"My main focus for the upcoming year and beyond is to continue improving my home. I want to make sure it's a safe and comfortable space for my family, especially my grandchildren who stay with me. To achieve this, I plan to start renovating by adding new irons to prevent leaks and also adding another room. I aim to kick off this project by July, so we can enjoy the benefits of a more secure and spacious home as soon as possible. Additionally, one of my top priorities is to ensure that my daughter receives a good education. I'm determined to raise enough money to cover her school fees and support her throughout her studies. It's essential to me that she finishes her education and has the opportunity to pursue her dreams. These goals drive me forward, and I'm committed to making them a reality for the sake of my family's well-being and future success."

"Next year, my main goal is to renovate my house and add an extra room because my family is growing. It's a simple dream, but a big step for us. I've been making sacrifices, saving every penny, and planning carefully, and I truly believe that by next year, I'll be able to make it happen. Having that extra space will relieve so much stress from my life. I'll finally have room for everyone, and my children will have a safe and comfortable place to grow up. It's not just about the physical expansion of the house; it's about creating a better environment for my family's future. I can't wait to see the smiles on their faces when they have their own space to call their own."

"With five children all attending school, the weight of responsibility feels heavier than ever. That's why I've been pondering a plan that might just lift some of that burden off our shoulders. I'm thinking of starting to raise goats soon. It might sound simple, but I believe it could be our ticket to a less stressful life. If I have goats, I'll have a safety net; I can sell them in case of emergencies, whether it's covering bills or paying for my children's school fees. It's about creating a cushion for my family and ensuring I am not constantly teetering on the edge of financial strain. With this plan, I hope to bring a sense of stability and security to my household, allowing me to focus on nurturing my children's futures without the constant worry of making ends meet."

"In August this year, I'm finally going to start building my own permanent house. I've been feeling so worn out and stressed, constantly fixing up my temporary one. It seems like every other year something needs fixing, and it's been taking a toll on me. I've realized that building a permanent home is the only lasting solution. Luckily, I've been saving up money for this project, so I can finally make it happen. Once my new house is built, I won't have to worry about it falling apart or collapsing anymore. It'll be such a relief to have a stable and secure place to call home."

"I am a retired civil servant and I usually spend my time taking care of my livestock in the grazing fields. While I was in the field late in the evening, I received a message on my phone and I was curious to know who could have sent me a message at that time. When I read the message, I couldn't contain the joy that I felt when I learnt that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I couldn't wait to share the news with my wife as I gathered my livestock and headed home. My son was almost prevented from graduating after completing his studies because I couldn't clear the fee arrears that he had. However, with this transfer, I was assured of his graduation."

"My primary goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to finalize the essential renovations on my house, ensuring its durability and safety for habitation. Thanks to the financial support from the transfers, I was able to construct this two-roomed house, a significant achievement for me. Additionally, the funds allowed me to install proper lighting in the house, greatly enhancing its livability. Looking ahead, I aim to invest in purchasing livestock once the house renovations are complete. This strategic investment will provide me with additional income streams and contribute to my financial stability in the long term. I am immensely grateful for the support from the transfers, which has enabled me to improve my living conditions and pursue my goals with confidence."

"So much has changed in my life ever since I started receiving the cash transfer. However, the biggest difference in my life right now is the fact that I have gained financial independence, to say the least. For the first time in my life, I have stayed more than two weeks without knocking on my relatives' doors asking for financial assistance to either buy food or even medicine. Nowadays, I do not have to do that because I have savings from the transfers that I can use to buy medicine when my child is sick or buy food when we do not have any. This is a huge relief to me as a breadwinner. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"Around 4:00 PM, I was out on my one-acre farm, chasing away bothersome monkeys eyeing my ripe maize. My head was spinning with thoughts of how to gather money for the urgent harvest. The maize was ready, and waiting too long could ruin it. Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw a message from Mpesa confirming a transfer from GD. I was thrilled! It was perfect timing, lifting the burden of financial worries off my shoulders. Grateful, I thanked God for it. When I got back home after sunset, I excitedly shared the news with my spouse, who could not contain her happiness and broke into a celebratory dance. Thank you, GD."

"I've decided to keep a few sheep and goats as an investment for future financial needs, such as school fees. Initially, I was running a business selling vegetables and omena, but unfortunately, I fell ill and had to use the business funds for medication. However, in the upcoming year and beyond, I aspire to restart that business by using my monthly transfer to invest in it. Having a business not only provides a source of daily income but also contributes significantly to supporting the family financially. Therefore, revitalizing this venture is my goal for the coming year and beyond. In the pursuit of restarting my business, I'm determined to overcome the setbacks I faced due to illness. With careful planning and dedication, I aim to rebuild the business and ensure its success. Having a steady source of income from the business will not only alleviate financial pressures but also provide stability for my family. As I look forward to the future, I am committed to turning this aspiration into a reality, securing a better financial standing for my family in the years to come"

"I've enrolled in a beauty and therapy course, due to my passion for the field. It's truly a dream come true. Initially, I doubted if I'd ever get the chance to pursue this passion in a classroom setting. However, thanks to the financial support from Give Directly, I've been able to turn this lifelong dream into reality. At present, my focus is entirely on my studies. In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to fully immerse myself in my coursework to achieve the best possible outcomes. Once I've completed my studies, I'll shift my focus to saving up for equipment to further enhance my professional practice."