"With my second transfer, I decided to buy building materials with the intention of constructing a new house for my children. The current house, which is grass-thatched, was temporarily damaged by floods, and its condition is deteriorating. During the rains, water comes in, making it uncomfortable and unsafe. Repairing the grass roof has been a constant challenge because we used to get the grass from the lake, but now the lake is fully covered by water, making it impossible to access. This is why I want to build a house with iron sheets, as it will not only protect my children from the rain but also save me from the stress of constantly repairing the roof. I plan to use my final transfer to buy the remaining materials and begin construction. By investing in this new house, I hope to provide a more secure and comfortable living space for my family, ensuring they are safe and well protected in the future."

"Where I used to live was prone to floods, and after experiencing repeated losses, I knew I had to make a change. Therefore, upon receiving the GiveDirectly money, I decided to demolish my old house and relocate to higher ground, where it would be safer for my family. I spent a total of $250 to build a new house, using $100 to buy iron sheets, $100 for frames and posts, and $50 to pay for labor. Since I had lost all my crops to the floods, I also needed to think about our future food supply and income; thus, I spent $50 to prepare land and buy bean seeds for planting. Additionally, I set aside another $50 for crop management practices to ensure the beans grow well and can support us in the long term. Furthermore, I spent $70 on food because, at the time, we lacked enough after losing nearly two acres of maize to the flood. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy clothes for my children, ensuring they had decent attire and could feel the positive impact of GiveDirectly's support."

"What I love most about GiveDirectly is how they send the money directly to our phones, ensuring it reaches us without any fraud or middlemen. Additionally, the unconditional nature of the transfers is remarkable because it allows us to address our own unique and pressing needs without restrictions. Every family has different challenges, and this flexibility lets us prioritize what matters most. Honestly, I see no areas for improvement; GiveDirectly should continue with the same approach. Mine is just a heartfelt thank you."

"I had just arrived home from herding my goats when my sister called out to me, telling me that people had received money from GiveDirectly. Since I did not know how to operate my phone, I asked her to check for me, and she confirmed that I had received it. I was so happy, and my first thought was about my family. I knew I had to buy food and other essentials. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"Food used to be a big problem for me because I am old and can no longer work or do any casual jobs. I always relied on my children, and although they have always provided for me, they also have their own families to care for. Since receiving cash from GiveDirectly, I no longer depend on them for my daily needs. Now, I can buy my own food, and it feels good not to burden my children anymore. Knowing I have pending transfers gives me hope for the future. I am truly grateful, GiveDirectly."

"Before I received cash from GiveDirectly, my children and I used to sit on stones because we had nothing else. We fled from our previous home in a hurry, escaping the war, and had to leave everything behind, including our chairs. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we now have chairs to sit on, and it feels like a small but significant change in our lives. The relief I feel, knowing I can provide such basic comforts for my family, is something I will never take for granted. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"We currently reside in a small one-room house. With my transfers, I plan to build a two-room house with a verandah to better support my family. To achieve this, I have been investing part of my transfers in purchasing goats, as they are easy to rear and thrive well in our area. I intend to sell some once their numbers have increased significantly. The income generated will help me buy building materials to realize my dream house. Moreover, the walls of my current house are weak, and I worry that it might collapse if heavy rains occur. Therefore, I am allocating part of my transfer to start acquiring some building materials in preparation for construction."

"My primary focus right now is renovating my house, which urgently needs repairs due to its poor condition. Two of its walls and part of the roof are severely damaged because of its age, making the risk of collapse very high. Over the past three months, I have used cash transfers to purchase building materials and begin the renovation process. However, the work is not yet complete. I plan to use the upcoming transfers to buy the remaining materials and finish the renovations. I am exhausted from constantly worrying about harsh weather and the fear that the house might collapse and harm us. I believe that once this dream is realized, I will finally have peaceful nights free from worry, and my family will feel safe and secure again."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest in goat rearing. At first, I considered purchasing cows, but due to the current drought, many cattle owners have faced significant losses as most of their cows perished from the lack of water. Therefore, I have decided against raising cattle. To reach my goal, I intend to allocate a portion of my monthly transfer from Givedirectly to invest in goats. I also have aspirations of attending college, which is why I came up with this idea; once the goats multiply sufficiently, I can sell some and use the funds to further my education. My spouse has also guaranteed his support for my educational pursuits, so I am hopeful that in the coming year and beyond, I will be able to enroll in college and pursue my desired course of study."

"We live in a dry region prone to extreme droughts during the dry season, which has greatly affected our livelihood. Agriculture is often futile here; whenever we try to grow crops, the intense heat and lack of water cause them to dry up, leaving us with significant losses.Our family’s primary source of income is livestock keeping, which we depend on for basic needs and to pay school fees for our children. However, during the dry season, our livestock suffer immensely due to a lack of pasture and water. The harsh conditions make it incredibly difficult to care for them, and we often watch helplessly as their health deteriorates.The drought not only threatens our livestock but also pushes us to the brink as a family, struggling to manage our lives and meet essential needs. These challenges weigh heavily on us, especially when we think about the future of our children and how to sustain their education amid such hardships."