In the coming year, my greatest goal is to invest in goats because they are a reliable source of income and a strong foundation for my family’s future. Goats are easy to maintain, and their demand in the market makes them a valuable asset. To achieve this, I plan to save $10 every month from the transfers I receive. With each passing month, my savings will grow, bringing me closer to buying more goats one at a time. Beyond this year, I aim to expand my herd and use the profits to improve my family’s living standards, ensuring we have food and a secure future. This plan gives me hope and the determination to create a brighter tomorrow.

I am a widow with five grown-up children, and I depend on my two sons, Joseph and Reuben, who work tirelessly at casual jobs to support our family. Life hasn’t been easy, but the transfers I received brought a glimmer of hope. With the last three transfers, amounting to $102, I made thoughtful decisions to ensure a better tomorrow. First, I invested $38 in purchasing a goat, adding to the four I already had. My vision is to grow the herd because goats are not just livestock; they are a dependable source of income when sold. By making this investment, I am securing a brighter future where I won’t have to rely so heavily on my sons’ hard-earned money. During this time, I also faced the sorrow of losing my father. To honor his memory, I spent $34 on his send-off, ensuring he was laid to rest with dignity. Family is everything to me, and it was important to support my siblings in this difficult moment. With the remaining $30, I bought food for the household. This eased the burden on Joseph and Reuben, who often come home exhausted from their jobs. Providing a meal was my small way of appreciating their sacrifices and reminding them that, despite the challenges, we’re in this together as a family.

Having completed the payment for the solar lighting system I purchased on hire purchase terms, I am now shifting my focus to purchasing a new mattress. The mattress I currently sleep on is worn out, causing me serious discomfort every night. My plan is to save a significant portion of my subsequent transfers and use it to buy a new mattress. This will enhance my comfort and improve my sleep quality. I am very appreciative of the financial support, which has helped elevate my life and allowed me to live a better life.

As a farmer, my primary source of income used to be farming. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case due to the harsh climatic conditions that have made farming unsustainable. The financial hardships I faced often left me with no money to purchase food, forcing me to sleep on an empty stomach. However, since being enrolled in the cash program, my situation has greatly improved. One of the significant changes I've made is purchasing a solar panel on hire purchase. Completing the final payment of $40 recently, I'm happy to now own the solar panel lighting system. It has improved the lighting in my house, allowing me to see clearly during the night, which has made a big difference in my daily life. In addition to this, I invested $20 in purchasing a goat. This goat represents an investment in my future. As it multiplies, the value of my initial investment will grow, providing a potential source of income down the line. Having lost my primary income source to the unpredictable weather, I spent a significant portion of my transfers of $42 on purchasing food. This ensured that I had enough to last me through the entire month, something I previously struggled with. I am very appreciative of the financial transfers, which have allowed me to live a better life than before. The support has helped me stabilize my situation and look forward to a more secure future.

In the coming year and beyond, I hope to reinforce my house by building strong pillars that can withstand the fierce winds we often face in our area. This goal is very important to me because a sturdy home means safety and security for my family. To make this dream a reality, I have decided to start saving $10 every month starting today. Each dollar saved brings me closer to having a house that won't be easily damaged by the wind, giving us peace of mind and a sense of stability. By carefully planning and saving, I am determined to accomplish this goal and ensure that my family has a safe place to call home for many years to come.

In the last three transfers, I spent my money on things that made a big difference in my life. First, I bought a small mattress for $37. Before that, I had been sleeping on an uncomfortable mat. Every night, I tossed and turned, unable to rest properly. The new mattress, though small, was a game-changer. It gave me a good night's sleep, which made my days much better because I woke up feeling rested and ready to take on whatever came my way. I also spent $35 to buy a goat. This goat is not just any goat; it's a valuable addition to my family, it is like a small investment that will continue to benefit us in the long run. Finally, I put $30 towards paying off a solar panel that I bought on a hire purchase. The monthly installment is $10, and this panel has been a blessing. It brings light to our home at night, something we didn’t have before. We used to spend many nights in darkness, but now, our evenings are brighter, and we can do more activities after sunset. These purchases have significantly improved our quality of life.

