, a necessity that was becoming increasingly difficult to secure. As I am currently unemployed, and my husband's income from casual jobs is sporadic and minimal, averaging around $2.5 a day, ensuring a steady food supply has been a significant challenge. We own 15 goats, which serve as a financial safety net. During tough times, we sell some of them to sustain ourselves. Small-scale farming is another aspect of sustaining our livelihood. However, the returns from our agricultural efforts are unpredictable due to inconsistent weather patterns. The assistance from GiveDirectly has improved our living conditions and provided a cushion against the uncertainties of our daily lives. For this, we are grateful."

"I BOUGHT A COW BECAUSE IT IS AN INVESTMENT"

"I WANT TO GET LAND, IT WILL BE SO GREAT BECAUSE I WILL BE ABLE GROW ENOUGH CROPS"

"Becoming a primary school teacher has been my aspiration since my childhood. Having completed secondary school last year, I am eager to pursue a teaching course. These transfers will not only support my educational journey but will also contribute to achieving this dream. I plan to utilize the proceeds from the sale of my goats and chickens to further support myself through the course. Realizing this dream is significant to me as it assures me of employment opportunities upon course completion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for their unwavering support to me and my family."

"Looking ahead to the coming year, my goal is to realize the dream of having my own house, considering that I am currently living in my brother's place. I am pleased to report that I have already started saving towards this endeavor, aiming to begin construction sometime this year. In pursuit of this objective, I plan to utilize both my savings and financial support from my parents. The prospect of having my own home fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment, and I eagerly anticipate a prosperous new year."

"Looking ahead, my objective for the year is to invest in acquiring goats, with the intention of breeding and selling them for a profit. This strategic move aims to ensure that, when the project concludes, I will have a tangible and sustainable asset. Moreover, as the goat population multiplies, the potential income generated can be utilized to meet urgent financial needs, such as covering my children's school fees. I am optimistic about achieving this goal with the upcoming transfers, as the support received has undeniably brought immense joy and value to my life."

"The transfer we received served as a crucial lifeline for my family. As the primary caregiver for my granddaughter, who tragically lost her parents at the tender age of four months, my responsibilities have been both challenging and emotionally demanding. Relying solely on the income generated from my quarter-acre of land, where I cultivate maize for sale, has become increasingly difficult due to the recurring droughts over the past three years. This has hindered our ability to meet even the most basic needs. The weight of my granddaughter's school fees posed a significant burden. Despite her completion of secondary education in 2022, her certificate was withheld by the school due to $800 in outstanding fees. In response, I allocated $100 from the recent transfer to make a partial payment toward her school fees. Additionally, I used $80 to refurbish my granary, which had been severely infested by termites. Though the renovation is ongoing, I remain optimistic about completing it with the anticipated second transfer. This improvement will provide a secure storage space for my farm products, a stark contrast to the current situation where they are stored in the living room, vulnerable to weevils and theft. I used the small amount that remained to purchase essential food supplies for my family of three. I am truly grateful for the transfer."

"I had harbored the dream of attending a secretarial college ever since I graduated from high school in 2018. Thanks to the support from the cash transfers, I realized this dream when I enrolled in college last September. Given that my parents are not actively employed – my father being physically challenged and my mother serving as his caregiver – the responsibility of covering my tuition fees falls solely on my shoulders. My goal is to complete college within the two-year program without facing any struggles in paying tuition. I am optimistic that the cash transfers, supplemented by potential bursary funding, will enable me to manage my fees, which amount to at least $330 per semester. I believe that obtaining a college degree will pave the way for my dream job as a secretary and, in turn, help support my family in the future."