"I am currently facing a pressing issue with my house, as its mud walls are on the verge of collapse. This poses a significant threat to the safety and shelter of my family. To address this challenge, my primary goal is to save enough money through the savings groups I have joined, which consist of 18 members. By diligently saving over the course of the year, I aim to accumulate sufficient funds to commence the construction of a new four-room house. This new dwelling will provide a safe and secure shelter for all seven members of my family, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind. I am profoundly grateful for the financial support that has been instrumental in improving my life and helping me work towards this crucial goal of securing a suitable home for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"Recognizing the importance of strategic investment and seeking additional sources of income, I've decided to invest in purchasing a dairy cow. By selling milk, I aim to generate additional funds to support my family's needs. To realize this goal, I've joined a savings group, where I contribute regularly. This disciplined saving approach will enable me to accumulate sufficient funds by the end of the year to purchase the cow. I'm deeply appreciative of the financial support provided by Give Directly, as it has significantly contributed to improving my life and providing opportunities for sustainable income generation." (Country: Kenya)

"Given the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease, I've decided to temporarily halt my plans to purchase more hens until it's safe to do so. However, I remain committed to investing further in poultry farming, as I've witnessed the substantial returns it offers, which can greatly contribute to my financial stability. Additionally, I aim to diversify my investments by acquiring livestock such as goats, recognizing them as a strategic investment for the future. I am profoundly grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly transformed my life for the better, providing me with opportunities to pursue sustainable income-generating ventures." (Country: Kenya)

"GiveDirectly has positively impacted my life so much. One thing I really appreciate about GiveDirectly is that they have enrolled so many women in these transfers compared to men. Women know how to manage cash without wasting it, unlike men who often spend money on alcohol without investing it. Whenever you visit other villages, please enroll only women because they have many expenses that need to be settled." (Country: Kenya)

"Before receiving support from GiveDirectly, my family of five depended on casual jobs and my husband's income as a security guard. We had been previously displaced, which left us without a home. With the first transfer, I bought goats and food. The second transfer allowed me to make a down payment on an acre of land for $400, with $600 remaining. Upon receiving the final transfer, I used $400 to reduce this debt to $200 outstanding and built a temporary grass-thatched house, which brought us relief and joy. Previously, we didn’t own any land or a house and faced frequent eviction threats due to unpaid rent. Now, despite owning a plot and having a house, recent rains have displaced us again. My husband had to quit his job, and we are currently living in a nearby school. Additionally, using the remaining $50 from the transfer, I bought a mattress and a bed, though these items had to be left behind in our flooded house." (Country: Kenya)

"My goal for this year is to open a maize store and grow my business. With the success of my current farming activities, where I cultivated 1.5 acres of land for maize, I believe this goal is achievable. The profit I generate from this venture will be used to provide my three kids with quality education. Unfortunately, there are no good schools nearby, but I am determined to give my children a better education than the one I received. The thought of this fills me with happiness, gratitude, and satisfaction." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary focus is to construct a new home with the assistance of my spouse. Our previous residence succumbed to heavy rains, leaving us to seek refuge in my mother-in-law's home alongside our two children. The adjustment has been challenging, especially considering the privacy we once cherished. With my spouse often away in Mombasa, when he returns he always sleeps at his brother's house. Nonetheless, we're committed to our goal. I diligently set aside a portion of my monthly transfers, around $10, to accumulate funds for building materials, while my spouse contributes what he can from his daily endeavors. Despite the obstacles, I remain hopeful that through the support of organizations like Give Directly, we will realize our dream of a new home." (Country: Kenya)

"I aim to achieve two significant goals with the cash transfers I am receiving. First, I plan to purchase a comfortable mattress to improve my sleep quality and overall well-being. After which, I intend to restart my grocery business. I had started one but had to close because the landlord wanted me out of his premises and later opened his own business, which was eventually passed on to a relative. Determined to revive my grocery business, this time around, I will diversify it and ensure its sustainability and success. I'm grateful for the transfers." (Country: Kenya)

"My plan is to purchase cows, both dairy and ploughing bulls using the GiveDirectly transfers. My goal is to sell the milk and rent out the bulls for ploughing to generate income. Although I initially intended to use the transfers to start a driving course, unforeseen circumstances, such as the loss of my Mother and my wife falling ill, altered my plans. However, I remain hopeful that things will fall back into place, and I can pursue my previous plan of attending a driving school.." (Country: Kenya)

"GiveDirectly has earned praises in our village for its effective approach to providing support. Unlike other aid initiatives known from other organizations, GiveDirectly's support stands out for its unique feature of granting us the opportunity to make informed decisions based on our individual household needs. Initially, some of us were skeptical about receiving aid in the form of cash, but so far, GiveDirectly's approach has proven to be highly effective, allowing us the flexibility to address a wide range of challenges from school fees payment, construction of new houses, foodstuff, and even securing plots. Personally, I cannot see a better way to receive support than the approach taken by GiveDirectly. While I remain open to alternative forms of aid from other organizations, I would highly recommend that they emulate GiveDirectly's model." (Country: Kenya)