"Receiving monetary assistance from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. Before, I struggled to make ends meet with only occasional work, while my husband's salary from the municipal council barely covered our family's basic needs. Our home had a leaking and almost open roof that I couldn't afford to fix all at once. However, with financial support, I was finally able to purchase the necessary iron sheets to repair the roof, ensuring that my family had a safe and secure shelter. This act not only alleviated the constant worry about the roof collapsing but also brought a newfound sense of stability and security to our lives. Now, we can rest easy knowing that our home is protected from the harsh weather, and I can focus on finding more sustainable ways to support my family."

"With the money I received, I made careful choices for the well-being of my family's future. Investing in two high-breed goats for $140 felt like a smart move, a step towards financial stability down the line. Being a widow with two sons working irregular jobs, I knew the importance of securing our food source. So, I used $50 to purchase a sack of maize, ensuring we had sustenance at home while they toiled in town. But my decisions weren't solely about finances; they were also about improving our quality of life. My differently-abled son deserved a comfortable house, so I allocated $168 towards building him a new one, complete with 14 iron sheets. Seeing the construction underway fills me with joy, knowing that soon he'll have a safe and pleasant space to call his own. Additionally, I invested in my well-being by purchasing a good bed and finally finding rest and comfort after nights of discomfort."

"With the money I received, I decided to fix up our leaking house. I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets, along with ridges, nails, and roofing timbers, and hired a contractor for $90 to do the repairs. It cost me $530 in total, but now my family and I can enjoy living in a cozy home, safe from the rainwater seeping through the roof. The relief of knowing we won't have to endure those leaks anymore is priceless. After taking care of the house, I still had $10 left. I used it to pay off some debts at a shop where I had taken items on credit. Clearing those debts lifted a weight off my shoulders, bringing me peace of mind. Now, with our home secure and debts settled, I feel a sense of stability and security for my family's future."

"I am elderly, and I spend most of my time at home because I am suffering from hypertension. My current goal is to maintain my health. I rely on the monthly transfers to purchase my medications and make sure I always have a balanced diet. Thanks to these transfers, I am able to receive the necessary treatment without causing a financial burden on my sons, who were previously struggling to raise money for my medication. I am grateful for the assistance I receive."

"I don't have any other goals besides maintaining my health because I'm suffering from hypertension and arthritis. Fortunately, the transfers have ensured that I receive the necessary treatment on time, and I am able to cover the medical expenses, including having doctors visit me at home. This would have been a challenge if it weren't for GiveDirectly's support."

"My goal is to ensure that my six grandsons, who are now under my care after their father passed away, continue their studies without any interruptions. As an elderly person, I spend most of my time at home, and I receive minimal support from my other sons who are engaged in casual jobs and have big families to take care of. I am grateful for the support provided by GiveDirectly, and I believe that my grandsons will be able to stay in school and achieve their educational goals."

"My current goal is to return to high school and improve my grades after performing poorly in 2019. This was due to my inability to afford the required fees, which resulted in me being sent home for entire terms, causing me to miss important lessons and classes. Since then, I have not had the opportunity to attend college and pursue a desirable course. However, with the monthly support, I am can now pay my fees on time, reducing the risk of being discontinued. My aim is to study for two years, repeating Form Three and improving my academic performance, in order to increase my chances of joining college upon completion."

"Thank you so much, GiveDirectly, for providing us with unconditional cash. We are grateful for the opportunity to make our own decisions regarding how to utilize the funds, addressing our specific problems and expenses. However, now that I have food readily available at my homestead, we have shifted our focus away from burning charcoal. Instead, we are dedicating our efforts to preparing our farms and engaging in farming activities, which we anticipate will yield greater returns compared to charcoal production. The first time I heard about GiveDirectly in Loboi location, I eagerly awaited the cash transfer. I was overjoyed because it wasn't a loan that required repayment. Furthermore, I urge you to continue helping other villages in the same manner you have assisted us. Your support has made a significant difference in our lives."

"My future goal is to expand my livestock holdings. I am confident that by investing in more animals, they will multiply over time. This will not only provide a stable source of income but also serve as a safety net in case of emergencies. I am deeply grateful for the financial support I have received thus far, as it has provided me with the means to work towards securing a more stable and prosperous future for my family and I."

"Now that I have secured a roof over my head, my next goal is to invest my upcoming transfers in purchasing livestock, particularly goats. I see this as a wise investment strategy, especially considering that the financial transfers will cease after five years. By acquiring goats, I anticipate their multiplication over this period, providing me with a sustainable source of income beyond the five-year timeframe. I am immensely grateful for the support I have received from the transfers, as it has significantly improved my quality of life and provided me with hope for the future."