"I have many goals in mind, but the one at the top is owning a pair of oxen. It has been my dream for a long time, but I couldn’t afford them because they are so expensive. This has forced me to prepare my farm by hand or, at times, hire someone to do it for me. Now I plan to use my savings from the Merry Go Round to purchase the bulls. These bulls will not only help with daily farm activities but also generate income for my family, as I can hire them out to neighbors for a fee. This investment will ensure we produce plenty of farm products, as I will be able to cultivate the entire farm with the help of the bull. Additionally, the income generated will be used to support my children’s education by directly paying their school fees." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming years, I plan to fulfill my dream of renovating my house. The current structure, made of old sticks, is in poor condition and at risk of collapsing at any moment. With the rainy season fast approaching, I live in constant fear of what might happen. As a mother of four children, I am deeply concerned about their well-being, as our current shelter is not safe or conducive for a healthy living environment. To bring this dream to life, I intend to sell some of my goats and use savings from the Merry Go Round initiative to gather the necessary funds for the renovation. Achieving this goal will make me the happiest mother alive, as I will finally be free from the constant worry and stress about our living conditions. It will bring peace and stability to my family, which we have long yearned for." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to allocate a portion of my transfers to purchase more goats, with the hope that they will multiply and grow in both number and value over time, as they typically reproduce quickly. I envision these goats becoming a significant source of income for my family. When financial needs arise, I can sell one or two goats to address them. As my children transition to higher levels of education, I intend to sell some goats to cover their school fees and other related expenses. Additionally, the income generated from selling the goats will help me address my family's various needs, including providing daily meals and managing emergencies, such as sickness." (Country: Kenya)

"I have a goal that has been giving me quite a headache: owning many goats on my compound. Goats are one of the most important domestic animals that can help us grow financially because they reproduce quickly, and the chances of increasing their numbers in a short period are high. To achieve this goal, my spouse and I plan to work together to save what we earn from our daily casual jobs, along with the monthly income we receive from GiveDirectly. By doing so, we will ensure we can reach our goal. Once we achieve it, I am confident that by the time my children are ready to join secondary school, we will have enough goats to support us. This will make it easier to pay their school fees and provide for their needs without much strain." (Country: Kenya)

"For now, my primary goal is to build a herd of goats on my compound and eventually establish a cow in the field. This will also help support the well-being of my children. Goats reproduce quickly, which ensures that I will have many of them in a short amount of time. I plan to use my upcoming transfers and savings from the Merry Go Round initiative to make this dream a reality. Once I achieve this goal, I will be able to meet my needs more easily, especially the education of my son, who is currently in junior secondary. These animals will also be a great help, especially now that I am jobless due to health issues. They will enable me to satisfy my needs more effectively." (Country: Kenya)

"My primary goal is to join college by early next year. After completing my secondary school exams last year, my parents were unable to afford the fees for my college education. Determined to support myself, I took a job as a housemaid in the nearest town. Although the salary is very low, my focus is to save enough money to help my mother raise my sibling and fund my own education. To realize my dream of attending college, I have been diligently saving money from the cash transfers I received and my earnings. So far, I have managed to save $80, though I estimate I’ll need around $200 to cover my tuition and other expenses. I am hopeful that, with continued effort, I will achieve this goal in the coming months. My ultimate dream is to graduate, secure a good job, and provide greater support for my family back home. My siblings, who are still in primary school, depend on me, and I want to ensure they have the opportunities I’ve worked so hard to create for myself." (Country: Kenya)

"I have been yearning to become independent and reduce reliance on my tour guide job. This is a seasonal job that requires an additional job during low seasons. My ambitions have been to own a boat and a fishing net to venture into fishing and earn extra cash. To start, I intend to spend my first transfer buying 10 fishing nets, each costing KES 300. I will then spend the second transfer to buy a boat which costs KES 30000. Give Directly will mark a turning point in my life in leading a fulfilled life through these cash transfers." (Country: Kenya)

"I currently have 7 goats, 7 ducks, and 6 chickens at home, which I consider valuable assets. I believe investing in goats is a wise decision because they multiply quickly. As my herd grows, I can easily sell some to help me achieve my dream of continuing my studies, graduating, and securing a well-paying job. For now, I’ve been relying on monthly cash transfers and support from my brother to pay my school fees. However, since the money is sometimes insufficient, I believe having these animals will provide a more reliable way to achieve my goals without as much struggle. Once I graduate, I’ll be able to pursue other dreams, such as building my own house and starting a family. Additionally, I’ll be in a better position to support my siblings and parents as they age." (Country: Kenya)

"My primary goal remains unchanged: to continue buying goats and build a large herd by the time the program ends. Currently, I have a total of eight goats, but I aim to acquire more because they will benefit me in many ways. One of the main reasons is that they will help me pay school fees for my five children who are still in primary school, as well as ensure I can provide for their needs with ease. I plan to start saving a portion of the monthly transfers to make this dream a reality, especially now that I am without a job. By carefully planning and managing these funds, I am confident I can achieve this goal. This way, I will no longer have to struggle or suffer, even after the five years of the program come to an end." (Country: Kenya)

"I currently have six goats, which were once more in number, but as a single mom, they have been a tremendous help, especially in paying school fees for my children. My plan is to expand my herd and increase it to at least twelve goats. I believe that by growing the herd, I will not only be able to manage school fees but also handle any unexpected needs that may arise in the future. Goats are a reliable source of income because they multiply quickly and can be sold when necessary. I plan to use part of my final transfer to purchase additional goats, as this will help secure a better future for my family." (Country: Kenya)