Since the initiation of the transfers, my life has witnessed significant improvement. I am strategically channeling my funds towards the acquisition of livestock, recognizing their value as assets for the future. The financial support I now receive has transformed my financial independence, marking a departure from the reliance on assistance from relatives that characterized my past. I express profound happiness and gratitude for the valuable assistance provided through the transfers.

I acquired a goat for $45, expanding my livestock holdings to two goats and two sheep. The growth in my livestock portfolio brings me satisfaction, considering it as a lasting investment that extends beyond the duration of the transfers. This livestock is poised to become a source of income through future sales, contributing to my financial independence. Additionally, I settled a debt related to a solar panel I acquired on hire purchase terms for lighting. Monthly, I allocate $10 to ensure the continuous provision of lighting, significantly improving the safety of my well-lit home compared to the previous dark conditions. Furthermore, I invested in my personal comfort by purchasing a new mattress, enhancing the quality of my sleep. Allocating the remaining $12, I procured food, ensuring my basic needs are met. The transformative impact of the transfers has been remarkable, and I express deep gratitude for the positive changes they have brought to my life.

At the moment, I believe that livestock ownership is the most promising venture for me, primarily because it is relatively easy to manage. I currently have a small poultry flock and one sheep, but financial constraints have prevented me from expanding my livestock holdings. For a considerable period, I struggled with severe food shortages, largely due to prolonged drought conditions. Most of my income was devoted to purchasing food and water, leaving no room for investments in livestock. However, a positive turn of events occurred recently when I successfully cultivated my five-acre plot of land and reaped a bountiful harvest. With food security no longer a pressing concern, I am now in a position to allocate my monthly transfers towards acquiring livestock, with a particular focus on goats that have the potential to multiply over time. This strategic livestock investment will not only help me address my financial obligations but also secure my future. I intend to save a portion of my monthly income to gradually build up my livestock assets

I acquired a solar panel on credit, which has become a primary source of lighting in my home. Before, I used old kerosene lamps, which were costly due to the daily fuel expenses. I'm delighted that the solar panel has relieved me of the daily burden of purchasing kerosene. Whenever I receive funds, my top priority is to repay the solar panel debt, reducing the amount I owe. Over the past few months, I've managed to pay off $55 after receiving recent transfers. Additionally, I've been saving $5 every month to invest in valuable assets, particularly goats. Since I don't have any income-generating activities, I believe that owning goats will be a beneficial project that can help improve my financial situation. I also currently own and raise some chickens, and my goal is to expand into poultry farming. Lastly, I was once on the verge of malnutrition due to a lack of nutritious food. I couldn't afford three meals a day, and my health was deteriorating. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly because their assistance has not only transformed my household but has also restored my health. I can now enjoy three meals a day, despite the financial challenges I face.

My goal is to explore livestock rearing as an alternative source of income since my farm has been unproductive. By raising a herd of livestock, I plan to sell some at the market at higher prices as they multiply, generating significant profits. Through this venture, I aim to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency, which is my ultimate goal in the coming years.

Since my husband's death, I have relied heavily on farming and manual labor to make ends meet. However, the persistent dry weather over the past six years has made farming impossible. The manual jobs I take on, such as cutting tree stumps and making charcoal, do not generate enough income to cover my basic needs like food, medication, and clothing. Fortunately, Give Directly has been providing me with funds that have positively impacted my life and lifted me out of poverty. Before receiving the funds, I had been using kerosene lanterns for lighting my house, but they were very dim affecting my vision, especially at my age. To improve my quality of life, I used some of the funds to install solar-powered light bulbs, making my house much brighter and safer at night. With my April transfer, I used $10 to pay off the remaining balance and purchased twelve 2kg packets of maize flour, which will feed me for the next three weeks. I am no longer worried about going hungry and have gained weight due to the abundance of food. Additionally, I invested $7 in a hen, which I hope will multiply and increase my initial investment. Overall, the funds provided by Give Directly have made a significant difference in my life, and I am very grateful for their support.

