"Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was very thankful and took time to plan how to use the money and prioritize my needs. At that time, it was just after the recent floods that hit our village, which swept away my bedding. I had been sleeping on the floor with makeshift bedding, which was cold and made the nights feel even longer. I decided to use $90 to buy a bed and a comfortable mattress. Now, I can’t wait for nighttime because of how comfortable my bed is. I also spent $82 on iron sheets because I plan to build a small, separate kitchen. This way, even when it rains, I can continue with my household chores without being affected. I am so happy and grateful for GiveDirectly’s support, which has enabled me to have basic items like a bed and mattress, making my nights much more comfortable."

"While I was at home with two of my kids, since the other three were in school, I received a message notification. At first, I wasn't sure if it was from GiveDirectly, but after scrolling further, I confirmed that it indeed was. I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and filled with hope because I knew exactly how I would use the money to improve my life. My immediate thought was to clear the school fees balance for my kids, ensuring their education could continue without any interruptions."

"Every mother strives to work hard and provide the best life possible for their family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for me. I am currently struggling to put food on the table and buy my family other basic needs such as bedding and clothes. This is embarrassing and it is slowly killing my ambition as a father. I was optimistic about having a bumper harvest last season on my one acre of land. My crops were not spared by the April flash floods. I managed to harvest one bag of maize and this was the biggest loss that I had experienced."

"Before receiving transfers from GiveDirectly, my children used to sleep on the floor on mats, which was very risky due to crawling creatures like snakes that sometimes made their way into the house. The worst part was when water came into the house, they were the first to be affected since they were lying on the floor. But now, thanks to the support, they sleep on a bed, and I am so relieved that they are warm, safe from water, and no longer at risk from those dangerous animals. My living room is also more welcoming and spacious because I bought new cushions and the room was made bigger."

"Before receiving the cash from GiveDirectly, my motorbike was in such bad shape that it was useless lying at home. The thought of the high transport costs for getting my maize and vegetables to the drying area was daunting. But with the transfers, I was able to repair the motorbike, and now moving around is so much easier. I could transport my maize to the drying area without any hassle, and I could go there daily to spread it out properly. This has ensured that my maize meets the required quality standards, something I couldn’t have managed before."

"My goal is to have cows in the coming year. I have bought 3 goats so far, 4 ducks and 6 chicken which I have all gotten thanks to the transfers. My plan is to build this number to be able to exchange them for cows. I cow can be bought for the price of six goats. I believe animals are a good place to start with investments that will ensure I educate my children and feed them"

"In the coming year and beyond, my major goal is to establish a goat farming investment. I have realized that raising goats is a smart way to secure my family's future. I plan to start small and gradually build a herd that will grow over time. As the herd increases, I can begin selling the male goats, which will provide a steady income to support my family's needs, from food to education. This investment will give me the stability I've been searching for, allowing me to take care of my loved ones and ensure we have a better, brighter future."

"In the coming year, my biggest hope is to finally get a better bed and a new mattress. Right now, the bed I have is broken, and my mattress is so tattered that it's hard to get a good night's sleep. I want to save little by little so that I can afford a sturdy bed and a comfortable mattress. With each month, I’ll set aside what I can until I have enough to make this happen. I believe that with better rest, I’ll have more energy and peace of mind to face each day and take care of my family."

"In the upcoming year, my main goal is to start a small shop that will provide a reliable source of income for my family. I have been carefully saving what I can and plan to continue setting aside some money each month to achieve this dream. With each bit I save, I am one step closer to opening the doors of my shop. This shop will not only provide for my family's daily needs but also give us financial stability. This business will be the foundation on which I build a better future for my family."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main focus is to ensure my son's success in his university studies, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Education. Every day, I dedicate myself to supporting his educational journey, from managing our budget to making sure he has all the resources he needs. I hope that by providing him with a stable foundation, he will excel in his studies. As he completes his degree, I envision him using his education to make a positive impact in our community, inspiring future generations."