"Since my husband passed away two years ago, I've shouldered the responsibility of covering our children's school fees, clothing, food, and other essentials. Our house was already in poor condition when he passed, making it difficult to meet all their needs with the limited profits from my charcoal business. With the current increase in prices of essential commodities, the situation has become even more challenging. While I'm thankful that the transfers enabled me to replace the roof, our safety is still at risk due to cracked walls allowing reptiles to enter. My immediate goal is to rebuild the walls, and I plan to allocate $4 each month for purchasing construction materials. I can't save more than that right now because I have other basic needs to address. Hence this is my goal in the coming and beyond."

"Working as a hairstylist in a salon on commission isn't as fulfilling as I hoped because I don't get to retain all my earnings. However, my ultimate aspiration is to run my own salon, where I have autonomy over my business. To realize this dream, I'm committed to diligent work and save. I've decided to allocate $15 from my monthly transfer towards this objective. The support from Give Directly is immensely appreciated; it feels like a beacon of hope shining at the end of a challenging journey. With determination and the assistance of Give Directly, I'm optimistic about turning my dream of owning a salon into a reality. By saving diligently and persevering through challenges, I believe I can achieve financial independence and fulfill my aspirations."

"I truly believe that the transfer was like a gift from above, sent just when I needed it most to ease my suffering. I had been sick for almost a month, with no signs of getting better. Because of the doctor's strike, I could not get help from the public dispensaries around, and I did not have the money to go to the hospital in town. I usually do casual work for a living, but I was too weak to do anything that month. When the transfer came, I felt a glimmer of hope. I used $5 to get to the hospital, where the consultation was free, but I used $30 for medicine. Thanks to the transfer, I am now feeling much better, and the pain is gone. With $35, I purchased a new mattress to replace the worn-out one, ensuring a comfortable rest. I also allocated $30 for toiletries and stationery for my daughter in secondary school, and $10 for a new uniform for my son in grade 8, replacing the torn one that caused him embarrassment among his friends. I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family of five"

"After receiving my last transfer, I bought 15 goats for $430. Previously, I didn't own any goats; instead, I used to herd someone else's as a job, which paid me $20 per month. I decided to buy my own goats so that as they multiply, I can sell them and use the money to educate my grandchildren. Additionally, with the remaining $20, I used to plow my land and plant maize. Unfortunately, the recent heavy rains have swept away the crop, leaving me to face the setback with hope for better luck next time."

"This month, I'm set to begin my journey into goat farming. My plan is to raise them in substantial numbers, envisioning a future where they become a solid asset for me and my family. As a widow, it's become all the more crucial for me to secure a prosperous future for my children and the generations to come after them. Investing in goat farming feels like the right step forward, offering not just a source of income but also a tangible asset that can withstand the test of time. With determination and hard work, I believe I can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, one where my family's needs are met and their futures are secure."

"My top priority is to invest most of my upcoming transfer in expanding my livestock. Right now, I already own a cow and a goat that I purchased with funds from previous transfers. I anticipate that these animals will have offspring in the next few months, which will boost my investment considerably. Once my cow matures, I'll be able to sell milk to people in the nearby village and generate income. These transfers will not only aid in my personal growth but also fuel my determination to attain financial stability. I'm committed to maximizing these opportunities for a brighter future and to working hard towards saving for college through my investments"

"As time goes on, my main goal is to keep adding more goats to my herd. I reckon having a sizable herd will come in handy down the road. If there's ever a financial squeeze in the future, I can always sell a few goats to sort things out. It's like building a safety net for myself and my family. With each new addition to the herd, I'm not just increasing numbers; I'm building a backup plan, a fallback for any tough times ahead. It might seem like a simple plan, but sometimes the simplest ideas are the most reliable. So, my focus for the coming year and beyond is on growing my goat herd, one goat at a time, ensuring a bit more security and stability for whatever the future might bring."

"My plan is to use the transfers from GiveDirectly to purchase more goats and expand my livestock holdings. I intend to nurture them diligently, aiming for their numbers to multiply over time. My ultimate goal is to build a substantial herd, which I can then sell for a significant profit in the future. This venture fills me with hope and excitement, as it represents a pathway towards greater financial stability for my family. Additionally, I am committed to continuing my hard work with my motorcycle. By saving diligently from my earnings, I aim to boost my finances further. With time, I envision my savings growing, boosted by the proceeds from goat sales. Together, these funds will pave the way for the realization of my lifelong dream: building a sturdy and permanent home for my family. The thought of providing my loved ones with a secure and comfortable dwelling fills me with immense joy and gratitude. It's a dream that has sustained me through difficult times, and now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, it is within reach. I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited for the bright future it holds for my family."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main priority is my studies. Time is precious, and I can't afford to waste any of it, especially since resources are scarce. I'm determined to make the most of every moment to achieve my goals as quickly as possible. Missing classes could disrupt my schedule, so I need to stay focused. I'm truly grateful to Give Directly for their financial support because without it, I wouldn't be able to pursue the course I'm taking. I chose a welding course because once I finish the practical work, I'll be able to employ myself."

"When I'm back home from School, I sleep at my older brother's place who lives in Mombasa. I really want to have my own house because soon my brother will need his own space when he gets married, or when he returns from the city. I don't want to bother him then. It would be embarrassing to have to find somewhere else to sleep in my neighborhood. So, my goal for the next year and beyond is to build my own house. To make this happen, I got two goats to raise. Goats breed quickly, so I believe they'll help me get building materials by selling some of their offspring. Additionally, every month, I'm setting aside $20 to save up for building my house. I'm very optimistic about achieving this goal."