"My family of eight relies on the water vending business to make ends meet. However, the income earned from this business cannot cater for all the family's needs, such as food, school fees, and clothing. I cannot help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the assistance we have received from GiveDirectly, as most of my financial problems have been solved. When I received the transfers, I used $25 on debt repayment in a shop where I usually take goods on a loan. I further paid $300 in school fees for my children in grade 11 and college, respectively. The school fees had been a constant source of worry, a mountain we struggled to climb. For the rest of the transfers, I purchased food for the household. I am elated that these funds were not just about money; they were about hope, opportunity, and a chance for my family to rise above our circumstances."

"Now, thanks to the cash transfer program, I not only have three goats but also a maize harvest from the recent planting season. My goal is simple: to keep buying more goats and expand my little herd. With each new addition, I get closer to securing my medication for my anemia. Also, every year-end, I eagerly anticipate celebrating with my family and preparing a special meal for all of us. These goats will play a crucial role during those festive moments. I can't express enough how grateful I am for the cash transfer program, which has brought a ray of hope and self-sufficiency into my life."

"With the recent successful harvest that I am confident will sustain my family until next year, I plan to address other needs that were previously challenging to afford due to constraints related to food. My main objective is to actively contribute to the education of our four children, thereby providing support to my husband and alleviating some of his financial burdens. To achieve this, I believe that venturing into goat rearing is a promising option. However, goats have become relatively expensive, with each goat costing nearly $40. Nevertheless, with the assistance of the cash transfers, I am confident that I will be able to save and embark on my goat-rearing journey."

"Looking ahead, my goal is to construct a brick-walled house, as it offers greater durability compared to my current mud-walled dwelling. The house I built six years ago is showing signs of weakening walls and foundations over time, and I am determined to avoid the risk of it collapsing, leaving me without shelter before I can construct a new one. Additionally, I plan to expand my poultry farm by acquiring different breeds of chickens, including layers and broilers. I aim to make poultry farming my primary source of income, especially since I do not currently have a job. By selling broilers and eggs from the layers, I am excited to further develop this venture, providing for my family and supporting the education of my four children."

"My goal remains to keep buying goats and grow my herd from the two I already acquired through previous transfers. Since food is not a concern at the moment due to our maize harvest, I intend to allocate most of the cash transfers toward buying goats. My ultimate objective is to accumulate enough wealth through livestock so that when the transfers eventually cease, I will have a source of income to contribute to the household's needs, such as food, without relying solely on my son."

"My goal by the end of this year is to have started building a new house. I fear that my current house's poor state, especially the roof and the ground's inadequate drainage, may lead to its collapse, particularly during heavy rains. I plan to demolish the current structure and build a new one on higher ground. To begin this process, I need to have collected at least 35 pieces of iron sheets and tree poles. I'm grateful that the cash transfers have enabled me to start saving towards this goal; I'm not sure how I would have managed without these funds."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary hope is to address a longstanding challenge that has affected my daily life. In my old age, I aspire to connect piped water from the nearby school to my home. The lack of access to clean and reliable water has been a significant struggle, and the installation cost is quite expensive at the moment. However, I believe that once I achieve this, it will be a transformative change for my household. This water source will not only fulfill our domestic needs but also play a crucial role in realizing my dream of fruit farming. The ability to irrigate my crops will significantly enhance their growth and yield. Additionally, it will eliminate the need for my goats to roam over a vast thicket to drink from a seasonal stream, which has resulted in the theft of eight of them this year alone. Having water readily available at my doorstep will not only make life more comfortable but also help me protect my livestock and invest in a more sustainable future."

"Living alone and taking care of my 10 goats while my spouse, children, and grandchildren reside on another farm has been both a challenge and a source of motivation. These goats have allowed me to pay school fees for my daughter in college and my son, who recently completed his studies. With my last transfer, I prioritized my daughter's education and allocated $120 to cover her final year of college tuition. Additionally, I invested $300 in fencing around my compound, securing the perimeter after paying a $30 labor charge. This not only protects my goats but also adds a layer of security to my property. Currently, I am farming on a piece of land, and even though it is dry, we hold onto the hope of rain. Farming is a vital part of my life, and I continue to put in the hard work, knowing that it has the potential to sustain and improve my livelihood. The unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly has played a crucial role in supporting my family's education and ensuring the safety and well-being of my goats, giving me hope for a brighter future even in challenging circumstances."

"I rely on farming and occasional jobs to make ends meet for myself and my family. Due to my husband's advanced age, he is no longer energetic to work. I share my home with my five children. After receiving my third transfer, I decided to invest in a dairy cow to reduce our daily milk expenses. Therefore, I spent $330 to acquire a healthier dairy cow. Financial constraints had previously prevented me from purchasing one, as my income source is not consistent. I had one before, but unfortunately, it perished. Additionally, I spent $100 to purchase a sheep, and the remaining amount was used for purchasing food supplies. I feel relieved and grateful for achieving such significant progress in such a short time."

"I would like for give directly to also help other people that have not been helped yet and also continue helping us."