"With the cash transfer of $550, a wave of relief washed over me as I saw an opportunity to escape the constant worry about the dilapidated state of our humble abode. The small traditional hut, with its fragile grass-thatched roofing, had been a source of anxiety during every rainy season. The decision was clear: I would invest the entirety of my first transfer in building materials. Iron sheets, timber, building poles, and nails became the tangible symbols of a new beginning. The construction of our new house was not just about shelter; it was about providing my seven kids with the dignity of personal space and a home that would withstand the elements. No longer would we be confined to a single room, sharing tight quarters during the storms. The journey to this new chapter wasn't easy. In the past, I had considered using my limited income from charcoal and farming activities to build a better home, but the meager $5 I earned was barely enough to put food on the table, let alone fund a construction project. The unconditional cash transfer gave me the financial freedom to make choices that truly mattered for my family's well-being. As the walls of our new home rose, so did our hopes for a brighter future. It was a reminder that sometimes a small act of generosity can break the cycle of poverty and provide the foundation for a better life."

"I vividly remember the day I received the unexpected, unconditional cash transfer. It was like a ray of hope breaking through the clouds that had lingered over my family. Without wasting a moment, I dedicated a substantial portion of the funds, around $100, to ensure my daughter could pursue her computer courses. Education has always been a cornerstone in my vision for my eight children, and I firmly believe that investing in her education will open doors for a brighter future. My dream is for her to graduate and find employment in a cyber cafe, providing a sustainable income that will not only support her but also contribute to the well-being of our entire family. With the remaining funds from the cash transfer, I am planning to start a retail shop. Relying solely on the charcoal business, which is both physically demanding and financially inconsistent, has been challenging for our family of nine. Earning around $30 in three weeks from the charcoal business is not enough to sustain us. The retail shop will serve as my main source of income, providing a more stable and reliable means of support. My spouse, who has struggled to find a reliable source of income, will also benefit from the new venture, making our family's future seem brighter and more secure. The unexpected cash transfer has given us the opportunity to break free from the limitations of our current circumstances and pursue a better life for our family."

"Enrolled in various levels of education are my eight children, with one pursuing college, four in high school, and three in primary school. Affording their school fees has proven to be a challenging task for me, often necessitating the sale of livestock to finance their education. As a subsistence farmer without a stable job or external support, I rely solely on monthly transfers to meet our financial needs. These transfers have been a crucial lifeline for my family. My second wife is also a beneficiary of these transfers, and together, our shared goal is to provide the best education for our children, ensuring that their studies are uninterrupted by financial constraints. The consistent monthly support has become a source of assurance for me, guaranteeing that my children can pursue their education goals without disruptions, even amid financial challenges."

"As a skilled tailor facing financial limitations, I've been compelled to run my tailoring business from home. Yet, to expand my clientele and enhance profitability, I am strategizing to establish my own tailoring shop. The plan involves stocking the shop with ample textile materials and acquiring a new sewing machine. To realize this goal, I've been diligently saving $20 each month, with the intention of increasing my savings in the upcoming months. Once I've amassed a sufficient amount, I will be in a position to rent a suitable space and procure the necessary textile materials, enabling me to elevate the scale of my tailoring operations."

"My youngest son has recently enrolled in junior high school, and my primary objective is to ensure that his education is not disrupted due to a lack of fees. As a single parent with no external support, my livelihood depends on charcoal burning, which does not yield a significant income. I am committed to using the financial transfers I receive to support my child's education, ensuring that he not only completes but also achieves his educational goals."

"The significant challenge of food scarcity in my household was alleviated when I successfully cultivated my acreage and reaped a bountiful harvest. Now, I no longer bear the burden of food expenses. However, my reliance on sporadic menial jobs persists, and there are times when securing employment becomes challenging. To address this inconsistency, I have devised a plan to invest a portion of my transfers in acquiring livestock, particularly goats and chickens. This investment holds significant value for me, as livestock serves as a valuable asset that I can depend on, supplementing the uncertainties of the casual jobs that I do. By diversifying my income sources to include livestock, I aim to move beyond my sole dependence on menial jobs. Furthermore, the ownership of livestock opens up avenues to contribute to my children's education, thereby securing their future."

"I recently closed down my food vending kiosk because of my health. Due to this, we've had to solely depend on my spouse for most of our bills. I am glad that I am currently recuperating well and I believe that I will back on my feet very soon. For this season,my main focus right now is to start saving my transfers so that I will later use it to revive my business. With this, I will be able to continue supporting my spouse in paying some of our bills at home."

"Before the end of the year, I hoping that I will be a motorcycle owner. This is because I am planning on purchasing it on loan so that I can be paying for it in monthly installments. I will be using my transfers and the earnings from this business to pay for it this year. By next year, I will focus my energy and transfers on my children's education. This is my long term goal as I always wish for them to get the best education since in the coming years, life will be so difficult if one does not have any formal education. Currently, I have six children, though five are currently in school and are in different levels. Seeing them fulfill their dreams in life will be the most fulfilling achievement in my life and I know that this will be possible through hard work and support from GiveDirectly."

"The main goal that I have in life is to start a big business mainly a retail shop. The business that I currently run is too tiresome as it involves a lot of walking and the proceeds are not that much. Before opening a retail shop, I would first want to make sure that I see my two sons through college. After this, I believe they will be in a good position to continue supporting themselves to achieve their goals in life. Starting a retail shop has always been my ultimate goal since aside from getting enough time to rest, I will be able to meet most of our needs on time."

"As I said I joined a sacco on enrollment to the program with the aim of being able to buy a new motorcycle. My current motorcycle is always in for repair and this usually makes me spend so much. I do not plan on disposing it but just adding another motorcycle to increase my income as this will be able to allow me achieve goals such as getting myself a wife."