"I have an important goal that has been giving me headaches for a while: renovating my roof. Currently, it's a grassy one, and it has been a constant struggle, especially during the rainy seasons. We end up getting rained on as if we were outside, leaving me with no peace at all. My belongings have been repeatedly damaged, and it’s been beyond my control. Now, I’ve decided to save a portion of my cash transfer each month, putting aside $10 for this purpose. Even if it takes years, I’m determined to reach this goal. Once I accomplish it, I won’t have to worry about the harsh weather anymore, and I’ll have peace of mind about my family's safety at home."

"My house has become so worn that whenever it rains, water leaks in due to the old and damaged roof. This situation has caused me sleepless nights, as I worry that my family and I will be exposed to rain and cold nights during the long rains. I have set a goal to renovate the roof and install a new one. To achieve this, I plan to save a portion of my monthly cash transfers and receive additional support from my sons. In a few months, I plan to complete the renovation. This will ensure we stay dry during the rain and protect my family from future risks, such as physical harm due to the deteriorating roof."

"I have established a small animal farm, where I currently raise chickens, sheep, and goats. Unfortunately, while my poultry project was thriving, an outbreak occurred that wiped out almost all of my chickens, leaving only two survivors. At present, I have 5 goats and 3 sheep as part of my livestock project. Both my goats and chickens have had offspring. My plan is to prepare for the future as I have a two-year-old child who has not yet started school. I anticipate needing funds when she does, so I aim to build a larger herd that will allow me to sell animals to ensure she can enroll in school and complete her education, even after the Givediretly program ends. Therefore, in the coming year and beyond, I intend to use my transfers to invest in livestock, focusing on goat and sheep farming alongside poultry operations."

"The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is that we now have enough food at home. Before, I often had to go out looking for casual jobs just to feed my family, and there were times when I couldn't find work, leaving us hungry. It was stressful not knowing where our next meal would come from. However, now that we have food, I can relax at home with my family. This change allows us to focus on other important things, like my children's education and health. I feel a sense of relief and hope knowing that we are no longer struggling with hunger. This support has truly transformed our lives for the better."

"When I received my second cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. With $135, I bought two sheep, knowing they would provide us with milk when they give birth and serve as a valuable investment for our future. Livestock has always been important to our family's well-being, and I am excited about the possibilities this purchase brings. I also set aside $50 to pay for my children's school fees, which is essential for their education. In the past, I depended on farming and charcoal burning to raise enough money for their fees, but it was never guaranteed, especially during tough times. Furthermore, I realized that my family had no clothes at home; we only had worn-out outfits. I spent $100 to purchase new clothes, which made me feel proud and happy to have something decent to wear. With the remaining $165, I invested in crop farming by cultivating one acre of land. Farming is crucial for us to have enough food at home and to generate income to pay for school fees. However, the cost of fuel for the generator to pump water is very expensive, so I had to divide my money wisely to make it last. Life has been hard, especially before I received this money. Since the day we got the cash transfer, everything feels easier. My husband and I alternate our responsibilities; he looks after the animals while I tend to the farm. We are a family of three, and the support from GiveDirectly has truly changed our lives for the better. With this assistance, I feel a sense of relief and optimism for our future."

"In our community, livestock is important for survival, so I decided to invest in sheep with my unconditional cash transfer. I bought six sheep, both male and female, for $310. This investment means I’ll have milk for my family and a way to earn money when they multiply. Livestock has always been our best option, and this purchase gives me hope for a more secure future. Additionally, I used $50 to pay the school fees for my child, who was behind on payments. Education is important, and I wanted to make sure my child could continue studying without any problems.I also realized we had no food at home, so I spent another $50 to buy essential groceries. As a farmer, I used to grow watermelons and vegetables to sell for fees, but after the floods destroyed my crops and wiped out all my livestock, I struggled to provide for my family. The floods took away everything I worked hard for, including my three acres of maize. However, I am determined to rebuild our lives step by step. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my family since we had none left. It feels good to have decent clothing, especially when visiting friends and neighbors. My wife and I work hard together on our small farm, and we rely on each other to get through tough times. Life is still challenging, but with these new resources, I feel relieved and hopeful for a better future for my children and us."

"The officers from GiveDirectly did a great job educating us on how to use the money wisely. They provided clear guidance, which helped me understand the best ways to spend the cash for my family's needs. I appreciated their support because I didn’t notice anything bad during the process. They were always available to answer our questions and made sure everyone was included. However, I think they could improve by offering more workshops on financial management, as it would help us make even better decisions in the future. Overall, I am grateful for their help and guidance."

"In the coming years, my main goal is to invest more in livestock, as it’s something I can manage well. The animals I initially bought have already started to multiply, which gives me hope for a stable source of income. By growing my livestock, I’ll be able to support my family better and even cover school fees for my children as they grow. Each new birth feels like a step toward a more secure future, and this motivates me to keep working hard. I know that by focusing on livestock, I’m building a foundation that will benefit us for years to come. My dream is to eventually expand the herd, providing both food and income to meet my family’s needs."

"At 6 am, I woke up and casually checked my phone, only to see a message that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I felt a rush of happiness and couldn’t keep it to myself immediately woke up my wife to share the good news. "Look," I told her, "we’ve received the money!" She checked the message herself, and we both felt such relief and excitement. The first thought that came to mind was finally buying goats. Buying milk every day had become a real strain, both financially and physically, and I knew having goats would help us save money and ease that burden. We were grateful, knowing this transfer would bring such a big difference to our daily life."

"With the cash transfer, I finally saw a chance to make long-needed changes at home. I used $180 to buy building materials for a store—a plan I’d kept pushing aside because of the constant demands of school fees. As a teacher with four children to support, I’ve been managing alone since my husband passed away four years ago. Despite my income, finding extra funds was nearly impossible, especially for things beyond daily needs. The store had been a priority, but it always felt out of reach. Getting this money allowed me to make it a reality, giving us a safe place to store supplies.Furthermore, I spent the rest of the funds on food for my family. With my teaching salary often stretched to its limits, we’ve frequently struggled to have enough. My children deserve regular, nourishing meals, but meeting that need had been difficult on my income alone. Now, I feel a sense of relief knowing we have enough to last us for a while without me having to worry about where our next meal will come from.This support has eased my worries in so many ways. Knowing that we now have a proper store and a steady supply of food brings a deep sense of stability to our lives. I’m grateful beyond words for this opportunity because it has helped me provide more security and comfort for my family. Now, I can focus on other priorities, like ensuring my children get the best education I can give them."