"As the festive season approaches, there is nothing more satisfying for me than putting a smile on my family's face. This time of year is special, and I want to make sure my family feels just as happy and blessed as others do. For the next few months, I plan to save a portion of my transfers so I can buy my family new Christmas clothes. This is something I have always wanted to do for them because, during Christmas, getting new clothes is a big joy, and I want them to feel as good as the other children around us. In addition to making them happy during the holidays, my children’s education is a top priority for me. I am committed to continuing to use a portion of my transfers to pay for their school fees, ensuring they can keep attending school and building a brighter future for themselves. Lastly, I am determined to secure our financial future. To do that, I plan to keep saving another part of my transfers, and once enough funds have accumulated, I will invest in buying more goats. My goal is for these goats to multiply and grow in both number and value, becoming valuable assets that we can rely on in the future. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received. It has made a real difference in our lives, and I am determined to use it wisely to create a better, more secure future for my family. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this possible." (Country: Kenya)

"This year and in the years ahead, my main goal is to complete building my house. Thankfully, I already have all the necessary building materials, so my plan is to use part of my transfers to hire labor and get the construction finished. Once the house is complete, I will use another portion of my transfers to buy a bed and a mattress. Right now, I sleep on a mat, and it is uncomfortable, so having a proper bed would make a huge difference for my rest and well-being. Additionally, I really need to buy new clothes. My current clothes are worn out and very few, so I will use some of the transfers to get what I need and feel more presentable. I also plan to buy a big metal box to store my clothes properly, which will help keep everything neat and organized. I want my home to be a comfortable, presentable place, and I want to feel good about myself as well. Additionally, with the ongoing dry spell, I will continue to use a portion of my transfers to help my mother support our family with food, because it is important that we stay strong through these difficult times. Lastly, I plan to use another part of my transfers to buy goats. I believe this will be an investment for the future. My plan is to raise them and hope that they multiply so that I will have something valuable to rely on when this support program eventually comes to an end. I am incredibly grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has given me and my family." (Country: Kenya)

"We live near the river, and this year we experienced severe floods. It was a terrifying night, and by luck, we were not swept away by the rising waters. The water nearly covered us, and the most frightening part was the danger to our 5-year-old daughter. We could not escape because it happened at night, and the water levels were so high inside our house that we had to stand on the bed, holding our daughter above the water for hours, waiting for the levels to recede. That life-threatening experience made me determined to make a change. I plan to focus on crop farming, specifically planting seed maize, and I will use the proceeds to finish paying for a plot on higher ground that we secured on debt. Once we own the plot, we will construct a house there, ensuring our family’s safety from future floods." (Country: Kenya)

"That day, I woke up and proceeded with my usual chores without checking my phone, as it was still charging. While I was cleaning, my husband called to tell me he had heard that people had received their GiveDirectly money. I quickly checked my phone and saw that I had received mine too! I was happy and immediately called my husband to share the good news. My first thought was to use the money to clear a debt we had been worried about." (Country: Kenya)

"I am planning to renovate my house's roof by replacing the old, damaged iron sheets with new ones. The existing roof leaks during rain, which has compromised the walls of the house. To solve this problem, my top priority is to buy new iron sheets. I've been saving money and have already purchased fifteen sheets so far. I aim to acquire about 20 to 28 sheets since my house is quite large, although I have yet to consult a builder for a precise estimate. I am satisfied with my progress and confident that I will achieve my goal soon. My primary aim is to create a stable and secure house where I can live peacefully with my four children, without the constant concern of leaks when it rains. After completing this project, I plan to venture into livestock keeping, specifically by purchasing goats. I will redirect my transfer funds to buy goats so that I can establish a financial investment to support my family in the future when these transfers come to an end." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year, my goal is to use future transfers to continue purchasing food and possibly add more hens. The persistent harsh weather conditions make it difficult to grow crops, so buying food from the shop is essential to ensure I have enough to eat. I also plan to grow my flock of hens, selling some as they mature to cover my other needs. I will set aside a portion of each transfer toward these goals, and I am truly thankful for the support, which is helping me create a better life." (Country: Kenya)

"My son will graduate next August, and my goal is to continue paying his tuition until he completes his studies. I want him to stay focused, free from financial worries, so he can perform well in school. I am confident that his dedication will pay off, giving him a strong chance of securing a good job and a bright future. I am incredibly thankful for the financial support, which has made it possible for me to invest in his education." (Country: Kenya)

"With jobs scarce in the village and the weather making farming impossible, it is becoming increasingly challenging to earn an income. I am forced to buy food from the shop, where prices are high, which adds to the difficulty of meeting my family’s needs. My goal in the coming year is to use the support to ensure we have enough to eat. Until things improve, my focus will remain on providing food for my family through the transfers. I am truly appreciative of this assistance, which is helping me take good care of my family despite the challenges." (Country: Kenya)

"Now that I have moved into my new house, my next goal is to install a door to keep my belongings and myself safe. I also plan to build stone pillars for added durability, which will help the house withstand strong winds and heavy rains. Over the next year, I will save a portion from each transfer, and once I have enough, I’ll work toward these improvements. I am very grateful for this support, which has made it possible for me to enjoy a better quality of life." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year, I hope to purchase a solar lighting system for our home. Currently, I use a paraffin lantern, but paraffin is costly, and this method is not sustainable. To make this happen, I plan to save from my future transfers so I can put down a deposit on the solar lighting system. Once it’s installed, I will make small monthly payments, allowing us to enjoy reliable and cost-effective lighting. I am deeply appreciative of the support that’s helping me improve our quality of life." (Country: Kenya)