Initially, I had plans to start a vegetable business that would provide me with a daily income to support my family's needs. However, I realized I needed to think more broadly and look further ahead. Over the past few seasons, cultivating my farm has become quite costly, and I have always wanted to find ways to reduce these expenses. A solution, I decided to invest in goats. My plan is to continue using a portion of my transfers to purchase more goats, with the hope that they will multiply and increase in number. In the future, I aim to trade some of them for cows while also selling a few to help fund my children's education. The cows will be specifically for plowing my farm, which will significantly cut down on the costs of hiring tractors or hiring cows from others. Once I achieve this, I plan to save a portion of my future transfers to build enough capital to finally start my vegetable business. This venture will enable me to provide for my children and secure a better future for our family. The livestock will also act as a valuable asset that I can rely on in the future whenever need arises to support my family and children's education.

Over the past few years, cultivating my farm has become increasingly costly, prompting me to seek ways to reduce these expenses. I decided to invest in goats, so I spent $40 from my recent transfers to purchase one goat, adding to what I already have, hoping that they will breed and increase in number and eventually allow me to trade them for cows, which I can use for plowing my fields. This would significantly lower my farming preparation costs. Additionally, with six children in school, ensuring their education is also a priority. I allocated $35 to pay their school fees, preventing any disruptions that could arise from unpaid dues. I also spent $14 on new school uniforms for two of my children, whose previous ones had worn out. Seeing their excitement in wearing the new uniforms has truly boosted their confidence. Finally, I used the remaining $13 to buy food for my family, ensuring we would not go hungry. Balancing these expenses while trying to improve my farming situation has been challenging, but I am hopeful for the future.

Looking ahead to the next several months, my main goal is to embark on a new venture: selling vegetables. This shift represents a significant departure from the exhausting routine of charcoal burning and selling, which has become increasingly tiresome. The prospect of transitioning to the vegetable business brings a sense of relief and excitement, as I anticipate a more sustainable and potentially lucrative source of income. Moreover, I've noticed the current dry and sunny weather conditions contribute to the high demand for vegetables, further fueling my confidence in the viability of this endeavour. By leveraging these favourable circumstances, I aim to not only alleviate the strain of my current work but also establish a more stable and prosperous future for myself and my family.

As soon as I received the unconditional cash transfer, it was a turning point for me and my family. With a sense of responsibility, I immediately prioritized my children's education. Allocating $25 towards school fees and uniforms ensured that my six school-going kids could continue their studies uninterrupted. Witnessing them enter the school gates without the burden of unpaid fees brought tears of relief to my eyes. This investment in their future filled me with hope, knowing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued our family for generations. With the remaining $77, I embarked on a venture that held the promise of long-term stability. Investing in livestock such as chickens, sheep, and goats was a strategic move aimed at securing our future. As I tend to them daily, I envision a time when their numbers multiply, providing us with a sustainable source of income. The prospect of exchanging them for a bull, which would significantly aid our farming activities, fills me with anticipation. In a world where permanent income streams are scarce, this investment represents a beacon of hope and a tangible step towards securing a better future for my family. With seven children relying on me, the potential of this venture to alleviate our financial burdens is immense, and I am determined to see it through.

My primary achievement this year revolves around securing continuous education for my children, emphasizing the importance of their academic pursuits. To this end, a significant portion of my transfers is earmarked for covering their school fees, reflecting my unwavering commitment to their educational journey. The invaluable financial support has been transformative, significantly enhancing the trajectory of my children's lives and their educational experiences. Previously, they encountered frequent challenges with school attendance, but this has notably improved, largely attributed to the impactful assistance derived from the transfers.

In preparation for the reopening of schools in January, I made a significant investment by purchasing new sets of school uniforms for my six children, amounting to $40. This decision was prompted by the worn-out and tattered state of their previous uniforms, ensuring that they appeared neat and presentable as they resumed their studies. During the festive season, I allocated $24 towards acquiring food items, fostering joyful celebrations and the strengthening of familial bonds through shared meals. Furthermore, I made a forward-looking investment by purchasing a goat, recognizing its potential as a lucrative asset in the future. The ability to meet essential obligations, such as paying school fees, has been made possible by the invaluable transfers, alleviating financial constraints and enabling me to provide for my family's well-being.

