"I've always harbored a deep desire to become a livestock farmer, and with each transfer received, I've been steadily investing in that dream. Upon receiving my latest transfer, I allocated $18 towards purchasing chickens, envisioning their growth and eventual contribution to my livelihood where they would multiply and be able to sell them when in need. With family responsibilities weighing heavily on my shoulders, I allocated $20 towards the school fees of my grandchildren, ensuring that they continue their education under my care. Education is paramount, and I'm committed to providing them with the necessary support to thrive academically. Addressing immediate needs, I allocated $35 towards purchasing food for my family. The thought of my loved ones going hungry pushed me into action, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to ensure their well-being, even in times of scarcity. Realizing the importance of personal comfort, especially during restful moments, I invested $900 in purchasing a bed linen for myself. It's a small luxury, but one that brings immense comfort and contentment, enhancing the quality of my sleep and overall well-being. However, life's challenges often present themselves unexpectedly. My son was involved in a car accident and faced mounting medical bills and I didn't hesitate to allocate $20 of the remaining transfers towards his treatment. Though the road to recovery may be long, seeing him out of immediate danger fills me with hope and gratitude."

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly was a moment of relief and gratitude for me. It was a day like any other, I was at home, taking a break from my studies since I didn't have classes that day. This was the first time I personally received money from GiveDirectly. I had been entrusted with the responsibility of receiving it after my mother's painful passing. The money came at the perfect moment. I didn't have any money for rent or food in the house,it brought a smile to my face. I immediately used $50 to pay the rent, ensuring a roof over our heads, and bought enough food to make our stay comfortable. But the bulk of the money, $400, was allocated to my younger brother's education. He's only five years old, and after our mother passed away, he had to move to Eldoret to live with our auntie. This meant a change of schools for him. The money covered his school fees, uniform, and all the necessary learning materials. Now, he's settled into his new school in Eldoret, and I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their timely support. It made a world of difference for me and my only sibling."

"Before the cash transfers came in, I lost two of my goats to a disease, which was really painful because I had invested a lot in keeping livestock. Having paused my job as a waitress, rearing livestock had become my best shot at contributing to the needs of my three children and supporting my husband, who had also lost his job. Losing the very thing I had put so much faith in was frustrating. I was hoping for a chance to replace the lost goats, but it had all been in vain until GiveDirectly sent the cash transfers. I immediately obtained three more goats, increasing my herd to eight. This now revives my hope because, more than ever, I am sure I can sell them in the future to raise funds for my children's education. I also hope to continue growing the herd whenever I have a chance."

"Receiving the cash transfer ignited a spark of hope within me a chance to pave the way for a brighter future. With $34 in hand, my first step was to invest in goats. Purchasing one marked the beginning of what I envisioned as a thriving livestock venture. The prospect of owning several goats soon filled me with confidence, knowing they would provide both stability and a safety net in times of need. Alongside this investment, I prioritized the education of my six children, allocating another $34 towards their school fees. The assurance that they could continue their studies filled me with immense pride, knowing that this support would lay the foundation for their success in life. With the remaining funds, I seized the opportunity to improve our agricultural prospects. Hiring someone to plough my farm was a crucial step towards achieving bountiful yields. As the crops grow, so does my optimism for a more prosperous future. Additionally, the purchase of food provided immediate relief, easing the strain of daily expenses. As I continue to sustain myself by selling chewing sticks in the neighbouring town, the newfound profitability underscores the positive impact of this financial assistance. Each decision made with the cash transfer resonates with a sense of empowerment and optimism for the future."

"I have been relying on cutting and selling building poles to make ends meet, but the income never seemed to be enough to cover our needs, especially my children's education. However, with the recent cash transfer, a weight lifted off my shoulders. Investing $84 in paying the school fees for my five children brought immense relief. Knowing they are receiving an education without the burden of fees weighing them down fills me with pride and gratitude. The transformation in our lives since the cash transfer began is undeniable, and for the first time, I feel a sense of stability and hope for the future. Recognizing the need for diversification, I invested $20 in purchasing chickens to rear in our compound. These birds serve as valuable assets, offering a safety net in times of financial crisis. Now, alongside the uncertain income from selling poles, I have a more stable source of revenue. The sense of security that comes with knowing I have resources to fall back on is invaluable, and it fills me with optimism for the future."

