"I was up at 4 a.m. checking on my six-month-old baby when I heard a message notification on my phone. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but a few minutes later, I picked up my phone to check. When I saw it was money from GiveDirectly, I felt a surge of joy! I couldn’t go back to sleep after that; I was just too excited. I went about my usual morning routine, but my mind was buzzing with plans. As soon as my sister woke up, I shared the news, and she was thrilled too. I’d already decided that I’d use the money to buy clothes for us and help with my brother’s school fees. It felt like such a blessing." (Country: Kenya)

"I currently have a few pieces of iron sheets that I bought with transfers some time ago. My goal now is to build a new house, as my current one has become too small to accommodate me and my grandchildren. I am saving a portion of the transfers I receive each month to construct a one-room house, where I will move once it’s finished, leaving the old house for my grandchildren, who can comfortably live there. I trust that by next year, my savings will allow me to purchase the remaining materials needed to start construction on my new house. This will restore my dignity and provide me with the privacy I need, as well as that of my family members. I believe this will earn me the respect I desire." (Country: Kenya)

"My main goal now is to buy a wooden door to install in my house. Currently, my house lacks a door, and I live in fear that someone might enter while I’m away and take my belongings. This situation has prevented me from going far from the village, as I worry that people might take advantage of my vulnerable state. I am tired of feeling this way, and I believe it's high time I address this issue. Therefore, I plan to use my small savings from my kiosk business and a portion of my transfers to buy and install the door. I believe that this is the only way to restore my happiness, joy, and the peace of mind I have been lacking." (Country: Kenya)

"Considering my age, I realize that I am getting older, and I fear that once this program ends, I may lack something to rely on in terms of assets. I have set a goal for the coming years: to save at least $15 from my monthly transfers for several months to buy more goats. I currently have four goats on my compound, and acquiring more will increase my benefits. Once I achieve this, it will be easier for me to pay the school fees for my children who are still in primary school, even after the program ends. Additionally, having livestock will provide me with security, as people will be more likely to trust me and lend me their items knowing I have assets." (Country: Kenya)

"I have a new goal in mind, and I believe that once it's achieved, I won't have to worry about my health conditions any longer. My goal is to save $10 from the transfers so that in the future, I can buy several goats to keep at home. These goats will not only be livestock but also valuable assets that will help with my health, as I will be able to sell some to purchase the medications I need daily. Having these goats will provide me with assurance that I won’t run out of funds if this project comes to an end, and they will also offer a reliable source of support for my overall needs. By early next year, I hope to have at least two goats to start with, and I am optimistic that this will happen soon." (Country: Kenya)

"My primary concern for some time has been finding better treatment for my leg condition. Although I am currently on medication and receive monthly checkups, I still feel the need for more advanced care at specialized hospitals to alleviate the constant pain I experience. My plan is to use the financial support I receive, along with assistance from my sons, to make this goal a reality. Achieving this treatment will restore my joy and hope, allowing me to finally break free from the sleepless nights I've been enduring. I also look forward to becoming more self-sufficient, enabling me to handle some tasks on my own once I am healed." (Country: Kenya)

"My primary goal right now is to buy more goats to keep on my homestead. Currently, I have three goats, but I aim to build a larger herd so that, as they reproduce, I can grow my assets. As I get older, I recognize the importance of having reliable resources, especially for the future when this support may end. I plan to save at least $10 from my monthly transfers to accumulate enough funds to purchase more goats. This dream is very achievable, and I am determined and focused on achieving it. Once I reach this goal, even if it takes several months, I feel hopeful about my future, as I will have assets I can sell to support both my husband and myself." (Country: Kenya)

"I woke up early one morning around 6 a.m., reached for my phone, and noticed a new message. Curious, I checked it and saw it was a transfer notification from GiveDirectly. At that moment, a wave of happiness hit me—I couldn’t believe it! I immediately went to tell my wife, and she was just as thrilled as I was. We sat down together and discussed how we’d use the money, agreeing that our first purchases would be a goat and some much-needed food items for the household." (Country: Kenya)

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my goals are centered around ensuring a secure future for my family by making prudent investments in goats. These animals serve as a safeguard against unpredictability and offer the potential for financial stability. Given their relatively low upkeep costs and the availability of a steady market, goats are a sustainable asset that will help protect our future. By increasing my goat herd through my monthly transfers, I strive to build a strong foundation of economic stability. Additionally, I have the responsibility of covering school fees for my children, as I want them to receive an education that will enable them to support +themselves in the future. To achieve this, I plan to allocate a portion of my transfers towards this goal, along with the limited income I earn from my casual jobs." (Country: Kenya)

"With the ongoing drought and the hunger we are facing, my current plan is to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy food and water for my family, ensuring we do not go hungry. Also, to buy water for my livestock to keep them healthy. I will keep doing this until the rains come, and we are able to harvest enough food to sustain ourselves and have water in our watering points that we can fully rely on. It is a difficult time, but I am determined to keep my family fed and safe. At the same time, I am focused on securing our future. I plan to keep saving part of my transfers in our local savings group with the goal of buying more goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply, increasing in both number and value. In the long run, they will become valuable assets that I can rely on, especially when this support program comes to an end. I am incredibly grateful for the help I have been receiving, and I am committed to using it wisely to not only survive today but to build a more secure future for my family." (Country: Kenya)