"My husband and I do casual jobs making approximately $30 per month which caters for food and school fees. Sometimes it takes a whole month without any job and this has affected my children's education since they miss classes due to accumulated fees balance of $30 now. Lack of reliable sources of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life."

"My goals for the coming year and beyond include purchasing a new bed and mattress, fixing a door on my house, and acquiring more livestock. The bed and mattress will provide me with much-needed comfort during my sleep, while the door will ensure the safety of my property inside the house. By investing in more livestock, I will have a valuable resource to fall back on in the event of an emergency, even after the financial aid ends. I plan to achieve these goals by saving a portion of my transfers each month. I am very appreciative of the financial transfers, which are helping me work towards these goals and improve my life."

"My husband works as a driver in the city, and we rely on his income. I also do casual jobs and crop farming, but our income is not sustainable. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I invested $70 in my maize farm for planting and weeding. For years, we have struggled with capital, leaving our land unplanted sometimes, and drought has been another issue. However, This season, we were lucky as there were rains, and GiveDirectly's cash came at the right time. Additionally, I gave my son $20 for transport back to school when schools were opening. I also repaired my house door at $50, as it had been faulty for months. Closing the door was difficult while away from home, and it was risky because of fear of debt. I also bought a table for $15; we only had one, so I added another. I used the remaining $45 on food. Thank you GiveDirectly."

"I currently have three goats, all purchased with the help of the transfers. My goal for the coming year and beyond is to purchase more livestock with my subsequent transfers. I plan to save a portion of my transfers each month, and once I have enough money, I will purchase another goat. Over time, they will multiply and grow the herd. In the future, when I need money, the livestock will come in handy because I can sell some and use the money to attend to my needs. I am very appreciative of the financial transfers and how they have helped me improve my life."

"My goal for the coming year is to improve my family's living conditions by building a better house. I aspire to construct a three-roomed iron sheet house to provide more space and comfort for myself, my two daughters, and my spouse. Currently, our living situation is cramped as we all share a single-roomed house; my spouse my two daughters and I, which makes me feel uncomfortable are my daughters are grown. The room also serves as our living room. With the third transfer, I have already purchased the necessary iron sheets and frames to begin construction. I am hopeful that this year's maize harvest will be great, as we have experienced favourable rainfall and abundant water for nourishing my crops. Upon harvesting the maize, I plan to sell it and use the income to acquire additional materials needed for construction, such as building nails. I am eager to commence building the new house and provide my family with a better and more spacious living environment."

"I was relaxing in the afternoon when I decided to check my phone, as it doesn't show message notifications. I had heard my neighbors rejoicing about receiving their transfers from GiveDirectly, so I was curious. When I saw the message, I was so excited that I immediately thought of my father, who doesn't know how to check his messages yet he was also expecting the money. I rushed to him, since the helper that had been assigned to him had travelled. I checked his phone and to our surprise, the money had also been sent to him. I told him about the message and it got him very excited as well."

"In the coming year and beyond, I don't have any specific goals but to save the little income I get from casual jobs that I do at home. Additionally, I save a part of my monthly income, around $20, to put towards paying my college fees. I am really dedicated to pursuing a plumbing course. Currently, my parents are peasant farmers and they can't afford the $600 needed to send me to college. This means I have to work very hard to find ways to join college. I am passionate about this course, and it's not as costly compared to other courses. I also like the idea of being self-employed after completing my studies. I believe I can sell my skills through good work. I am optimistic that with support from Give Directly, I will achieve my dream of supporting my parents and myself in the future."

"In the coming year and beyond, I would like to pursue an income-generating activity. I have been thinking about this for a while and have shared the idea with my spouse. I have decided to start a charcoal business to generate daily income to support my family. As a result, I want to start saving a portion of my monthly transfer to open this business. I chose this business because it requires little initial investment, and I can increase the stock as I gain more customers. Additionally, charcoal is a non-perishable commodity, so I don't have to worry about it spoiling if it's not sold quickly. This business will provide me with the opportunity to meet my family's basic needs without having to take on a lot of strain. Currently, I struggle to find casual jobs to support my family. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for providing me with the financial support that has enabled me to have this idea."

"I truly appreciate the way you educate us during barazas, emphasizing that this money is unconditional and that we can make our own decisions. We are grateful for your consideration of our community. When you visit other villages, please remember to consider those who are very poor and enroll them in the program. Also, provide them with the same education and guidance that you have given us."

"Completing the renovation of my house is my immediate goal, and I'm diligently saving in my local savings group to make it happen. Once the house renovation is complete, my focus will shift to building a shed for the chickens. I hope that they will multiply and bring me additional income. Eventually, I wish to expand my livestock farming where I will sell the chicken and buy goats in hopes that they too will multiply, sell them in future and venture into cows.These steps will not only secure our financial stability but also fulfill my dreams of providing a comfortable life for my family."