"When I received the second cash transfer the first thing that came to my mind was to finally complete the roofing of my house. For years, I had been living with a half-finished roof that let in rain and wind, making every night a struggle. But now, thanks to the funds, I was able to hire skilled workers who swiftly completed the roofing. The satisfaction I feel now is beyond words – lying in bed, I can listen to the sound of raindrops tapping on the roof without any worry. I sleep soundly and peacefully, shielded from the elements, and wake up each morning feeling grateful for the comfort and security my home now provides. Prioritizing my comfort didn't stop with the roof. The old traditional bed I used to sleep on, along with the thin mat, had always left me tossing and turning, making me wake up feeling more tired than when I went to bed. With part of the cash transfer, I decided to invest in a modern standard bed and a comfortable mattress. The first night I slept on that bed felt like a dream, I sank into the mattress, the worries of discomfort forgotten. I wake up each morning now, not just well-rested, but also with a sense of accomplishment. The changes might seem simple, but they've transformed my daily life. I'm immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for giving me the means to improve my living conditions and experience the kind of comfort I never thought was possible."

"Dreams of entrepreneurship fill my thoughts as I envision the future I am determined to create. My goal is to establish a grocery store that caters to the needs of our community. The seed of this idea was planted when I witnessed families embarking on taxing journeys in search of fresh vegetables, their precious time wasted on the road. Fueled by this realization, I laid down plans, each detail etched in my mind, for a store that not only offers convenience but also becomes a hub of freshness and nourishment. The means to achieve this lie within the sale of a single goat whose value will be a stepping stone to fund my grocery store venture. With unwavering determination, I've set my sights on finding the perfect buyer, the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. Every day, every decision, and every action propel me closer to that moment when I can unlock the doors of my grocery store, a beacon of accessibility and abundance for our community."

"Financial constraints are the greatest challenge. When my husband passed on, I was left raising my two children alone. I do farming to earn a living but the proceeds are not consistent due to the unavailability of water. This has made it difficult to pay school fees for my children and provide other basic needs like food and medication."

"For the past three years, I have not had sufficient food for my family due to prolonged drought. With old age, my wife and I can no longer tend to farms or even do casual jobs hence relying on our children for support. It is tasking knowing that they too have their own needs to cater to forcing us to eat the little that we get and is not enough for our health and well being."

"My main goal currently is to continue supporting my son, Baraka, through his college education. The cash transfers played a pivotal role in making his admission to the school a reality. As a widow, the income generated from charcoal production, which amounts to $15 per month, can barely cover the basic needs of my family, let alone cover Baraka's school fees. As he will be in college for the next two years, and the tuition cost is projected to be $1000. I hope that with the combined income from the cash transfers and the wealth I intend to accumulate through goat rearing, I will be able to secure the funds required for his education. Ultimately, upon completing his training, am confident that he will obtain employment and be able to contribute to support his three younger siblings, which will alleviate some of the financial burdens I face."

"The high cost of living coupled with the elongated drought period has made life hard. We buy most of our household consumables due to the lack of rain. The last time I planted and made a good harvest was three years ago. Drought has led to food insecurity. We now depend mainly on livestock sales. Selling our stock has almost depleted it. This means it's hard putting food on the table. We're also forced to travel further to get casual jobs. The pay is about $3 per day. It's hardly enough to support a family. Our children can do casual jobs since we're older with my husband."

"My goal is to settle the remaining balance of my school fee debt that is owed to the institution. I am currently experiencing a sense of satisfaction as I have successfully diminished the substantial debt that I previously owed to my school. Beyond addressing my tuition obligations, I am also strategically aiming to make substantial investments in acquiring livestock. This forward-thinking decision holds immense potential as a future investment, considering the advantageous prospect of capitalizing on their multiplication for financial gain."

"Looking ahead into this year and beyond, my most significant achievement is centered around a substantial investment in the acquisition of goats. This investment holds profound foresight, as goats possess the inherent ability to multiply, presenting a reliable fallback in case financial exigencies arise. Beyond my livestock ventures, there is a concrete plan to ensure my children's education through the consistent payment of their school fees. The invaluable financial assistance I've received through the transfers fills me with profound gratitude."

"I used to admire my neighbour's successful mango farming and wished to have a similar venture of my own. It seemed that mangoes flourish in arid regions like ours and bring substantial profits during harvest season. However, financial limitations, brought on by my job as a public transport driver with a monthly income of just $150, hindered the realization of my aspiration. Nonetheless, when GiveDirectly provided the transfer opportunity, I saw a chance to turn my dream into reality. I used the entire amount towards my farming project. To begin, I utilized $50 to complete the construction of a permanent fence around my three-acre land by purchasing two pieces of chain-link mesh and covering labour costs. Although I had started the fencing with the second transfer, I couldn't complete it at the time. I'm delighted to announce that my land is now properly enclosed, effectively preventing animals from causing harm to my crops. Further, I invested $320 in acquiring a 5000-litre water storage tank, a pivotal addition to my farm. Additionally, I dedicated $50 to purchasing water pipes that enable me to draw water from a nearby river for irrigation purposes. The remaining $50 was utilized to purchase and plant 50 mango seedlings. I'm thrilled to share that the mango trees are thriving, and I attribute this progress to the water tank, which has greatly facilitated efficient irrigation."

"I aspire to secure stable employment, utilizing my skills as an electrician to provide a strong financial cushion for both myself and my family. This step holds the potential to bring significant improvements in various aspects of my life. Steady employment would lead to a notable enhancement in our financial situation. It would provide a consistent source of income, ensuring that we have the means to meet our basic needs. This financial stability would alleviate the constant worries and uncertainties that often accompany irregular income streams. Also, it would mean that I no longer have to struggle to make ends meet but rather, to give quality life to myself and my loved ones. Beyond my immediate family, the positive impact of steady employment could extend to my parents as well. With a more stable financial situation, I could assist and support my parents, helping to improve their well-being as well. This sense of interconnectedness and the ability to give back to those who have supported me would bring a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. In essence, my hope for stable employment holds the promise of a more promising future. It represents the opportunity to break free from the limitations of our current circumstances and create a more prosperous and fulfilling life for myself, my family, and those around me."