"Financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge because my husband and I are jobless at home due to our old age. This has pushed us to live a desperate life due to the worst nature of our house and the beddings. Imagine sleeping in a house without a door! This has exposed us to the danger of robbery at night. Also, sleeping on my bed over the night means waking up with rope marks all over the body which makes me feel more pain. What a worrying life!"

"I recently enrolled in college as a part-time student, pursuing a course in masonry. Since I rely on transfers to pay for my tuition, I've been surviving on menial construction jobs. I believe that having a certificate will help me find more profitable opportunities. To enhance my education, I recently joined a merry-go-round where I contribute $25. When it's my turn to receive the transfers, I'll be able to pay for my tuition. Once I complete the course this year, I plan to invest in livestock, specifically goats and chickens"

"I would like to increase my investment in livestock, specifically by purchasing more chickens and goats. Currently, I own over ten birds and two goats. As I do not have any other source of income, I primarily rely on subsistence farming to provide food for my family during the planting season. However, these livestock can be a great investment for my children's education. When they reproduce, I can sell them to pay for my children's education and also help solve my financial problems. Additionally, I plan on selling these animals in the future to buy a dairy cow, which I can then use to produce and sell milk for a living"

"My aim is to allocate a larger portion of my transfers towards expanding my livestock holdings. As the value of livestock appreciates with time, their capacity to reproduce and grow in number presents a significant advantage, amplifying my initial investment. With a forward-looking approach, I intend to utilize the proceeds from selling the livestock to fund my children's education. It brings me great joy to witness how these transfers are not only supporting my children's education but also catering to their fundamental needs, even in the absence of a steady income."

"On a round mid-morning, while engrossed in household chores at home, I was interrupted by a message tune on my phone. Unable to read, I sought the help of my trusted helper to unveil the message's content. To my delight, he revealed that the promised cash transfer from GiveDirectly had been deposited into my account. The sheer joy that surged through me was exceptional, especially as it marked my first experience of receiving a substantial sum of $550, a significant leap from my previous highest amount of $200. Overwhelmed with happiness, I couldn't contain my excitement and erupted into ululations, grateful for the unexpected blessing that brightened my day."

"Relying on small-scale farming on my one-acre land has been my primary means of providing for my family. My spouse works with the Baringo County Government, but his salary often goes towards repaying a loan we took to purchase an acre of land. This move was necessitated by the submersion of our original land by Lake Baringo, leading to our displacement and the need to buy the land on higher grounds. With three children, one in secondary and two in boarding primary schools, the financial strain has been significant, especially as my farming proceeds are insufficient to cover their school fees. As schools reopened, the concern over how to finance their education weighed heavily on me. The unexpected blessing of the transfer provided a much-needed solution. I allocated $380 from the transfer towards the school fees, although it hasn't covered the full amount for the first of the three terms. Nonetheless, I am relieved that they can return to school and focus on their studies. Recognizing this unexpected assistance, we set aside $45—10% of the received amount—as a token of gratitude to God, acknowledging His grace in making these possibilities a reality. The remaining amount was used to buy food for the family."

"Looking ahead to the coming year fills me with optimism and determination as I set out to improve my family's living conditions. Currently residing in a dilapidated and temporary small hut, the constant maintenance involving the replacement of thatched grass and the smearing of mud walls is both expensive and tedious. I envision building a two-roomed iron sheet house, offering improved comfort, a better appearance, and ample space for my family of five. To finance this housing project, I intend to engage in proper farming, with hopes that the weather will be favorable. My plan involves planting maize and implementing irrigation using the adjacent seasonal river near my location. The income generated from selling maize will be diligently saved and allocated towards the construction of the new house. This initiative not only aims to enhance the living conditions for my family but also underscores the importance of sustainable and improved housing."

"What truly sets GiveDirectly apart for me is their approach: from enrollment to support, their process was fair and inclusive. Their officers visited every home in our village without discrimination, ensuring a transparent and equitable process. The timing of their assistance was impeccable, providing crucial support for my child's circumcision—a significant moment for us. Beyond my own family, the impact of GiveDirectly on our community has been profound. This term, children from families who previously struggled with school fees have been able to attend school, a testament to the positive effect of their work. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this remarkable mission, transforming lives and communities with their generosity and fairness."

"With the generous support from GiveDirectly, I expanded my small goat herd by purchasing three additional goats for $150, a meaningful investment aimed at creating a lasting legacy and aiding in my family's future sustenance. I was managing 10 to 15 chicks due to financial constraints. With the support from GiveDirectly, I purchased 30 more chicks at $33, along with $15 worth of chick mash, significantly boosting my poultry business. Recognizing the need for a proper shelter for my growing chicks, I invested $50 in a ready-made chicken house, transitioning them from the kitchen to a more suitable environment. Additionally, the timely support facilitated the purchase of fertilizer for $150 for my three-acre maize farm at a critical top-dressing stage, a crucial step I could not have funded otherwise. To improve my family's living conditions, I allocated $30 for a new mattress, replacing the worn-out one and providing my children, who previously relied on temporary bedding, with a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. I used $12 on a few food items. Miscellaneous expenses included $4 for transport and $6 for educational books for my children to ensure their well-being and education are not compromised. As farmers, my husband and I tirelessly work to support our family, navigating the unpredictable nature of our livelihood with determination and hope. GiveDirectly's support has alleviated immediate financial pressures and planted seeds for a prosperous future for our family."

"My aspiration is to acquire a piece of land on which I can construct a home, providing a peaceful dwelling for myself and my three children. Having separated from my husband a considerable time ago, my driving force is to secure a permanent residence for my children, ensuring they have a stable and comforting home. The financial support from the transfers has been instrumental in not only caring for my ailing son but also in procuring food and enhancing the prospects of my business. I find great satisfaction in the progress made towards my goal and the positive impact on my family's well-being."