"We owned 29 goats, but we did not have a shelter for them, so we had to leave them at my mother-in-law’s house. When I received my first transfer, my priority was to build a shelter for them, which cost me $60. Additionally, I used part of the transfer to buy two more goats for $90, adding to our flock. This investment is important to us, not only because it reminds us of the support we received from GiveDirectly but also because it serves as a future asset for our family, especially in times of emergencies. At the time of receiving the transfer, we were also short on food, particularly maize and essential items like sugar, so I spent $50 to cover our immediate needs. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your timely support."

"I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to achieve next year, and honestly, my biggest goal is to finally settle in my new place. I’m hoping to pay for the piece of land I’ve been planning to buy and start building a house there. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time because I really want to move there with my family. I’ve been saving money from my business for a while now. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve managed to put aside a good amount. If everything goes as planned, I think the savings I’ve collected, along with the third transfer that I’m expecting, should be enough to complete the payment for the land. Once that’s done, I’ll finally be able to move forward and make the dream of settling in our new home a reality."

"I am planning to buy my own water generator this coming year. You see, I’ve been borrowing one from my neighbors whenever I need to water my farm. But sometimes, they don’t give it to me, and when that happens, my plants can dry up. It’s a big problem for me because I rely on my farm for my livelihood. With my own water generator, everything will change. I’ll be able to water my farm anytime I want, without having to depend on anyone else. I’ve already decided how I’m going to make this happen. I’ll use the third transfer to buy the water pump. Once I have it, things will be much easier and more flexible for me. I’ll be able to take better care of my crops, and I’m sure I’ll make more profits because of it. This plan means a lot to me. Owning a water generator will give me independence and make my farm more productive."

"When I first heard about GiveDirectly, I thought it was too good to be true. But then the team came to our village, and for the first time, someone brought help directly to us. I didn’t have a phone, like many others here, and that worried me because I didn’t see how I could receive the money. You gave phones to those of us who didn’t have them, and it felt like being seen and respected in a way we’re not used to. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a single thing. What you’ve done is remarkable. You trusted us to know what we need, and you delivered without strings or judgment. The process was simple, clear, and fair—no endless forms or hoops to jump through."

"When I received the transfer, the first thing I did was use $300 to complete the payment for a piece of land I had started purchasing last year. It’s a quarter of an acre, and what I love most about it is that it’s in a flood-free area. Where we currently live, flooding is a constant problem, and I’ve been worried about the safety and well-being of my family. This transfer allowed me to settle the remaining balance, and now the land is fully mine. I feel a sense of relief and excitement because I can start planning to build our new home and move to a safer place. With $150, I decided to invest in my small clothing business. I sell both new and second-hand clothes, and the extra capital helped me increase my stock. With the variety I now offer, I’ve noticed more customers coming to my stall. The profits I make go toward buying food and other essentials for my family. Knowing that I can consistently put meals on the table is a blessing."

"When I received the money from GiveDirectly, I felt so grateful because their staff were very friendly and kind to me. They explained everything clearly, step by step, so I knew exactly what to expect. What I appreciated the most is that they did not ask for anything in return, which made me feel respected and trusted. Honestly, I can’t think of anything that needs to be changed because the whole process was smooth, and they treated me with such dignity."

"This coming year, I am determined to improve our living situation by building a new room for my family. We currently live in a small, one-roomed gabled house, and with my five children, it’s becoming far too cramped. My goal is to add a sitting room where we can have space to relax, spend time together, and welcome visitors. Right now, everything happens in that single room—eating, sleeping, and even hosting guests. It’s not ideal, but we’ve managed. With the third transfer, I will finally be able to purchase the materials needed to make this dream a reality. I’ve already started planning, from sourcing affordable yet durable materials to identifying someone who can help me with construction. This new room will not only create more space but also bring us comfort and dignity. My children will no longer have to share such a confined space, and we’ll have a proper place to gather as a family."

"I used $300 to buy five sheep because they are a good investment. Sheep multiply quickly, and they serve as a kind of living savings account. In case of an emergency, like a medical issue or school fees, I can sell one or two to cover the cost. With $50, I decided to buy clothes for my children and myself. It may seem small, but looking presentable boosts our confidence and dignity. My children were so happy to have new clothes, and it made me proud to provide for them in this way. We also spent another $50 on drugs for the sheep to keep them healthy. Healthy animals are essential for breeding and eventual profits, so this was a necessary step to protect my investment. The remaining $50 was spent on household food items. This ensured we had enough to eat, and it took a big burden off my shoulders. Knowing my family is food-secure for the time being allows me to focus on growing my small livestock business. The support I received has not only changed my present situation but has also laid the groundwork for a more stable future."

"When I received the money from GiveDirectly, it changed my life in ways I never imagined. The staff were very friendly and treated me with respect, which made the whole process easy and comfortable. They explained everything clearly, so I understood how the program worked and what I needed to do. Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about the program—it’s already perfect as it is. The support I got was exactly what I needed, and I’m so grateful for it."

"In the coming year and beyond, I intend to invest in livestock particularly goats. I had some goats and chickens, and I sold a few when my child was admitted to Mariakani, which allowed me to settle the bill. My greatest aspiration is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly focusing on goats. I sincerely believe that livestock farming will provide significant advantages, especially for my children, who are in primary school now and will soon move on to higher education. To make this happen, I plan to allocate part of my future earnings to purchase additional goats, with the hope that they will reproduce, increasing both in number and value. This strategy will enable me to sell some goats to financially support my family, particularly as my children advance in their education. By establishing a strong herd of goats, I foresee not only a steady income but also a valuable asset that can help seamlessly cover their school fees. Every goat I acquire symbolizes not just an animal but also a significant step toward ensuring a brighter future for my children."