"The transfer came as a relief to us. My two secondary school children were due to report back to school, but I did not have any money for their fees. One had arrears of $190 and the other $150, and they would not have been accepted back without at least a partial payment. This worried me greatly because I could not bear seeing them at home and missing school. The transfer came just in time. I immediately deposited $50 into each of their bank accounts for their fees. We were also struggling with food since casual employment was hard to find after most of the farms in our area were destroyed by floods. Securing a meal was a daily challenge; we could only have porridge in the morning and hope for a better meal in the evening, relying on the few surviving vegetables on my farm. I could sell it to ensure my children did not go hungry. With the transfer, I used $50 to buy food, allowing us to have three meals a day. I also used the remaining $50 to lease half an acre of land in an area unaffected by floods, where I planted maize for both family consumption and to sell the surplus to support my children's education."

"My life has not been the same since my legs became paralyzed two years ago due to a long-term illness. This condition left me disabled, and unable to provide for my family. I am grateful that my spouse stepped in and did everything she could to support our family of five. However, her efforts were not enough to cover all our basic needs, and my children often missed meals or had to borrow food from our neighbours, which was embarrassing but unavoidable. When I received the transfer, it was a lifeline. I used $60 to buy food, ensuring that we would not go hungry for a while. I am happy to see the health improvements in my children as a result. I also used $95 to buy two mattresses—one for us parents and the other for our children. We had been sleeping on old rugs, which was very uncomfortable, especially given my condition. Now, we can sleep comfortably. I used the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children in primary school. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this possible."

"GiveDirectly did well by transforming my life from a state of desperation to one of dignity and stability. Before their support, I was struggling with fee arrears for my children's education and living in poor housing conditions. The assistance I received moved me from scratch to a level of identity where I could finally manage my financial responsibilities and provide a better environment for my family. Its processes were clear and understandable, making it easy for me to access and utilize the funds effectively."

"In the coming year and beyond, I aspire to launch irrigation farming in Galana, a fertile area near the river. My initial goal is to cultivate maize crops for sale, leveraging the proximity to water to ensure a steady yield and income. I plan to start small, investing carefully to build up my farming operations. As I gain experience and resources, my next step will be to purchase a plot of land in Galana. Owning my piece of land will not only secure my farming future but also eliminate the uncertainty of leasing. This strategic progression will empower me to expand my agricultural activities, increase productivity, and ultimately achieve financial stability for myself and my family."

"Since receiving payments from GiveDirectly, my life has taken a dramatic turn for the better. Before, we faced immense challenges; there were times when hunger haunted us for days on end, at least a day per week, and our children could miss school because of hunger. Now, with the financial support, we have food security, ensuring that no one in my family goes hungry anymore. My children attend school without the distraction of empty stomachs. One of the first things that stood out was adding an extra room to my one-room mud-wall house so that my growing family could live comfortably and with dignity. I could only dream of it before, but now it has become a reality, thanks to GiveDirectly's support."

"GiveDirectly has excelled in providing direct cash transfers efficiently to those in need, ensuring quick access to financial support without bureaucratic delays. Their approach of giving recipients control over how they use the money fosters empowerment and autonomy, which are crucial for sustainable impact. However, I would suggest delivering the entire $1100 in one installment rather than splitting it into two phases. This would eliminate potential disruptions or delays between payments, ensuring recipients can make immediate and comprehensive use of the funds for their most pressing needs, whether in education, healthcare, or starting a small business. This streamlined approach could enhance the overall impact of GiveDirectly's assistance, providing recipients with more stability and certainty in planning for their future."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly excels in transparency and inclusivity throughout their processes. From the outset, they clearly outline how transfers would be distributed and ensure that recipients understand every step. During meetings, they actively seek our input, making us feel valued and involved in decision-making. This transparency builds trust and empowers us to voice concerns or suggestions, knowing they will be heard. However, one area for improvement could be enhancing follow-up support. While initial assistance is comprehensive, ongoing guidance or resources to ensure long-term impact could further empower recipients. This could include workshops on financial planning or access to skill-building programs to enhance sustainability beyond the immediate aid. Overall, GiveDirectly's commitment to transparency and community engagement is commendable."

"GiveDirectly did an excellent job in every aspect of its operations. From the very beginning, they ensured that everything was clear and transparent. They organized meetings where we were all informed about the process and what to expect. This transparency helped build trust within the community. Furthermore, during these meetings, we were given numerous opportunities to voice our opinions and concerns, which made us feel valued and respected. The staff was always approachable and willing to listen, ensuring everyone’s views were considered. This inclusive approach not only made the process smooth but also fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility."

"As a single parent with a young daughter, I face ongoing financial challenges. After leaving my marital home in Cassava, which was a difficult decision made in February 2024, I have been struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately, my husband has not been providing much support for our daily needs, leaving my daughter and me in a financially precarious situation. To cope with this, I have resorted to various measures, such as selling Maandazi and assisting my mother in selling palm wine. These activities are not ideal, especially considering the environment they expose my children to, but I am doing what I can to provide for my family."

"I am a father of eight children, six boys and two girls. To provide for my family, I engage in subsistence farming. When I received the second transfer of $530, I made a life-changing decision to build a one-room mud wall house with a spacious sitting room and an iron sheet roof. This was a significant step for us because, until then, we had been living with my brother-in-law, lacking a place to call our own. The transfer allowed us to create a secure and stable home, something I had always dreamed of for my family. With the first transfer, I purchased a piece of land, laying the foundation for our future. The second transfer allowed me to construct the house on this plot, transforming that dream into a reality. Now, we have a place where my children can grow up with security and stability. This new home has brought immense joy and relief to our lives, as we no longer have to depend on the kindness of relatives for shelter. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can gratefully and confidently say we have a place to call home."