"Right now, I have 32 goats and 2 sheep. My aim for the coming year and beyond is simple: to expand my herd by acquiring more goats. This growth isn't just about numbers; it's about securing a better future for my family, particularly my son. As he prepares to transition to secondary school and eventually college, I want to ensure that finances don't stand in his way. With an increased herd, I'll have the means to cover his education expenses without strain. Moreover, having a larger flock provides a safety net. In times of emergency, I can sell one or two goats to address unexpected expenses or challenges that may arise. It's all about laying a foundation of stability and opportunity for my family, and expanding my herd is a crucial step in that journey."

"Immediately after I received the transfer, I knew it was my chance to build a latrine. My children had built me a stable house, but the homestead lacked a latrine. We mostly used the bush, which was both challenging and unhealthy. So, I spent $52 to buy building materials to start the construction process, and I paid the builder $130 in advance. The building is in progress, and I am excited to see this project take shape in the next few days. My husband also fell ill; his knee started having complications, and he could not walk by himself. So, we used $15 to fund his treatment and medication. I am happy that he is progressing well with medication and can now move around. I saved the remaining amount to continue funding the construction of the toilet space. Once that is done, I also aim to build a kitchen structure. Currently, I use part of my house for cooking, and I fear the soot could cause some health repercussions. Having a separate structure will prevent this. Due to my advancing age and the fact that my husband constantly falls ill, we cannot take jobs to fend for ourselves. Given that our youngest child is still in secondary school, his elder brother usually supports his education. I am happy to have found some independence through these transfers now."

"With the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I made decisions that weighed both my immediate needs and long-term aspirations. As a single mother of three, life's challenges often feel like mountains I must climb alone, especially with my physical disability. Determined to provide for my children and carve out a better future, I allocated $39 towards their education expenses and school uniforms, ensuring that my three little ones have access to education, a beacon of possibility in their lives. Despite being physically challenged and the weight of being divorced for over a decade, I refuse to let adversity define us. The remaining funds were allocated wisely, with$34 going for food and $10 injected into my coconut-selling business, a small endeavor that I hope will flourish with time. It's not easy relying solely on my elder brother's sporadic support, so being able to provide for my family, even in modest ways, fills me with a sense of pride and independence. But it wasn't just about immediate needs; I wanted to sow seeds for a better tomorrow. With $10 set aside for savings, I embarked on a journey of financial empowerment. Every month, I vowed to nurture this seed, cultivating a reserve that would serve as a safety net in times of need and a stepping stone toward greater stability."

"My most recent transfers from GiveDirectly were a lifeline in more ways than one. Out of the $102, I prioritized my grandson's education, using $60 to pay his school fees. He's an orphan, relying solely on me, and I see his education as his ticket to a better future. I want him to have opportunities I never did, to stand on his own two feet and carve his path in the world. Even as I faced my health challenges, with $20 I sought medical attention for a troubling leg problem. The relief of knowing I could afford care was immense, and thankfully, the treatment worked wonders, restoring me to health. With the remaining $22, I turned to the most basic necessity which is food. As a widow, I bear the weight of providing for myself and my family alone, with my son's sporadic income from casual labor barely covering our needs. Those $22 meant a filled pantry, a sigh of relief knowing we wouldn't go hungry for a while."

"With the recent transfers, I made careful decisions to ensure they would benefit both my family and our future. Firstly, I allocated $30 towards my grandson's school fees. My daughter, a single mother, struggles to make ends meet, so I wanted to ease her burden by contributing to her son's education. Education is crucial for our children's future, and I believe every child deserves access to it. Secondly, I decided to save $30 in a traditional savings group. This group allows us to pool our resources and withdraw the money after 12 months for constructive purposes. It's a safety net for emergencies and future investments. Lastly, the remaining $42 was used to cover our daily meals. As a widow relying on my son's income from casual jobs, every dollar counts. Ensuring we have food on the table is essential for our well-being and survival. These decisions were made with careful consideration for both our immediate needs and long-term goals, ensuring that the impact of the transfers extends beyond just the present moment."