"Life has been very tough for us. We face many challenges because we can't support ourselves. Neither my husband nor I have jobs, and we have four children. My husband is a farmer, and I make charcoal to get food and pay for school fees. After receiving my last transfer, I thanked God because the money came just when we needed it most. My child was suffering from tuberculosis of the bones, which cost me $100 in medical bills. I also spent $150 on iron sheets to build an extra room for my children because the one we have is too small for all of us. Additionally, I used $50 on farming to plant one hectare of maize, but the floods destroyed it all, leaving us with nothing. There's nothing we can do except buy more seeds and replant. I also paid $100 in school fees, so my kids are now in school and are not being sent home due to arrears. With the remaining money, I bought food because sometimes, despite my charcoal burning, there's no market for it, and we end up going to bed hungry."

"My main goal for the coming year and beyond is to finally build a new permanent house. The leaks and old roofing in our current home have become unbearable, especially during rainy seasons. Every time it rains, the stress of dealing with the leaks weighs heavily on me, and I can't help but pray for a change. I know that once we have our own sturdy, leak-free house, it will bring immense relief to me and my family. We've endured a lot, particularly during harsh winter seasons, which only strengthens my resolve to see this plan through. To make this dream a reality, I've been diligently saving every penny I can through transfers and cutting back on expenses wherever possible. With each passing day, I'm getting closer to achieving this goal, and I can't wait for the day when we can finally move into our new house and leave our worries behind."

"Over the past few months, the monthly transfers I've been receiving have given me a clear goal: building a new house. The current one has been nothing but a temporary fix, constantly demanding renovations that strain both my finances and patience. It's time for a permanent solution. With the new house, I won't have to worry about frequent repairs and expenses anymore. I'm determined to make this happen, as long as the transfers keep coming in. It's a step towards stability and a brighter future, one that I've been eagerly working towards."

"With five children attending school, I've been thinking a lot about our future. One thing that keeps coming to mind is the idea of buying goats. With the monthly transfers I receive, I hope to invest in these animals, seeing them as valuable assets for emergencies. Moreover, as my children progress in their education, having a herd of goats could provide me with ongoing support, especially considering the uncertainty of my job. I believe that by securing this asset, I'm not just safeguarding our immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a brighter future for my children and the generations to come. It's a small step, but I'm hopeful it will make a big difference in our lives."

"Relying on one person for financial support is quite challenging. Currently, I receive income from GiveDirectly to help provide for our family, but these transfers will soon come to an end. Therefore, I'm considering starting a fish business to generate additional income. In order to achieve this goal, I plan to save half of my monthly transfer to accumulate enough funds to get started. I've discussed this with my spouse, and he has promised to support me in reaching this goal, as it will also ease his own long-standing financial pressures."

"My main focus for the coming year and beyond is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by acquiring more goats. With the monthly support I receive from GiveDirectly, I aim to gradually increase my goat herd. This plan stems from the realization that relying solely on my charcoal business isn't sustainable; it lacks the stability and security I need. By diversifying my assets with goats, I'll have a fallback in times of financial strain or emergencies. Selling a goat when needed can provide the necessary funds to manage unexpected situations. Ultimately, this venture represents a step towards greater financial resilience and independence, offering peace of mind for myself and my family."

"It was in the afternoon. My spouse and I were resting in the shade, escaping the scorching sun. I was exhausted from working part of the day on my neighbour's farm. We were also preoccupied with thoughts about how to find money to pay for our son's school fees, as schools were set to reopen the next week, and we had no funds available. Suddenly, I received a message notification on my phone. Without hesitation, I checked it, and to my surprise, it was a Mpesa message indicating that we had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I immediately stood up from the floor in excitement and rushed to show my spouse the incredible news. Our hearts soared with joy, knowing our worries had been lifted. Thank you, GiveDirectly"

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to finally own a sewing machine. I've been diligently saving a portion of my monthly cash transfers, and I'm confident that by December, I'll have accumulated enough funds to make this dream a reality. Once I have the sewing machine in my possession, I plan to open my own workshop and start my own business. This transition will be a huge relief for me, as I've been relying on the charcoal business, which has proven to be unprofitable and unsustainable. Moreover, having my own sewing business will not only provide me with a stable income but also allow me to better take care of my family. The prospect of achieving this goal fills me with hope and determination for the future."

"In September this year, my main goal is to join college and pursue the mechanical engineering course I have been yearning to study. I believe that once I am able to join and finally graduate, my future will be brighter, and it will be the only way to eradicate poverty in my homestead. With my father's unwavering support and the monthly cash transfers I receive, I am confident that this dream will soon become a reality. I know that the road ahead will be challenging, but I am prepared to work hard and stay focused on my studies. By gaining the skills and knowledge from this course, I hope to secure a stable job and provide for my family, lifting us out of financial hardship. This journey is not just for me, but for the betterment of everyone who depends on me."

"For now, the only goal that I am focused on is to see my wife graduate from her tailoring course in September. I believe once she graduates, she will be in a position to have her own workshop and achieve self-employment, which will allow her to offer me great support since I have been the family breadwinner. Additionally, I plan to buy her a sewing machine as soon as she graduates so that she can start working immediately. I am going to achieve all these through my monthly cash transfers and my daily hustle as a motorcycle rider. This plan gives me hope and motivation every day, knowing that our combined efforts will lead to a more stable and prosperous future for our family. My determination is unwavering because I know the positive impact this will have on our lives."