"In the near future, I'm aiming to buy a goat. It might seem small, but if they multiply, I could sell some and handle financial emergencies better. Right now, I rely on a future transfer, but it's tied up with paying school fees for my three kids. It's a tough choice to divert that money to buying goats, but I'm hopeful it'll pay off in the long run." (Country: Kenya)

"Following a successful harvest that I believe will sustain my family until next year, I am now focusing on addressing other previously challenging needs, particularly related to education. My main objective is to actively support the education of our four children, thus alleviating some financial burdens from my husband, who works as a casual laborer. To achieve this, I contribute $5 monthly to our merry-go-round group, which I believe is a promising initiative. With the help of cash transfers, I am confident that I will be able to save effectively and ensure that my children receive the best education, allowing them to concentrate fully on their studies without worries." (Country: Kenya)

"I have two children in the upper classes, and my eldest is soon joining secondary school, requiring careful financial planning for a smooth transition. Currently, I am managing previous term fees arrears with the help of GiveDirectly transfers, significantly easing my financial burden. The difference is profound compared to before I received these transfers; my children are no longer sent home for fee balances because the teachers know I receive support from GD, and I am able to contribute consistently. My family relies on casual jobs for income, but the last season was challenging, leaving us in a situation where we are struggling to afford basic necessities and school fees. I am compelled to allocate the limited income from casual jobs to both essential needs and educational expenses, highlighting the importance of additional financial support to maintain stability and ensure my children's education continues uninterrupted." (Country: Kenya)

"I have a plan to set up a retail shop, the budget for this is about $600. I cannot get such a huge amount at once to start this business. Since I depend on farming doubling up to goat rearing. I plan to buy small goats since at a tender age they are not so costly. And I know they will grow up with time, and give me good returns when they have grown big. that will enable me to get good money to purchase a cow. The cows will only need a short while to mature and thus I will sell the cow each to be sold for $400 which will be enough for me to start the business" (Country: Kenya)

"Ever since my arable land was swallowed by the swelling of Lake Baringo, I have not had an opportunity to practice it in my current area of residency. This is because of inadequate space to cultivate. As a result, I intend to use $400 to lease land and cater for all related expenses leading to the production of maize. I also plan to use another $350 to raise the floor of my house in readiness for the looming heavy downpour. For the rest of the transfer, I intend to buy livestock and keep them as savings. As they multiply, this will create a ready source of income when an emergency arises." (Country: Kenya)

"It's heartening to know that all my children are nearing the completion of their courses by the year's end. My immediate goal is to ensure their smooth progression by covering their final exam fees. Once this responsibility is fulfilled, I aim to channel my efforts into expanding and enhancing my poultry project, thereby increasing my income streams. The financial support I've received from the transfers has been instrumental in transforming my life positively, and for that, I'm truly grateful." (Country: Kenya)

"I've been blessed with a great harvest this year, and we have plenty of food stored up. Now, my main goal is to save money carefully in the microfinance institution. I want to get a loan from there so I can finally build a strong and cozy home for myself. The money I've received from the transfers has really helped me move closer to this dream, and I'm incredibly thankful for that." (Country: Kenya)

"I have been dreaming of restocking and expanding my business but lack of finance has been my biggest setback. When I receive the transfers, I will invest KES 30000 to buy more stock for my business. This will earn me more profit and stabilize my enterprise. I am also planning to cultivate my farm, I will use KES 20000 to buy farm inputs and prepare my piece of land. I will no longer struggle to buy food expensively for the family." (Country: Kenya)

"I'm deeply thankful that my life has taken a positive turn with the assistance of the transfers. Presently, I'm engaged in a fast food business, catering to school students. I've transitioned from the arduous task of selling charcoal, which yielded minimal income. With my upcoming transfers, I intend to invest in a new bed and mattress. Currently, I sleep on the cold, bare floor, and acquiring a bed and mattress will ensure I enjoy restful nights and improved comfort." (Country: Kenya)

"I have a family of two members. My husband and I do teaching as a profession but I also do poultry farming. Farming has been my passion since when I was young. Currently I have 60 chicken, 22 ducks and 28 guinea fowls. The challenge is lack of a well established structure. Sometimes they fall under thieves hands. I will use $800 to build a modern structure and add more poultry. I will also use $200 to buy their feeds. This project will bring happiness to me once the structure is fully equipped." (Country: Kenya)