"Now that my mental health is improving day by day, I have a new goal: to build a two-room house. For so long, I've been sleeping at my mother's house, which I feel ashamed of because both she and I need our privacy. I plan to accomplish this goal by selling one acre of land that my father left behind, with the full support of my family members. I want to heal completely and fulfill this dream. Once I achieve it, I'll finally have the protection I've been missing, and by the time I start my own family, I'll be well-prepared with proper shelter." (Country: Kenya)

"I am a farmer, but I do not have the necessary equipment, like a generator, which is essential for successful farming, especially here in Baringo, where drought is rampant. I have been borrowing from my neighbors, but it is not always available when I need it. Sometimes, I am told that I should buy my own, which can be frustrating because without water, my crops cannot survive during the dry season. To solve this, I plan to purchase my own generator using the proceeds from my acre of land, where I am planning to plant maize. With the income from the maize harvest, I will be able to invest in the generator, ensuring my farm is well-irrigated and productive throughout the year." (Country: Kenya)

"My goal for the coming years is to build a steady income through farming so I can secure my children's education. When I earn from the onions and beans, I plan to reinvest it in more crops, using crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and increase yields. By doing this, I aim to create a reliable source of income to cover school fees and other family needs. Ensuring my children stay in school is my priority, as I believe education is the foundation for a better future. I feel confident that with each season, I’ll be able to support them more steadily. Farming is challenging, but with this plan, I’m hopeful for a brighter future." (Country: Kenya)

"Before the floods hit us, I had prepared a one-acre plot where I grew beans and vegetables, but everything was destroyed. Farming has always been my main way of ensuring food security for my family, so this loss created a serious challenge for us. Now, as our lives are beginning to return to normal, I’m planning to restart farming on my one-acre plot. To enhance my efforts, I aim to purchase a water pump for $250, which will enable early cultivation and timely preparations. By farming on schedule, I hope to secure a successful harvest and provide enough food for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year, my goal is to build a sturdy home for my family. This past year, I have been sleeping in a makeshift structure with no walls and a leaking roof. My previous house collapsed last year, and I haven’t been able to rebuild due to financial limitations and the difficulty of finding casual work. With the ongoing support from the transfers, I plan to set aside a portion each month to buy building poles and, eventually, iron sheets. Once I have gathered all the necessary materials, I’ll save for labor costs to begin construction. I am truly appreciative of the financial support, which is helping me get closer to achieving my dream of a secure home for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"I am unable to take on any job that demands my full attention because I need to care for my sick child. My child has epilepsy, and it’s important for me to be present. Consequently, I spend most of my time on childcare. I want to establish a business that I can manage from home, which will help me balance my household duties while allowing me to focus on my child. I've considered starting a chicken farming business. Additionally, I plan to use part of my funds to purchase more goats. My aim is to raise about 10 breeding goats, and along with the chickens, this will create a source of income for me. Once these projects are up and running, I will feel less stressed, even when my income ends, as I will have an investment to depend on. If I encounter financial difficulties, I can sell some of my livestock to generate money for my support instead of relying on relatives." (Country: Kenya)

"As a mother of one, I aim to expand my shop, where I currently sell products like flour, oil, sugar, rice, and soap. Previously, I relied solely on farming, which meant I had no income during the dry seasons. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly and my husband, I was able to start this business, which keeps me busy and increases my income. I plan to save my transfers along with the profits from my shop to improve my inventory. I want to add new items like beans and greens and increase my stock to boost my profits and grow the business further. This will enhance my daily income, making it much easier for me to support my family." (Country: Kenya)

"Living in this house has been quite challenging, especially during the rainy season. Many years ago, I built this small, one-roomed grass-thatched mud house, and it leaks significantly when it rains, making it feel like I'm outside even when I'm indoors. My main objective for the coming year and beyond is to construct a spacious, iron-roofed house. I'm glad to have gathered enough iron sheets and the necessary poles. I am actively working to collect the remaining materials needed to start construction. This is a top priority for me as I have a small child, and our living conditions are not conducive to her health. Therefore, I am optimistic that we will soon commence the building work. I truly appreciate GiveDirectly for their financial support, without them, I wouldn't have been able to purchase all these building materials. I continue to use my transfers to invest in this project until I achieve my final goal." (Country: Kenya)

"As a mother of two, my greatest joy is witnessing my children receive a quality education and improve their lives. To ensure they can attend a good school, I am pursuing a college education in tailoring. My goal is to start my own tailoring business after graduation, which I believe will provide a better income for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I am able to cover my school fees. Once I finish my studies, I intend to launch my business, and I am confident that the income I generate, along with these transfers, will significantly assist in purchasing building materials, enabling us to construct our dream house. Currently, we live with my mother-in-law because my spouse and I got married when he didn't have a house. With over a year remaining in my college education, I am focused on opening my business afterward. Once my spouse and I manage to build our dream house, I plan to invest in livestock, particularly goats, to further secure our financial future." (Country: Kenya)

"This coming year, I want to leave this piece of land behind and settle on the new plot, where I plan to build a house and finally call it my own. It’s been a journey getting this far, and I can already imagine how it’ll feel to walk around that land, knowing it’s fully mine. By next year, I hope to have paid the last installment, making that little piece of earth officially mine. It feels like a huge step, but I’m determined to make it happen. To accomplish this, I’ve got a plan. The last transfer I’m set to receive will go directly towards finishing the payment on the plot and starting the build. With that money, I can close the deal on the land and also start construction. I’m relieved to already have some of the materials, especially the iron sheets, which will help things move along more quickly. Bit by bit, with each day and decision, I’m hoping to bring this dream closer, until it’s not just a goal but a reality." (Country: Kenya)