After purchasing and settling my own land, courtesy of the cash transfer, my next aim is to start rearing livestock. Keeping these animals will gradually build my wealth, and ensure that I have a ready and reliable stream of income in the future, even after the transfers cease. Though I bear huge financial obligations, I wish to have bought at least two goats by the end of the year. I trust the upcoming transfers to enable me to accomplish this goal. 

As the primary provider of the family, my son Rueben works as a motorcyclist to take care of his wife, nine children, and me. Running this business in the village, the little he makes barely covers food costs, which leaves room for missing important meals sometimes. From each of the recent three transfers, I directed $14 towards food, $10 towards solar energy bills, and $10 towards the installments of a 4-acre piece of land my family recently acquired. Before, the family would constantly starve. Gladly, the cash transfers came to supplement the little my son  made and ensured there was at least one meal per day. More so, courtesy of the transfer, my family uses solar energy in place of the paraffin lanterns that provided dim lighting and exposed us to respiratory infections. Also, the cash transfers enabled my family to afford our own land which we recently relocated to. Previously, we used to reside on a borrowed compound, and we were constantly worried we would be thrown out at any time. So, I truly mean it when I say that the cash transfers have saved my family and significantly transformed our lives for the better. 

Give Directly shines at sending monthly cash transfers to every household in my village. The organization's guaranteed monthly cash flow lessened my reliance on my son for provision. Everyone in my community, including myself, appreciates the organization's generous offer to help them improve their lives. There is nothing wrong with the way Give Directly operates from my perspective.

Thanks to Give Directly cash transfers, I installed a solar system in my house last month. Using torch globes attached to battery cells for lighting was becoming inconvenient for me because they provided dim lighting. Most are the times I would stay in the dark and worry for my safety all night. I could not afford solar lighting then, because I lacked the necessary resources to fund the installation. Being my sole provider, my son who works as a motorcyclist can barely afford any want beyond the basics such as food. Gladly, the money from Give Directly was enough to pay for the solar services. Having paid a deposit for the installation fee using my first transfer, it was only reasonable that I settle the amount with the recent transfer. This is why I used $15 to pay the solar company. I spent the remaining amount on food because I had starved throughout the day after my household ran out of maize flour the previous night.I am grateful that I no longer worry about the dark and hunger. I get goosebumps from the happiness bestowed upon me by the cash transfers. 

That afternoon, around 4 p.m., I was relaxing at my home when I received a message notification on my phone. Immediately, I asked my son to check what it contained and he disclosed that Give Directly had sent my first cash transfer. No words can express how joyful and grateful my heart was that day. Were there any Give Directly representatives close by, I would have given each a huge embrace!

Before the transfer, my family frequently starved for lack of money to buy food. Since the month began, up until the day the cash transfer came in, I had gone to bed hungry at least seven times. I became malnourished due to hunger. Thankfully, Give Direct cash transfer alleviated the situation. The household has never run out of food since then and my body is getting stronger and healthier due to eating regularly.

I sell ground tobacco to earn money and fend for myself. Due to low demand for the product, the little money I make barely secures food daily. Besides, the returns cannot fulfill any need beyond the essentials. As such, it has been hard to save for a decent lighting system in my home. For years, I have been using a torch globe sell to cell batteries for lighting at night, which provides dim lighting. The transfer presented an ideal opportunity to acquire a solar system and have it installed in my house. So, I paid a deposit of KES 600 to have the system connected. Now, I enjoy bright lights at night, alongside a radio that the solar company gifted me as the subscription package bonus. I contributed the remaining amount towards the purchase of food for the family, which lasted us to date.