"My daughter finished high school eight years ago, but she had never picked up her KCSE certificate because we owed $150 in school fees. We had reduced the debt from $180 to $150, but clearing the arrears was challenging since I rely on crop farming, which can be unreliable during the dry season when water is scarce. For many years, we lost our crops, leading to debt accumulation because I had to take loans to cover production costs. This year seemed promising with the rains, and I planted maize on my half-acre land, but unfortunately, I lost all the crops to floods. When I received my first GiveDirectly transfer, it restored my hope, and I decided to pay off the $150 debt to finally get my daughter her certificate. For eight years, her dream was shattered; she couldn't join college or take advantage of other opportunities that required a secondary school certificate, which was heartbreaking for me as a mom. Seeing her receive that certificate brought her so much joy, and she is now planning to look for job opportunities, although I am unsure if she still wants to join college after such a long delay. I also spent $30 on food, especially maize, since we hadn’t harvested anything. Lastly, I took the remaining amount to church to thank God for this blessing, as I had been praying for so long; just when I thought my prayers wouldn’t be answered, God came through for us through GiveDirectly."

"I was sitting at home when my wife came running. She told me that people had started receiving money from GiveDirectly. I had heard a text earlier but had not checked. Immediately, I pulled out my phone and confirmed I had received the cash! Overwhelmed with joy, we rushed to join some neighbors who were gathered around one of the GiveDirectly officers who was in the village, celebrating and taking videos of the moment. After the celebrations, my wife and I sat down and carefully planned how to use the money to address our needs. Thank you, GiveDirectly!"

"For ten years, my husband and I struggled with casual jobs, just making enough to survive. We always wanted to do crop farming, but we never had enough money. Earlier this year, after saving for a while, we planted maize, hoping it would help us, but floods destroyed everything, and we felt hopeless. When GiveDirectly gave us money, it was like a new beginning. We used the cash to plant tomatoes, and now they are growing well. We hope to harvest in less than two months, and if all goes well, we expect to get about two tons, which will give us enough money to address our needs, continue crop farming activities, and finally stop doing casual jobs."

"I was sitting under a tree with my auntie, my grandmother, and my nieces when I heard a notification on my phone. I quickly checked it, and to my surprise, it was the GiveDirectly cash transfer. At that exact moment, everyone I was with also received their transfers. We all screamed in joy, hugging each other tightly, completely overwhelmed by the excitement and disbelief of this unexpected blessing. For the first time in a long while, I felt a deep sense of hope—now, I could finally rebuild my house, which had been destroyed during the floods."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, I aspire to start a livestock farming venture focusing on goat keeping. This is to ensure a stable source of income and secure my future. Goats are perfect for my plans because they are resilient and can thrive in the harsh climate of our area. Unlike cows, which would struggle in such conditions, goats are hardy, affordable to buy, and easy to maintain, making them an ideal choice for someone like me who wants to start small but dream big. To make this vision a reality, I plan to save $10 monthly, gradually building enough funds to buy my first few goats. With patience, hard work, and dedication, I envision this venture growing into something significant that will provide for my family and give me peace of mind about the future."

"In the approaching year, I am committed to renovating my house, which has become old and unsafe, especially during the rainy and windy seasons. I want to create a home that is not only sturdy but also a place where I can feel comfortable and secure. To bring this dream to life, I have decided to save $20 every month. It may be a small amount, but with consistency and determination, it will grow into something significant over time. My goal is to make my home a warm and welcoming space, one that can safely shelter me and serve as a lasting symbol of my dedication and hard work."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to invest in goats. This dream fills me with hope and determination. I already have three sheep, and I believe adding goats will be a great step towards building a small but meaningful source of income. I envision growing a herd that not only brings financial security but also teaches my grandchildren the value of hard work and dedication. To make this dream a reality, I will save $10 monthly."

"In the forthcoming year and beyond, my aim is to concentrate on the education of my grandchildren. I want to guide them every step of the way so that they can become responsible and independent individuals. I aim to be their source of encouragement, showing them that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. I will create a nurturing environment where they feel supported, whether they are struggling with schoolwork or celebrating their accomplishments. I want them to grow up knowing that education is a powerful tool that will open countless doors for them, and I am committed to being their biggest cheerleader on this journey."

"In the coming year and beyond, I aim to expand my livestock investment by purchasing more goats. Currently, I have eleven goats, and I view them as a valuable asset that can help me secure a brighter future. My objective is to grow my herd and transform this small venture into something larger and more profitable. To accomplish this, I plan to set aside at least $10 every month. While it may seem like a small amount, I believe that with patience and determination, it will accumulate and make a significant difference. I am dedicated to working hard, saving diligently, and caring for my goats to realize my vision."

"It was on the 14th, and I had gone about my daily duties doing casual labor. On my way back, some villagers asked if I had received the money from GiveDirectly. I hadn't, so I told them no, explaining that I had left my phone at home with my husband. As soon as I got back, my husband greeted me with a huge smile and told me the good news—we had received the money! I was overwhelmed with joy and couldn’t hide it. We had already made a plan to use the money to build a pit latrine, something we desperately needed but hadn’t been able to afford."