"It was a calm afternoon when my phone suddenly buzzed with a message. Since I couldn't read, I handed the phone to a family member to read for me. As they opened the message and began reading, a smile spread across their face. "You've received your first transfer!" they exclaimed. In that moment, joy filled my heart, and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I had been waiting for this day for so long, and now it had finally come. But the first thought that came to my mind was my health. I wasn't feeling well, and I knew that with this money, I could finally seek the treatment I needed. The weight of worry that had been on my shoulders suddenly felt lighter."

"When I received my first transfer, I put it to good use by spending $245 to dig a swamp for storing water to irrigate my crops. Although the project is not yet complete, I am hopeful it will be finished soon. In our drought-prone area, water is scarce, and my crops such as bananas, okra, kale, and tomatoes require a constant supply of water to thrive. This swamp will ensure that I can keep my farm productive, allowing me to sell vegetables and support my family throughout the year. Investing in the swamp is vital because it will help me secure a steady income, even during the dry seasons. Additionally, I spent $75 from the transfer to buy two goats, which I view as an investment for the future. Goats are valuable assets that can reproduce, providing a long-term source of support for my family. I also paid $100 in school fees for my son, Riziki, who is in secondary school. His education is a priority, and I want to give him every opportunity to succeed. Lastly, I saved the remaining $130 for our family’s upkeep. This money will help cover our daily needs, ensuring we have food and other essentials as we continue to build a better future."

"The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly is the sense of security and progress I now have. Previously, it was challenging to plan for the future, but with the transfers, I have invested in goats, which will multiply and help secure a better future for my family. Soon, I will also have a swamp for irrigation, which will enhance my farming through improved water management. My family is much better off now. I can now invest in things that will benefit us in the long term, such as livestock and farming; opportunities I couldn’t pursue before. These changes have given us hope and the ability to plan for a brighter future."

"I am currently in my third year of secondary school, and I am looking forward to completing my education soon. Right now, my focus is on my studies as I have some outstanding fees to settle. I plan to use my transfers to clear these balances. Additionally, in the upcoming years, I aim to build my own house. I intend to start using a portion of my monthly transfer to cover the building expenses. This way, I can gradually purchase the necessary materials until I have everything I need for construction. I am glad I have managed to start buying a few iron sheet for preparation.Owning a house provides a level of comfort that you don't get when you're relying on others for shelter. Therefore, I am optimistic that I can achieve my dream of having my own house."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, I have plans to allocate a portion of my transfers from GiveDirectly towards livestock rearing, with a focus on goats. As our transfers are about to conclude, I want to invest in an income-generating project, which is why I considered a goat rearing venture. To make this a reality, I am currently saving $20 each month for the investment. I chose goats because they breed quickly and there is ready market for them. I believe that in a few years, once the project is successful, I will be able to sell some of the goats to fund my child's school fees while also covering my family’s basic needs."

"I have set a new goal: to buy more goats and raise them at home to support my family, especially my children's education. It's always a struggle to ensure they can attend school because I lack enough livestock to sell, which would help me easily afford their schooling. Therefore, I plan to use part of my earnings from casual jobs and save about $10 from transfers each month to buy a significant number of goats and build a large herd. I believe this is the best way to secure my family's future, especially when this program comes to an end. Additionally, having a herd will provide me with financial security; if one of my children is sent home for unpaid fees, I can sell a goat to send them back to school."

"Now that I feel my health improving day by day, I’ve set a new goal: to buy goats and keep them in my compound. Currently, I don’t have any goats because I’ve been facing some hardships and rely on my sons for support. To achieve this goal, I plan to set aside a small amount from my transfers within my savings group each month. In a few months, I will be able to buy one or two goats. I’m confident they will thrive here at home, as there is plenty of pasture available. Once I succeed, I’ll have something to fall back on, especially for emergencies, particularly those related to health. This way, I can sell a few goats if needed and easily cover my expenses."

"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."