"Upon receiving my recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to take a significant step towards financial independence. Using part of my second transfer, I decided to invest in a business selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and chapatis. I already had stalls that I had built with the first transfer, so this new venture was the perfect addition. I spent around $120 to kickstart the business, ensuring I had a wide variety of products to attract customers. This decision filled me with excitement and determination, as I knew it could provide a stable income for my family and me. On the other hand, Education was a priority, and I used $100 from the transfer to pay for my son's kindergarten fees. I firmly believed in giving my children the best opportunities, and providing them with a good education was paramount. Additionally, I invested in our self-esteem and well-being by purchasing new clothes for myself and my two children. The old torn garments had affected our confidence, but now we could hold our heads high and face the world with renewed self-assurance. Lastly, I made sure to purchase enough food to sustain my four family members. Although my spouse worked as a mechanic, his income was not always steady. The unconditional cash transfer provided us with the means to meet our basic needs and allowed us to look forward to a more stable and secure future, with the business venture offering a potential source of stability."

"With the funds, I decided to invest in completing the construction of my rental houses, a project I had long dreamed of finishing. There were some critical items that needed to be purchased, and the cash allowed me to swiftly wrap up the project. Now, with the houses completed, I had a new source of income. I began renting out the rooms to tenants, charging $35 per month for a single room. This became my side hustle, supplementing my income as a teacher alongside my spouse. The teaching profession, unfortunately, wasn't enough to sustain our growing family, especially with three daughters in college and two others in Form 4. The income from the rental houses has made a significant difference in our financial situation. It has helped me cover the rising expenses of my children's education, ensuring they have the support they need to pursue their dreams. Moreover, the completed rental houses not only brought in extra income but also offered us a sense of security for the future. I am immensely grateful for the unconditional cash transfer, as it has transformed our lives, providing us with a sustainable way to support our family and create a more stable and prosperous future. With our combined efforts as teachers and the rental income, we could now confidently face the challenges that lay ahead and pave the way for our children's success."

"When GiveDirectly provided me with unconditional money, I felt a sense of empowerment as I was given the autonomy to decide how to use it wisely. With this newfound opportunity, I made the crucial decision to send my son to school so he could sit for his exams. It filled my heart with pride and joy to see him embrace his education and work hard towards a brighter future. GiveDirectly's trust in me to make the right choices for my family has been truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the chance they gave me to invest in my son's education, opening doors to endless possibilities for his success."

"My primary goal is to renovate my house, which has been in disrepair for many years. Unfortunately, using my menial job earnings proved difficult because the majority of it went towards food and other essential household needs. The condition of the roof is particularly concerning, as it is dilapidated and poses a risk of being blown away during strong winds. Furthermore, the constant leaks during rainy days have caused damage to my household items, leaving me constantly concerned. I intend to replace the old roof with new iron sheets to address these issues and create a safe and comfortable living space. My immediate goal is to purchase 25 iron sheets, which will be critical in facilitating the much needed renovation. I have already purchased 8 iron sheets with the help of monthly transfers, indicating progress toward my goal. Moving forward, I am determined to use the monthly transfers to acquire the remaining iron sheets and commence the renovation process. This endeavour is a significant step toward bettering my living conditions and ensuring a more secure and pleasant home for myself and my family."

"Enrolling my five children in school has always been a challenge, as paying their fees proved to be an uphill task until the transfers came into play. My children were sent home numerous times due to my inability to pay their school fees on time. However, the arrival of the transfer has been a game-changer, as it now ensures that my children can attend school without interruptions. I rely heavily on these transfers to cover my children's educational expenses because I do not have a regular source of income. Looking ahead, my main and unwavering goal for the coming year and beyond is to prioritize my children's education. I am determined to continue using the transfer to pay their fees promptly, guaranteeing that their learning journey remains uninterrupted and their educational aspirations are achieved. The assistance provided by the transfer has provided much-needed relief, relieving me of the burden of school fees. It has allowed my children to attend school without worry, and I am extremely grateful. Ensuring that my children receive a quality education and foster a promising future for them is my utmost priority."

"My primary goal for the coming year and beyond is to acquire more livestock, specifically goats and chickens. To accomplish this, I have diligently saved at least $20 per month in our local savings group for the sole purpose of purchasing these valuable assets. Owning livestock not only gives me pride, but it also provides a vital safety net for any potential financial emergencies, which is especially important given that I do not currently have a regular source of income. With the funds saved, I have already made progress towards my aspiration. I have purchased two goats and three chickens, and I am devotedly rearing them with care. Aside from the financial benefits, these livestock give me the peace of mind that my children's education is secure. If the need arises, I can readily sell some of the livestock to cover their school expenses, ensuring that their educational journey remains uninterrupted."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my plan is to invest in buying more goats and focus on keeping and rearing them. Previously, this venture seemed unattainable, as I primarily used the transfers to meet my basic needs, such as food. Our reliance on subsistence farming for food was affected by a prolonged drought, making it impractical for some years. However, with recent sufficient rainfall, I have fully cultivated my four acres of land, and I am confident of obtaining a good harvest. This positive development ensures that food will no longer be a pressing challenge, allowing me to redirect the transfers towards purchasing goats. The decision to own goats is an excellent project, as they can serve as a valuable financial resource in times of need. Moreover, apart from their immediate financial benefits, I also see a promising future for my children's education with the inclusion of goats in our livelihood."

"As I was cooking some meals for sale at my humble cafeteria, I heard a familiar message tone emanating from my phone. Curiosity took hold, and I checked to see what kind of message had arrived. To my astonishment, I realized that I had received the first transfer as promised by the GiveDirectly officials. My hands trembled as I read the confirmation, and tears of joy welled up in my eyes. It was a moment I had only dared to dream about – the relief, the hope, and the gratitude that washed over me were indescribable. With that transfer, a weight I had carried for so long had lifted off my shoulders, and a new chapter of possibility had begun. I vowed to use this opportunity to create a better future for my family."

"Previously, my old house was a constant source of discomfort and embarrassment. During rainy nights, I would get soaked as I had no proper roof to shield me from the downpour. It was humiliating not to be able to host visitors due to my inadequate living space and its dilapidated state. As a widow, I struggled to make ends meet by relying on odd jobs, leaving me with little hope of ever being able to afford a new house. However, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I can now proudly say that I have a safe and secure home, free from rain and shame. The burden of responsibilities no longer holds me back, and I am filled with gratitude for the positive impact this assistance has had on my life."

"Receiving a donation from GiveDirectly has been an incredible blessing for our village. The openness and transparency of their approach have been unlike anything we've experienced before. In the past, promises of help often ended up benefiting only a select few. However, GiveDirectly fulfilled its commitment by sending money directly to our Mpesa accounts without any restrictions on how to use it. This level of trust and empowerment has sparked positive transformations throughout our community. The ability to decide how to spend the funds has enabled us to address our unique needs, and it's truly been a game-changer. I am deeply grateful for the organization and harbor no reservations about their work; they have made a lasting impact on our lives."