"It was a normal day, and I was attending to customers at my shop when I received a message confirming that I had received $183 from GiveDirectly. Excited by the news, I quickly checked my mother-in-law’s phone to confirm her message as well, and then headed to her house to share the good news with her. We are grateful to GiveDirectly."

"We initially struggled with capital and faced the risk of losing the money we had spent on renting land for maize. After the floods, our plan to plant maize was stalled, and we feared wasting our investment. However, with the transfer, I used the funds to cultivate the land by planting watermelon instead. This choice proved to be a turning point. The watermelon cultivation, which I managed with a $50 investment in seeds, is thriving. I expect to harvest in less than two months and potentially earn about $1,000 if all goes well.The transfer allowed us to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth."

"I used my first transfer to buy livestock—specifically, two sheep, one for $30 and another for $16, and a cow for $140. I chose to invest in livestock because they are assets that I can sell in the future, providing financial support when needed. Two weeks ago, my nephew was joining college. I had supported him through high school, but I didn’t have the money to pay for his college fees. I had hoped to raise it, but unfortunately, I was unable to. So, I sold the cow for $200 to help cover the fees. My brother doesn’t have a job, and his son is passionate about animal health. He did well in high school despite many challenges, and now he’s pursuing a career in animal health. This motivates me because, through his education, he will become self-sufficient, and our family will benefit in the long run."

"As my wife was preparing supper, I sat in our living room waiting patiently when my phone buzzed. I checked it, and, to my surprise, I saw that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I rushed outside to share the exciting news with my mom, wife, and children. We all felt happy as a family. Later, we sat down to enjoy our dinner, with smiles on our faces, knowing this was a turning point for us."

"I currently work as a motorcycle driver and my main goal is to own my own motorcycle. Right now, I'm using a motorcycle owned by someone else and paying them $4 each time I use it. This leaves me with very little money for myself, let alone for my family. Due to the increasing living standards and a lack of customers, it's becoming a challenge because I have to pay the motorcycle owner daily, making it a very stressful job. However, thanks to GiveDirectly for coming to our rescue. Previously, my children would sleep without eating, but now, with financial support from GiveDirectly, that doesn't happen anymore. I'm hopeful that once I buy my own motorcycle, I'll be able to provide my family with the life they deserve. I plan to save from my income and transfers, and I'm confident that I will buy the motorcycle, ultimately transforming my life and that of my family."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly is owning a proper mattress and finally enjoying good sleep. Before, I slept on a makeshift bedding that left me uncomfortable and tired every morning. Now, with a comfortable mattress, I sleep better, wake up refreshed, and feel energized throughout the day. This simple change has improved not only my physical well-being but also my mood and productivity. I start my day in a better state of mind, which makes me more focused and able to get more done. The impact of having good sleep has been life-changing for me."

"The biggest change in my life since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly is that I now own more assets. Before, I didn’t have a bed or mattress and was sleeping on the floor, which made my nights uncomfortable. Now, with a proper bed, my well-being has greatly improved because I sleep much better. I also lacked basic household items, things I had always wanted but couldn’t afford. Thanks to the cash transfers, I was able to buy these essential items, and this has made a big difference in my family's life. We are more comfortable now, and it feels good to finally have what we need."

"It was a Sunday evening when my neighbors began receiving notifications from GiveDirectly about their money transfers. I kept checking my phone, hoping for a message. Late in the evening, I finally received a notification confirming that I had been sent $200 from GiveDirectly. I was thrilled and grateful. I shared the good news with my entire family, and we celebrated with a joyful supper filled with laughter and gratitude. Knowing that this money would help cover my child's school fees, which was the most urgent concern, brought me immense relief and satisfaction."

"Since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly, the biggest change in my life has been the addition of two more sheep, bringing my total flock to five. I've always wanted to have more sheep because I believe they will help me when my children go to school. With more sheep, I hope to have the resources needed to pay their school fees without struggling. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly’s timely support. This assistance has made a significant difference in my life, and I will always remember their generosity."

"Recently, when I received a $180 cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I saw it as a chance to transform my life. The floods had devastated my house, and the stagnant water around it was creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. To address this, I decided to use $140 to buy construction materials so I could begin rebuilding my home. With the remaining funds, I plan to complete the house, which will allow me to move away from the stagnant water and live in a better, more permanent home. Additionally, I used $40 to buy food. Living alone but close to my son, I had been struggling because we had been in a camp for a month, and once we returned, it was hard to find food due to my financial situation and the lack of available farms. This money has been a lifesaver, helping me secure a safer living environment and essential nourishment."