"My house is in poor condition, as its roof is made of grass, and I constantly worry that it might collapse soon. Additionally, I am exhausted from the yearly repairs needed for the grass-thatched roof. There have been times when I got rained on because I couldn't afford the materials for repairs. To address this, I have devised a plan to save $20 each month from the transfers I receive in a savings group. This savings will eventually help me build a better house. So far, I have managed to purchase the iron sheets, and I still have enough savings to cover other necessary materials. I believe that once I complete this project, I will have peace of mind and no longer have to worry about the harsh weather conditions that have affected us for so long."

"My house has become quite cramped since my grandchildren and I are now living here together after their father's passing. The limited space has made it difficult for all of us to be comfortable. To address this, I’ve set a new goal: to add another room to ensure we have enough space for everyone. Right now, some of my grandchildren have to sleep in uncomfortable places, and I want to change that. To achieve this, I've decided to save approximately $10 each month. In a few months, I hope to have enough funds to buy the necessary materials. Even though this may take some time, I’m confident that I can reach my goal since I am fully committed to it. Once the room is completed, I will feel relieved knowing that my grandchildren and I can live comfortably together under one roof."

"I have an important goal that has been giving me headaches for a while: renovating my roof. Currently, it's a grassy one, and it has been a constant struggle, especially during the rainy seasons. We end up getting rained on as if we were outside, leaving me with no peace at all. My belongings have been repeatedly damaged, and it’s been beyond my control. Now, I’ve decided to save a portion of my cash transfer each month, putting aside $10 for this purpose. Even if it takes years, I’m determined to reach this goal. Once I accomplish it, I won’t have to worry about the harsh weather anymore, and I’ll have peace of mind about my family's safety at home."

"My house has become so worn that whenever it rains, water leaks in due to the old and damaged roof. This situation has caused me sleepless nights, as I worry that my family and I will be exposed to rain and cold nights during the long rains. I have set a goal to renovate the roof and install a new one. To achieve this, I plan to save a portion of my monthly cash transfers and receive additional support from my sons. In a few months, I plan to complete the renovation. This will ensure we stay dry during the rain and protect my family from future risks, such as physical harm due to the deteriorating roof."

"I have established a small animal farm, where I currently raise chickens, sheep, and goats. Unfortunately, while my poultry project was thriving, an outbreak occurred that wiped out almost all of my chickens, leaving only two survivors. At present, I have 5 goats and 3 sheep as part of my livestock project. Both my goats and chickens have had offspring. My plan is to prepare for the future as I have a two-year-old child who has not yet started school. I anticipate needing funds when she does, so I aim to build a larger herd that will allow me to sell animals to ensure she can enroll in school and complete her education, even after the Givediretly program ends. Therefore, in the coming year and beyond, I intend to use my transfers to invest in livestock, focusing on goat and sheep farming alongside poultry operations."

"The day I received the cash transfer felt like a turning point for my family. I used $50 as a down payment on a plot of land because my current home is prone to flooding. I couldn't continue living in a place that put my family at risk, so relocating was necessary. Furthermore, I spent $70 on materials to start building a new house. The roof of our current home leaks whenever it rains, and the rusted iron sheets are not providing any protection. Although the new house is not yet complete, I plan to finish it with my next transfer.With the remaining money, I focused on buying food for my family. Depending on casual jobs for our meals has been a constant struggle, especially with four children to care for. My wife also works as a casual laborer, but our earnings are often not enough. Therefore, this cash transfer allowed us to stock up on essential food items, which relieved some of the pressure we felt daily. It was a huge relief to know that we could eat properly for a while. Overall, this support from GiveDirectly has brought hope into our lives. I can see a future where my family is safe and well-fed, away from the threats of flooding and hunger. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, as it is helping us take steps toward a better life."

"When I received my second cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. With $135, I bought two sheep, knowing they would provide us with milk when they give birth and serve as a valuable investment for our future. Livestock has always been important to our family's well-being, and I am excited about the possibilities this purchase brings. I also set aside $50 to pay for my children's school fees, which is essential for their education. In the past, I depended on farming and charcoal burning to raise enough money for their fees, but it was never guaranteed, especially during tough times. Furthermore, I realized that my family had no clothes at home; we only had worn-out outfits. I spent $100 to purchase new clothes, which made me feel proud and happy to have something decent to wear. With the remaining $165, I invested in crop farming by cultivating one acre of land. Farming is crucial for us to have enough food at home and to generate income to pay for school fees. However, the cost of fuel for the generator to pump water is very expensive, so I had to divide my money wisely to make it last. Life has been hard, especially before I received this money. Since the day we got the cash transfer, everything feels easier. My husband and I alternate our responsibilities; he looks after the animals while I tend to the farm. We are a family of three, and the support from GiveDirectly has truly changed our lives for the better. With this assistance, I feel a sense of relief and optimism for our future."

"In our community, livestock is important for survival, so I decided to invest in sheep with my unconditional cash transfer. I bought six sheep, both male and female, for $310. This investment means I’ll have milk for my family and a way to earn money when they multiply. Livestock has always been our best option, and this purchase gives me hope for a more secure future. Additionally, I used $50 to pay the school fees for my child, who was behind on payments. Education is important, and I wanted to make sure my child could continue studying without any problems.I also realized we had no food at home, so I spent another $50 to buy essential groceries. As a farmer, I used to grow watermelons and vegetables to sell for fees, but after the floods destroyed my crops and wiped out all my livestock, I struggled to provide for my family. The floods took away everything I worked hard for, including my three acres of maize. However, I am determined to rebuild our lives step by step. Lastly, I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my family since we had none left. It feels good to have decent clothing, especially when visiting friends and neighbors. My wife and I work hard together on our small farm, and we rely on each other to get through tough times. Life is still challenging, but with these new resources, I feel relieved and hopeful for a better future for my children and us."

"In the coming years, I hope to build a sustainable source of income by starting a poultry business, as I see a promising, steady market for poultry products. Rearing chickens would provide us with eggs and meat to sell, giving my family a reliable income. Alongside this, I want to keep expanding our crop farming, which not only supports us with food but also offers a way to earn extra money during harvest times. I believe that with both poultry and crop farming, we can improve our standard of living and provide better opportunities for our children. This combination of farming and poultry would also help us become more resilient against tough seasons or unexpected losses. In the long run, I see this as a way to bring lasting stability and growth to our family."

"The GiveDirectly officers guided us well, teaching us how to use the money wisely and encouraging us to think carefully about our plans for it. They asked each of us what we intended to do with the funds, making us feel that our choices mattered. Their advice helped me prioritize important needs, like buying goats for milk and settling debts. I appreciate how they didn’t just hand over the money but took the time to help us make informed decisions. Personally, I have no complaints—just gratitude for the way GiveDirectly has supported us. If there’s one area to consider for improvement, it might be offering follow-up visits to check on our progress and give additional guidance, but overall, I’m deeply thankful."