"With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I immediately prioritized the well-being of my family. I invested $120 in purchasing comfortable beddings for my seven children and five grandchildren, allowing them to sleep well and in pairs, a luxury they hadn't experienced before. Previously, they slept on sacks, leading to health issues like ringworm and bedbugs, and shared their room with chickens. The transformation has been incredible, and their happiness is noticeable. With the remaining funds, I addressed their health concerns by buying medicine, ensuring they are now free from bedbugs and sleep in a safe environment. As a casual laborer burning charcoal, my income is limited to $20 every two weeks, and my husband's earnings from taking care of a neighbor's cow amount to $40 per month. Despite our combined efforts, the funds are insufficient for food and school fees. Determined to secure my children's education, I allocated $150 to settle their school fees balance, and another $150 was spent on buying food for the festive season. Additionally, I used part of the funds to purchase clothes and uniforms for my children, relieving me of the worry that they might attend school in torn garments. The cash transfer has brought immense relief, allowing my children to learn in peace and comfort."

"Constructing my own house posed a formidable challenge that exceeded my financial means. Fortunately, the recent transfers provided the opportunity to save consistently each month. This allowed me to acquire essential materials like iron sheets and building poles, ultimately realizing the dream of building my house. While it's not entirely finished, my current focus is on purchasing a door and new bedding to replace the old mats I've been using during my stay at my son's house. Achieving this has been my primary aspiration, and I am now content knowing that I have a comfortable home to reside in."

"My primary objective is to save specifically for my medication, addressing the challenges posed by my decade-long struggle with epilepsy. The nature of this condition prevents me from engaging in any work, making it essential for me to depend on monthly funds to meet both medical expenses and the associated travel costs to the hospital. The ability to afford these necessities every month has become possible only through the financial transfers I receive. Consequently, I have been able to consistently access timely treatment, ensuring that I can independently cover the costs of my medication."

"With an eye on the future, I intend to allocate my upcoming transfers towards purchasing goats, nurturing them, and allowing them to multiply. Once the goats have multiplied, I will have the opportunity to sell some of them, providing a valuable resource to address my needs. This strategic investment will also serve as a safety net in case of emergencies, offering a fallback option through the sale of goats to address unforeseen requirements. I am genuinely delighted and appreciative of the financial support, as it has significantly enhanced the quality of my life compared to my previous circumstances."

"Having acquired a bed and mattress, my subsequent objective is to increase my investment in purchasing livestock. As an elderly woman, investing in livestock is the most viable option as it does not demand excessive time or energy. The goats, in particular, offer a potential source of income if needed in the future. Additionally, my house has developed significant cracks, prompting the need to fortify it by constructing sturdy, permanent pillars. I am extremely pleased and grateful for the financial support I have received from Give Directly, which has notably enhanced the quality of my life."

"As we embark on the new year, I have set specific goals to achieve in the forthcoming months. Firstly, I prioritize repairing the door of my house, which is currently in poor condition to prevent further deterioration. Furthermore, I aim to increase my savings for acquiring additional livestock and purchasing medication to manage my health condition. I am deeply thankful for the invaluable financial support I have received from Give Directly, as it has made a substantial difference in my life."

"With my grandson completing his secondary education, I now have a unique opportunity to utilize my upcoming transfers to invest in purchasing livestock, freeing me from further contributions to his education. The loss of a significant number of livestock two years ago left me with no reliable means of support. However, with the financial assistance from Give Directly, I have the chance to rebuild my livestock holdings and establish a tangible source of income for the future. I am determined to invest in and raise livestock once more, providing myself with a valuable asset that can serve as a financial resource when needed."

"Honestly, my goal remains to invest in livestock. Currently, with a daughter in form two, it is my responsibility, as a parent with no reliable source of income, to ensure her uninterrupted education by covering school fees. Rearing livestock offers a potential solution, as selling them in the future could provide the means to meet these educational needs. At present, I have no goats, and I would be pleased to have at least four when the cash transfers come to an end."

"As a livestock farmer, my goal is to continue with this venture, considering its positive impact on covering the school fees for my two children. I am thankful for the past transfers, which enabled me to acquire eight goats that I have been raising. Looking ahead, I hope to sustain this endeavor, provided the funds allow it in the coming months. Given my advanced age, where active work is challenging, rearing livestock emerges as a crucial and sustainable source of income for the years to come."

"Following the short rains, I planted maize on my farm, anticipating a bountiful harvest. When we have a surplus of food, I plan to use the transfer funds to revive my business of selling washing powder. This business was closed three months ago when I utilized the capital to pay school fees for my five children. To get back on track, I now need at least $100. Reviving the business will be instrumental, as the profits generated will assist me in meeting the school fees for the children and also putting food on the table."