"Goats do very well in our area, and even though I don't own any yet, my plan is to buy three goats with my final transfer. I believe this will be a good investment because the goats will provide me with milk, helping to reduce the cost of buying it for my family. Additionally, having these goats will give me some financial security for the future. I can sell a few when the need arises, such as for covering school fees for my four children, whom I support alone. This plan not only supports my children's education but also ensures we have a steady source of nutrition at home." (Country: Kenya)

"I want to buy a plot of land where I can live safely, away from the flooding. I don’t want to worry about my home being damaged every time it rains heavily. I will use the money I earn from farming beans and maize to buy the plot. I believe this will help me raise enough money to make my dream come true. After I buy the land, I will keep this one here as a farm. It will not only provide me with food but also help me make a living. I am excited and hopeful about the future, knowing that I am taking steps to achieve my goals." (Country: Kenya)

"I am a teacher, and I really hope to be employed by the government. If I get this job, it would mean permanent employment for me. This would provide a steady income for my family, which is very important.I am optimistic about my chances. I believe that once I present my papers, I will get the job. If I don’t get the full position, I hope to at least be an intern. I know that this opportunity would help me grow and secure a better future for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future." (Country: Kenya)

"I am hoping that by the end of the year, I will have finished paying off the balance for the piece of land. My goal is to make sure that when the next long rains come, we will have already moved out and started building a new house. I plan to use the third transfer to settle the payment for the land. Hopefully, if the tomato harvest goes well, I can sell them and use the money to build our new house in the area we want to move to. This move is important because it will help us stay safe from mosquitoes that bring diseases when it rains." (Country: Kenya)

"I have been thinking a lot about what I hope to achieve in the coming year. My main plan is to keep working on my farm, especially growing maize. Farming is hard work, but it’s something I know well, and it’s my best chance to make the money I need. You see, I have two children in high school, and school fees can be expensive. So, by continuing to farm, I hope I’ll be able to afford their education and make sure they stay in school. Every season, I plant maize, which we sell to Kenya Seed. They pay a good price, and that really helps me. Plus, selling to them is reliable—they offer a steady market, so I know where my maize will go, and I don’t have to worry about finding buyers. If all goes well, I’ll make enough to keep up with the school fees." (Country: Kenya)

"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves." (Country: Kenya)

"When I woke up in the morning, I reached for my phone to check the time, and there it was—a message notification waiting for me. I opened it without thinking much, and then I saw it: money from GiveDirectly! I could hardly believe my eyes. My heart raced, and this wave of joy just took over me. I couldn’t contain myself; it was like a dream come true! I'd been planning to start farming for so long but never had the resources to make it happen. Now, with this cash in my hands, that journey was finally possible—no more putting it off, no more empty plans." (Country: Kenya)

"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed." (Country: Kenya)

"At 5 a.m., I was woken up by the ding of a message notification, and I couldn’t help but wonder who could possibly be texting me at such an hour. When I checked my phone, I was stunned to see it was an alert—it was the money we’d been hoping for from GiveDirectly! I felt a rush of excitement and couldn’t wait to share the news. By 6 a.m., I was on the phone with my husband, who works away, and as soon as I told him, he was just as thrilled. We’d been planning to pay my daughter’s school fees, and now, finally, we could go ahead with it." (Country: Kenya)