"I am currently building a new house for my family, as the one we live in now is so rundown and unsafe that I feel as if I am practically sleeping outside. It is even on the verge of collapsing. To make this new home a reality, I have been using a portion of my previous transfers to buy building materials. My goal for the coming year and beyond is to keep investing part of my transfers from GiveDirectly toward buying more materials until the house is fully completed. Once we are able to move in, I will feel a huge sense of relief, no longer worrying about the house falling down on us. Afterward, I plan to use another portion of the transfers to buy goats and chicken, hoping they will multiply over time, creating a sustainable resource that I can rely on to support my family in the future. I am incredibly grateful for this support and looking forward to better days ahead." (Country: Kenya)

"I was involved in a tragic road accident 3 years ago and I was hospitalized for 4 months. My construction work stalled because I am unable to fend for my family as I used to. I, therefore, intent to pay college fees for daughter who is expected to join next year using the transfer. This will lessen my burden of raising school fees and I am glad I will fulfill my daughter's dream." (Country: Kenya)

"GiveDirectly support enabled me to enroll at Mnazi Mwenga Secondary School, a long-held dream of mine. The school fees are manageable, and the teachers are exceptionally understanding. I discussed my situation with our school bazaar and informed him that I would be paying in installments. He agreed, which has allowed me to continue my education. Although life has been challenging at times and I’ve felt hopeless, GiveDirectly has restored my optimism. My aim in the coming year and beyond is to complete my studies and become the first person in my family to finish Secondary school. I pray to God for the chance to advance to college, graduate, secure a good job, and improve my family's living conditions, while also dreaming of building a spacious house for us all, despite currently living in a two small roomed house with my eight siblings." (Country: Kenya)

"A friend of mine loaned me a canoe to help me with fishing. When I receive this money, I will use $150 to clear 50% of the remaining balance and purchase ten fishing nets worth about $100. This is an investment that will supplement my family's income thus comfortably supporting my family of six." (Country: Kenya)

"In the upcoming year, I initially planned to buy a motorbike. However, I've encountered some difficulties saving enough money, especially since I need to pay my school fees as a third-form secondary school student. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus. Instead, I’m looking into starting a grocery business and will hire someone at a small fee to manage it while I’m at school. I believe that the earnings from this venture will eventually help me purchase that motorbike in the future. Since I’m still studying and almost finished with my secondary education, having someone oversee the business seems like the wisest choice for now. I’m truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, which has made it easier for me to attend school and pursue my future plans." (Country: Kenya)

"Our new house has stagnated due to lack of sufficient funds to complete it. The transfer will be of immense importance towards its completion. It will mean a bigger and better house for our young family. We plan to spend about $300 towards its completion. Goats do well here and multiply fast. We plan to establish it. Putting in about $500 will buy us almost ten goats. They will act as an income cushion in the future. Goats are easily sellable especially during festive seasons like December and April. Since our business is also struggling and good sales periods are seasonal. We plan to add more stock into the business. Good profits from the business will meet our immediate needs such as food or clothing for our children. The rest of the transfer amount will go into supporting our business." (Country: Kenya)

"When I received my third transfer, I decided to invest it in farming by planting beans. I chose beans because they require less water, making them a practical option for my situation. Farming has always been my passion, and I know it will help me immediately by providing food for my family. Furthermore, I can sell some of the produce to generate income, which will allow me to pay for my children's school fees. This plan not only ensures we have enough food at home but also supports my children's education. I truly believe that focusing on farming will create a better future for us all." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming years, my plan is to focus on farming, as I have always been a farmer at heart. Although I was affected by floods in the past, I believe that planting maize can bring significant profits that will help improve my life. I want to invest in better farming techniques and tools to ensure a successful harvest. By doing this, I can provide for my family and create a more stable future for us. Farming has always been my passion, and I am determined to make it work again. My ultimate goal is to build a better life for myself and my children through hard work and dedication to agriculture." (Country: Kenya)

"The moment I received the money was a turning point for me. It came in the morning at around 5 AM while I was still sleeping. Suddenly, I heard a message on my phone and, when I checked, I saw that I had received the money. I was overjoyed to confirm that GiveDirectly had kept its promise of sending us free money. I couldn't go back to sleep; my mind was racing with thoughts on how to use this money wisely. By 6 AM, I was already thinking about my child at university, who needed to pay rent. The landlord was threatening to evict him, which had been a huge source of stress for me. Knowing I could help him immediately filled me with relief and happiness." (Country: Kenya)

"The moment I received the money was unforgettable. It was around 5 AM, and I was lying in bed, relaxing with my phone in hand. Suddenly, a message popped up, confirming that I had received the cash transfer. I felt a surge of excitement and quickly jumped out of bed to get dressed. Eager to share my joy, I went to my neighbor's house to see if she had received her money too. When she said yes, we both celebrated together, filled with happiness. As I walked back home, I started thinking about how to send some of that money for my children's school fees. Later that day, when my daughter was sent home for fees, I felt so relieved knowing I could send her back to school with all the money she needed." (Country: Kenya)