"The officers were very friendly and patient, ensuring we understood how we would receive the money and in how many phases. Their transparency and kindness made me feel secure and valued. This thorough orientation reassured us that we were in capable hands, and I felt hopeful for the first time in a long while. The transfers from GiveDirectly were a true blessing, offering a level of autonomy I had never experienced before. With the money, I was able to make choices that best suited my needs and aspirations. I invested in a sewing machine, leveraging the skills I had acquired in school but had never been able to utilize fully due to a lack of resources. Now, I can generate income by making and selling clothes. This opportunity has not only improved my financial situation but also restored my confidence and sense of purpose. GiveDirectly has done more than just provide money; they have empowered me to build a sustainable future for myself and my family."

"When the officers from GiveDirectly arrived in our village, they took the time to explain every detail about the program with remarkable clarity. They told us where the money came from, how GiveDirectly operates, and the precise process by which we would receive our funds. This transparency was reassuring and built a sense of trust within our community. Moreover, the friendliness of the GiveDirectly officers made a significant impact. They were approachable and genuinely interested in our well-being. This level of personal engagement was something we had not experienced with other aid programs. Their kindness and patience not only put us at ease but also created a positive and respectful environment. Thanks to their efforts, we felt valued and respected, which reinforced our confidence in GiveDirectly and its mission."

"The staff from GiveDirectly made a significant effort to ensure we understood every aspect of the program. They talked to us in detail, explaining how the money would be distributed and what we could expect. Their clear and transparent communication really stood out for me. They were patient, answered all our questions, and made sure we were comfortable with the process. Receiving the money had a profound impact on our village. It wasn't just a few individuals who benefited; everyone in the village received the funds, fostering a sense of unity. Within my own household, we felt a new level of togetherness and shared responsibility. The funds allowed us to meet our needs and even save a little for the future. I genuinely believe that there is nothing to change about the program—it worked perfectly as it was."

"We live in a house that is made of palm leaf roofing, and I have always dreamt of having a house made of an iron sheet roof. My plan for the future is to build the house of my dreams. To achieve this, I first need to have food security so that the transfers I use to buy food can be redirected to buying building materials.Therefore, in the next planting season, I plan to put in extra effort in land preparation and farming generally, hoping that the rains will come to allow our farms to yield bountiful harvests. This will enable me to gradually start buying building materials with some of the transfers. I will be very happy and excited to own the house of my dreams. I also plan to use a portion of the transfers to start a kiosk where I will be selling non-perishable goods, which will be our daily source of income for our family's sustenance."

"I used my previous transfers and ventured into turkey farming, and my plan is to continue using my transfers to grow this venture. Currently, I have 22 turkeys, and my hope is that they continue multiplying and grow in number and value so that I may be able to sell them in the future. I have already identified a market for them, and when I sell some of them, I plan to use the proceeds to buy goats. It is my hope that these goats too will multiply and increase in number, and I will trade some of them in the future for milk cows and use the milk for my family's consumption. These cows, too, I hope, will multiply and increase in number so that I may be able to sell some in the future. I want to have a variety of livestock on my farm so that I may sell some and start a kiosk where I will be selling non-perishable goods and have a daily income-generating source for daily sustenance for my family. Thereafter, I plan to build a rental house in the future to have a consistent income-generating project. To build this house, I will use the proceeds I will make from selling some of my livestock. Since we consider livestock our banks, leveraging the transfers to invest in livestock is a proactive step to creating a reliable and growing asset base that can provide for my family's needs even after the transfers come to an end."

"Previously, I had a plan to start a dried fish-selling business, and I did venture into it. However, after a few months, I realized that I was not making much progress with the business, so I had to stop it and take another course. My plan for this year and beyond is to continue saving a portion of my transfers in a merry-go-round group. When I receive the pooled funds, I plan to use them to buy more livestock, especially goats and some chickens. I hope that these animals will increase in number and value so that, in the future, I can trade them for cows, particularly for milk. The milk will be for my household consumption, providing nutrition for my family, and any surplus can be sold. These milk cows will also multiply and increase in number and value. I plan to sell the cows in the future to support my family. This livestock investment strategy is my new focus, as I believe it will be more successful and sustainable than the dried fish business I previously attempted."

"The biggest difference since receiving unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is our new home. Our previous house was just one room with a leaking roof, making life difficult for my wife, our 3-year-old son, and I. We used to stay in town because going back home was challenging due to the house's condition. Now, we have a warm, comfortable house of our own, free from leaks. It's changed everything for us, providing stability and peace of mind that we didn't have before."

"The biggest difference I've seen is the relief from the constant stress of not having enough food. With the money, I was able to buy enough food items to last my family for a month, easing my worries about our next meal. Looking ahead, I'm hopeful about starting a tailoring business in the nearby shopping center once I receive the next transfers. This will not only provide a sustainable income but also ensure a steady food supply for us. Additionally, another significant change is the prospect of moving into my own house. Currently, we stay in my brother's house, which can feel uncomfortable when they return for holidays. Having our own place will bring a sense of stability and belonging for me and my children. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for giving me the opportunity to dream and plan for a brighter future."

"It was on 14th June when I had gone to the farm, and upon returning home, I decided to check my phone. The moment I saw the message informing me that I had received the transfers from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I immediately shared the news with my husband, who was puzzled at first by my laughter. His confusion quickly turned into joy, and together we began to plan how we would use the money to build a new house, as the one we were currently living in was falling apart."

"Since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've noticed in my life is that I now own a cow, which is an asset I had always wanted but never thought I could afford. This cow not only provides a sense of security for my family but also a potential source of income in the future. Additionally, I have been able to pay for my children's school fees consistently. Before, they would often be sent back home because I couldn't afford the fees, but now they attend school without interruption. This brings me immense relief and joy to see them getting their education without such hurdles and I cannot be grateful enough for GiveDirectly's support."