"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."

"I am a retired teacher with a family of 11 members. Seven of my children are still schooling and this has put a lot of pressure on me. Imagine in a term, I am expected to raise around $400 as school fees because I have a son who is in college. Since I receive $100 as a pension, this amount can not sustain my burden, and I am forced to sell my livestock to support them. I used to have a herd of cattle but currently, I have remained with 9 cows. Since the burden of school fees is still on me, I am worried this will completely take away my investment. Hence, the financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge."

"With determination in my heart and a vision in my mind, I shall embark on a journey to construct a house of on $1343 this plot of land. Land prices may be steep, but I see an opportunity here. This area's fertile soil is the perfect canvas for my dreams of growing onions and maize at $537. The profits from this endeavor will be the foundation of my next chapter: animal farming, with cows at its heart. I am ready to nurture this land, watch it flourish, and let it pave the way for a brighter future"

"My goal at the moment is to prepare for my son Onesmus's high school admission, which is scheduled for next year. He will soon be graduating from the eighth grade towards the end of this year. I anticipate that the admission procedure will be costly, so I intend to start saving a portion of the cash transfers to accumulate the necessary funds. Furthermore, I aspire to expand my herd of goats and cows to generate more wealth, which can continue to support my son's high school education even after his admission."

"I have big plans for the future, thanks to the financial stability that the recent transfer has provided me. One of my foremost goals is to save a portion of the money and invest it in livestock, specifically cows and sheep. These animals not only serve as a source of financial security but also have the potential to multiply over time, significantly increasing my assets. Additionally, I'm looking into leasing a piece of farmland. This step would enable me to venture into crop cultivation. By growing crops, I can reduce the expenses meant for purchasing food for myself and my family. Furthermore, any surplus produce can be sold, thus generating an additional stream of income. These plans represent a significant shift in my life. They offer immediate benefits, such as improved financial stability and reduced food expenses, as well as long-term opportunities for income growth and self-sufficiency. I'm excited about the possibilities and am determined to make the most of this newfound income security."

"I plan land worth USD 833 in Bukhaweka which is a flat area and good for settlement. I also plan to two cows for USD 694 so that I can get more money in the future to cater for school fees and scholaristic materials for school going children. I will also build a house of USD 416 that will help us sleep well without any worries about the landslide and floods."

"The cash transfers from GD have been a beacon of hope in my life. I had to defer my tertiary education more than three times due to a lack of school fees. I tried fundraising in my village, but people eventually grew weary of my pleas. Then, like a miracle, the GD money arrived, and it felt like the universe was conspiring to help me complete my studies. I had $140 in unpaid school fees, and I used $70 to cover part of it, with plans to clear the remaining amount using the next transfer. This will enable me to sit for our national exam in January 2024. Additionally, I invested $250 in a livestock rearing project, purchasing two goats and one cow. I chose this investment because it's the primary source of livelihood in our arid area, as it thrives well, unlike crop cultivation, which is challenging. I allocated $80 for purchasing food for my three children, who currently stay with my parents while I attend school, as my spouse has also gone to seek employment in a nearby town. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a way of showing my love and care, even from a distance. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to pay for my school's house rent for two months to avoid any issues with the landlord. These transfers have been a true lifeline for my education and my family's well-being. I can't express how grateful I am for this support."

"I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. It felt like a lifeline for my family's future. The first thing I did was invest in livestock. I bought a cow for $140 and two goats for $50. This was a big step for me because I knew that these animals could provide a steady source of income through milk and offspring. Thereafter, I used part of the money to pay $80 in school fees for my secondary school child who had been sent home due to unpaid fees. Education is so important, and I couldn't bear to see my child miss out on it. With $200, I started a small kiosk business where I sell fast-moving items like foodstuff and personal effects. It's been a great success, and it's not just about making money; it's also about contributing to my community by providing essential goods. The rest of the money, I saved for my family's needs. This cash transfer has given us hope and a sense of security for the future. I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for helping us take these important steps toward a better life."

"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a turning point for my family. With the money, I fulfilled my dream of buying a dairy cow for $180. This cow has been a blessing. Not only does she provide us with fresh milk every day, but I also sell the surplus to neighbors, boosting our income. This investment has brought us a step closer to financial stability. Another thing that warmed my heart was buying a comfortable mattress for my five daughters. For years, they had been sleeping on empty boxes and sacks, and it hurt me to see them endure that discomfort. With $55, I purchased a cozy mattress, and the joy it brought to their faces is priceless. Now, they sleep soundly and wake up refreshed, ready to take on the day. The rest of the money, I've decided to save diligently. My goal is to build a new, spacious house for my daughters. Right now, we all squeeze into my two-room mud wall house, and it's becoming increasingly cramped as they grow. I want to provide them with a safe and comfortable place to call home. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I'm making strides towards a brighter future for my family, one step at a time."

"My plan is to rent land for digging for more produce for a plot of land at $1,074.44 and cow for milk, hoping it will grow and give birth to more cows which I will sell get money to help us other a family."