I really want to improve my family's living standards; I really want to start a grocery store. Currently I am at home taking care of my children and my goats. With the savings I have and the monthly transfers I will be able to start my business and sell it at an affordable price to my neighbors. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am able to dream again.

I am a mother of seven; six of my children are currently in school and one is still an infant. The moment I received my transfer, the first thing that came to my mind was to spend $15 on school fees for my six children that really made them so happy. My greatest happiness in life will be seeing my children complete their school and get a good job. The remaining amount of $19 I saved so that I can purchase a goat to the three that I already have. Investing in a goat is really important because once they give birth I can easily sell them and cover my expenses. Thanks to GiveDirectly for everything.

In addition to meet the family daily needs, I had a goal of starting a grocery business. Therefore, as I receive my transfers, I will save a portion towards that goal. I prefer business because in the long run, when I obtain self reliance, I shall be able to take care of my family comfortably. I hope the business will supplement my husband's income to enable us to cater for our seven children's educational needs. This is attainable due to the longevity of the program I am part of.

Prior to my enrollment in GiveDirectly's program I did not have a parcel of land and we were staying in our ancestral family home. My family and I had longed to buy for a land but there was delay. At the begining of this year, we initiated the process of buying a parcel of land. So I decided to save part of my transfers to use for my upkeep, for obtaining food, since we were financial constraint. It has made life bearable to me and I am glad that we have been able to push on amidst the financial challenge we have been experiencing. With time I will develop it to serve the family better.

We had no lighting when we first moved into the new home in December of last year. As a result, I bought a solar lantern on credit. I must pay for it every month to settle the balance by the end of the year. I, therefore, have a goal of using $10 per month towards repaying the solar lantern outstanding cost. This will be a reality with continuous transfers. I aim to ensure that I do not fail in making the installment payments. However, the remaining portion of the transfers will help me to pay off my children's educational expenses.

Before we began receiving our monthly transfers, my family had been staying in someone's compound since we did not have a home. Fortunately, my husband had begun paying for a four-acre land costing $5,500. Though we still owe the seller $1,000, towards the end of the last year, we decided to pool our transfers and added part of my husband's earnings to build a new house in our newly acquired parcel. I am glad that even though the house is incomplete, I am always in my home. Nowadays, we have been feeling some peace we had not experienced before. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its financial aid.

Before enrolling in the project, everyone in our village received thorough information from GiveDirectly staff. I appreciated the patience of the discipline officers who came to visit. Even though our plans may change depending on when the transfers arrive each month, I believe that by the end of the five years promised, we will have transformed our households and the entire village. No one complains about the timely disbursement because we are always assured of receiving the same amount each month.

I received the second transfer after all six of my children had been sent home to collect their tuition fees. I am glad the transfer arrived just when I needed it because I had to spend $20 on part of their school fees. They are all in primary school, and paying their school fees has always been a family priority. This has always  motivated me to work hard in the charcoal burning and selling business, which is supplemented by my husband's contribution from his vehicle mechanic work. I used the remaining $10 to buy groceries for my current family of nine. I am grateful for the assistance I received from GiveDirectly, which has ensured that food is always available in our home.

My mobile phone buzzed with a message alert on Thursday around 8 p.m. when I was preparing dinner for my family. Immediately, I read through it to confirm what it contained. I jumped with delight when I found that my first cash transfer from Give Directly had arrived. No words can express how grateful I am to the organization for sending me money that day.

Before the transfer, my major concern was clearing school fee balances for my six primary school children who were constantly sent home to collect the balances. The little their father made from his mechanic job would not settle these tuition balances on time. The tale changed after the transfer. I was able to pay the fees, and my children resumed classes and have never been sent home again.

When I returned home from collecting the cash transfer, I found my six children had been sent home to collect pending school fees. Immediately, I gave them KES 600 to clear the balances with the institution and resume their studies. Additionally, since my husband had not earned anything from his mechanic job the previous day, my family slept hungry. This is why I purchased food with the remaining amount of money. I am glad that we have never missed a meal since then.