"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 biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is that we now have enough food at home. Before, I often had to go out looking for casual jobs just to feed my family, and there were times when I couldn't find work, leaving us hungry. It was stressful not knowing where our next meal would come from. However, now that we have food, I can relax at home with my family. This change allows us to focus on other important things, like my children's education and health. I feel a sense of relief and hope knowing that we are no longer struggling with hunger. This support has truly transformed our lives for the better."

"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."

"I am educated, but I do not have the money to continue my education. My goal is to continue farming, and when we start earning an income, I hope to go back to school either for myself or for my wife to further her education. I believe education is important for a better future, so I will give her a chance to start first, and then I can pursue my studies later. This plan not only helps us improve our lives but also sets a good example for our children. I am determined to make this work, as I want to show my family that with hard work and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams. In the coming years, I see a brighter future for us, where education plays a key role in our success."

"The officers from GiveDirectly did a great job educating us on how to use the money wisely. They provided clear guidance, which helped me understand the best ways to spend the cash for my family's needs. I appreciated their support because I didn’t notice anything bad during the process. They were always available to answer our questions and made sure everyone was included. However, I think they could improve by offering more workshops on financial management, as it would help us make even better decisions in the future. Overall, I am grateful for their help and guidance."

"In the coming years, my main goal is to invest more in livestock, as it’s something I can manage well. The animals I initially bought have already started to multiply, which gives me hope for a stable source of income. By growing my livestock, I’ll be able to support my family better and even cover school fees for my children as they grow. Each new birth feels like a step toward a more secure future, and this motivates me to keep working hard. I know that by focusing on livestock, I’m building a foundation that will benefit us for years to come. My dream is to eventually expand the herd, providing both food and income to meet my family’s needs."

"When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a miracle for my family. I had been carrying so many worries, wondering how to provide for my children and keep us afloat. The first thing I did was use $140 to buy two goats. I hoped they would give us a steady supply of milk, which would improve our meals and save us from the high cost of buying milk. Having our own goats felt like a step toward a brighter future, something I could rely on to care for my family. I also used $20 to pay off a hospital debt that had been weighing me down. My children and I had been sick recently, and the medical bills added up faster than I could manage. Finally clearing that debt gave me a huge sense of relief, knowing I could focus on the present without that burden hanging over us. With the remaining money, I bought food for my family and paid for solar light, which has been a big help since we don’t have electricity in our area. My husband and I rely on casual jobs to provide food, but it has always been difficult to make sure we have enough. With this cash transfer, it felt like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. Now I can give my children better meals and a more secure future, and this peace of mind is truly priceless. I am deeply grateful for this support; it has brought hope and stability into our lives."

"With the cash transfer, I finally saw a chance to make long-needed changes at home. I used $180 to buy building materials for a store—a plan I’d kept pushing aside because of the constant demands of school fees. As a teacher with four children to support, I’ve been managing alone since my husband passed away four years ago. Despite my income, finding extra funds was nearly impossible, especially for things beyond daily needs. The store had been a priority, but it always felt out of reach. Getting this money allowed me to make it a reality, giving us a safe place to store supplies.Furthermore, I spent the rest of the funds on food for my family. With my teaching salary often stretched to its limits, we’ve frequently struggled to have enough. My children deserve regular, nourishing meals, but meeting that need had been difficult on my income alone. Now, I feel a sense of relief knowing we have enough to last us for a while without me having to worry about where our next meal will come from.This support has eased my worries in so many ways. Knowing that we now have a proper store and a steady supply of food brings a deep sense of stability to our lives. I’m grateful beyond words for this opportunity because it has helped me provide more security and comfort for my family. Now, I can focus on other priorities, like ensuring my children get the best education I can give them."

"For the coming years and beyond, I want to invest fully in farming, both in crops and livestock rearing. I see this as the best way to secure food for my family and ensure my children can stay in school without interruption. By growing crops, I’ll be able to provide for our daily needs and, hopefully, sell any surplus for extra income. Raising livestock will give us a safety net, as they can be sold if unexpected expenses arise. My goal is to create a stable source of support through farming, one that we can rely on as my children grow. This way, I can give them the education I didn’t have and build a stronger future for our family."