"Upon receiving my second transfer, my immediate priority was to secure piped water for our home. This had been our most pressing need because the stream was quite distant, and fetching water from there daily was a cumbersome task. Unfortunately, this essential upgrade had remained out of reach due to financial constraints. My husband is a teacher, and I am farmer. We are blessed with two children and we relied on our combined income to meet our basic needs. I spent $240 towards the water connection, a significant step forward. Additionally, I invested $150 in acquiring a cow, a valuable asset for our family. To enhance our food security, I purchased a sack of maize for $53. We deeply appreciate the support from GiveDirectly, as it has had a profound and positive impact on our overall quality of life."

"While my two sons support me, they rely on casual jobs to assist with our needs. However, their income is limited. I had a long-standing desire to purchase a wooden bed along with a suitable mattress but relying on my children’s income to support me in this goal was challenging. Previously, I slept on a sisal-twined bed made of ropes, which provided me with uncomfortable sleep. To afford the bed and mattress, I needed at least $100. I was aware that a single cash transfer would not cover the cost, so I diligently saved $20 every month for the last five months through a self-help group until I had accumulated the required amount. I am delighted to share that I now have a comfortable bed, and I enjoy restful sleep at night. In addition to the bed, I also invested $30 in buying a 200-liter water tank. This tank serves as a valuable resource for water storage, helping me overcome the challenges associated with intermittent water shortages. During the rainy season, I can collect and store a significant amount of water for various household uses."

"I'm truly excited about the prospect of fencing my farm. It represents a significant step towards securing a brighter future for my family. Right now, we have an open field where anyone or anything can access our crops. This has been a constant worry for me, especially now that I'm trying to cultivate various fruits like pawpaws and mangoes. These crops are a source of sustenance and a potential income generator. I envision a thriving orchard that feeds my family and produces surplus fruit for sale, providing a steady income. Additionally, I've used part of the funds to purchase horsepipe, essential for efficient irrigation. I believe this investment will increase the yield from my farm and contribute to our financial well-being. Furthermore, I'm looking to create a tree nursery, this endeavor can serve two purposes. Firstly, it will provide additional income as I sell seedlings to fellow community members looking to start or expand their farms. Secondly, it contributes to the environmental well-being of our area, as more trees mean better soil and water conservation."

"My vision for the future is filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the goal of expanding my farm and improving its irrigation system, I aim to make the most of the dam we have in our vicinity. By using the hosepipe, I can efficiently channel water into my farm, ensuring that my crops thrive, and our lives would take a positive turn. Additionally, I aspire to expand my fruit business into something bigger, perhaps a well-stocked grocery shop. This would provide a convenient shopping destination for the community and offer me a stable source of income. Furthermore, I plan to establish a tree nursery where I can grow and sell seedlings. This venture has the potential to boost our income and even create job opportunities for others in the community. These aspirations reflect my determination to secure a better future for my family and contribute positively to our community. With the support and opportunities provided by GiveDirectly, I am confident that I can achieve these goals and bring about meaningful change in our lives."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am excited about completing my tertiary education. My future plans involve making good use of the nearby dam's water resources. I intend to invest in pipes and set up an irrigation project on my one-acre plot of land. My agricultural plan is to cultivate both maize and tomatoes in rotation. I have observed my neighbor successfully implementing this strategy, and I believe it can be a profitable source of income for my family. Concurrently, I will continue searching for employment opportunities related to my field of study."

"I received GiveDirectly's transfers at a time of need, and I made thoughtful choices with the funds to improve my living conditions and address pressing financial obligations. My house had been in a state of disrepair, with a damaged roof causing rainwater to pour in whenever it rained. Prior transfers had been allocated to my education expenses, leaving me unable to address the house issue. However, with the most recent transfers, I decided to take action. I purchased four iron sheets at $5 each, a crucial step towards fixing the roof. Additionally, I had a pending school fees balance of $25, and thanks to the transfers, I managed to reduce it by $10. To further enhance my financial stability, I invested in two chicks for rearing at $2 each, and also allocated $2.70 for food. These choices have improved my immediate needs and I would forever remain grateful for the support."

"As I returned from my friend's place around 3 PM, where I had gone to charge my phone due to its dead battery, a rush of excitement coursed through me as I unlocked my device. To my sheer delight, there it was—the long-awaited notification confirming that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that this support would be the key to transforming my life. With tears of joy, I envisioned a future where I could finally afford a fresh water tap, ensuring clean and accessible water for my family, and a spacious new house to replace the cramped one we had endured for years."

"In just a few short months, I hope to have completed the $640 motorcycle loan and fully own it. It is a monumental achievement, one that fills me with pride and a sense of financial freedom. With this milestone on the horizon, I am now looking toward the future with a new goal in mind. I plan to venture into the grocery business right here in our village. It is a move that feels both exciting and practical. To make this dream a reality, I am considering taking a loan from the table banking company. It is a group that has supported many individuals in our community, and I believe their assistance could be instrumental in getting my grocery business off the ground. It is a decision I do not take lightly, but I see it as a strategic step toward expanding my income sources and providing better opportunities for my family. Additionally, I have been blessed with an incredible gift: my aunt has generously given me one acre of land situated on the shore of the river. This location offers easy access to water, a precious resource for growing tomatoes and vegetables. It is a chance to not only contribute to the local food supply but also to generate additional income."

"Our family of eight always depends on the water vending business for survival, but it is far from enough to provide the stability we crave, so we need to diversify income-generating activities. Next year, for instance, I plan on venturing into crop and chicken farming to secure both income and food for my family. I will sell some of the goats so as to earn capital for this business."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary hope is to address a longstanding challenge that has affected my daily life. In my old age, I aspire to connect piped water from the nearby school to my home. The lack of access to clean and reliable water has been a significant struggle, and the installation cost is quite expensive at the moment. However, I believe that once I achieve this, it will be a transformative change for my household. This water source will not only fulfill our domestic needs but also play a crucial role in realizing my dream of fruit farming. The ability to irrigate my crops will significantly enhance their growth and yield. Additionally, it will eliminate the need for my goats to roam over a vast thicket to drink from a seasonal stream, which has resulted in the theft of eight of them this year alone. Having water readily available at my doorstep will not only make life more comfortable but also help me protect my livestock and invest in a more sustainable future."