"In the coming year, I will embark on an extensive maize farming venture to secure both income and food for my family of two. The goal is to reduce our dependence on casual jobs, creating a more sustainable and self-reliant source of livelihood. I plan to allocate $300 for this initiative, strategically investing in high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials to optimize the maize crop yield. To ensure the success of the farming venture, I will actively engage in casual jobs to supplement my income and fund the agricultural project. This dual approach will not only provide financial support but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the endeavor. With careful planning and hard work, I am hopeful that the maize farming initiative will thrive, providing a consistent source of income and nourishment for my family. This future-oriented strategy aims to foster greater financial independence and stability, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future."

"With a vision to expand my salon business into a cosmetics shop, I aim to raise $700 for this venture. The profits generated by the salon, coupled with income from my farming job, will be crucial in achieving this goal. Each satisfied customer and every moment spent tending to the farm contribute to the financial foundation for my dream. The synergy between the salon and the farm creates a dynamic partnership, bringing me closer to the realization of my entrepreneurial vision. As the profits accumulate and the funds grow, the prospect of transforming my business becomes not just a goal but a tangible step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for my family of two."

"Receiving those transfers was a turning point for my family of four, and I eagerly set out to make impactful changes with the newfound financial support. One of the immediate needs was addressing the cramped living conditions we faced in our small, two-roomed house. I allocated $300 to expand and enhance our living space, providing my family with a more comfortable and spacious environment. Recognizing the importance of sustaining our daily needs, I allocated $50 for maize, a step towards food security and a relief from the uncertainty that sometimes accompanied our family's dependence on casual jobs such as weeding and tomato picking. To improve the quality of our rest, I invested $30 in a bed. Understanding the potential for future income and sustainability, I allocated $100 to acquire a goat. Beyond being a source of nourishment, the goat represents an investment that may grow into a larger flock, providing additional income and stability for our family in the long run. With these thoughtful allocations from the transfers, I am elated and excited about the positive changes in our lives."

"I remember clearly being occupied on the farm when I heard my phone buzz with a message. Upon checking, I discovered that the anticipated transfer from GiveDirectly had finally come through. It became the happiest day of my life, filling me with immense joy and gratitude. The excitement was overwhelming, knowing that this transfer marked the beginning of realizing my long-held dream of fencing my land, which I had been unable to achieve earlier due to financial constraints. The arrival of the funds brought great happiness into our lives, and we will always hold a profound sense of appreciation in our hearts."

"I have witnessed the remarkable impact that GiveDirectly has had on families, and I must say, it is truly uplifting. The unconditionality of their support is a game-changer, allowing individuals like myself to make informed decisions about where the funds are best allocated based on our specific needs. This flexibility empowers us to take charge of our circumstances. What impresses me even more is the follow-up process. The fact that they stay engaged and maintain a connection beyond the initial support shows a genuine commitment to ensuring that their assistance is effective and meaningful. This level of care and attention makes a significant difference. From my perspective, nothing should change in their approach. The unconditionality and the follow-up efforts have been crucial in bringing about positive outcomes for families like mine. The current approach is working well, and I am truly appreciative of the direct and impactful support that GiveDirectly provides."

"Receiving the transfers marked a significant turning point in my life, and I made thoughtful allocations to enhance various aspects of my family's well-being. Recognizing the potential for sustainable income, I invested $150 in acquiring a goat, laying the foundation for future financial stability. In the spirit of the festive season, I allocated $20 to purchase clothing for my grandchildren, ensuring they could celebrate with joy and warmth. To improve our sleeping arrangements, I spent $35 on a mattress, enhancing our comfort and overall quality of  rest. Understanding the importance of agricultural endeavors, I allocated $35 for butternut seedlings, a strategic investment that aligns with my plan to sow them on my 1-acre piece of land. An additional $42 went towards maize, a staple food item that contributes to our daily sustenance. The financial prudence is evident in saving $150 and anticipating the last transfers, which will further support my family's needs. The remaining funds were wisely distributed among household goods and transport, ensuring that our day-to-day needs were met. As a family of three dependent on cooking jobs for a living, these transfers have not only eased our financial burden but have also opened up opportunities for sustainable income and growth. I am grateful for the positive impact these transfers have had on my life, uplifting our circumstances and providing a sense of stability and security for my family."

"GiveDirectly has played a crucial role in alleviating hunger in our community by providing families with the means to secure food. The transfers empower individuals, granting them the autonomy to decide how best to address their specific needs and challenges. This flexibility is a significant strength, allowing recipients to tailor the support to their unique circumstances. Moreover, the impact extends beyond addressing immediate hunger. Families have utilized the transfers to construct houses, creating safer and more stable living environments. Additionally, income-generating activities have been initiated, fostering economic sustainability and empowering individuals to build a more secure future. As it stands, everything about GiveDirectly's approach seems effective and positive. The combination of addressing immediate needs and promoting long-term sustainability through income-generating activities is commendable. The autonomy given to recipients ensures that the support is meaningful and tailored to individual circumstances. From my perspective, there is no need for any changes; the organization's approach has proven successful in making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves."

"As a retired teacher with limited resources, pushing my seven children through university, secondary, and primary schools was an uphill battle. I directed a significant portion of the funds, approximately $320, towards settling school fees for my kids. This ensured that they could continue their education without disruption, allowing me to fulfill my role as the breadwinner for our family of nine. The relief was immense; knowing that I could support my children's academic journeys and witness them pursue nursing careers filled me with pride. Realizing the need for diversification, I allocated $60 to revive my struggling retail shop business. Initially on the verge of collapse, the injection of funds breathed new life into the venture. With careful management, I have managed to turn the business around, generating a profit of $2 where none existed before. This additional income has brought a sense of stability to our household. The remaining cash was wisely used to purchase sufficient food supplies, ensuring that my family's basic needs were met for an extended period of time. The unconditional cash transfer has not only eased the financial burden but has also given us a chance at a more secure and hopeful future."

"Four years into my marriage, I had only known hardship, with a dilapidated roof over our heads and a cramped living space that cast a shadow over what should have been the joyful union of marriage. The rainy seasons were particularly trying, forcing us to seek shelter from neighbors and relatives, an ordeal further compounded by the risk of theft. My husband, the sole breadwinner earning a meager $130 a month, struggled to meet our basic needs, let alone dream of a more comfortable dwelling. His responsibilities extended beyond our nuclear family, involving the financial burden of educating his siblings in high school. Therefore, our aspirations for a better life seemed like a distant mirage. Privacy was a luxury, and the anticipation of owning a decent home—a place where my growing family of three could flourish—became the beacon of hope that kept me going. The unconditional cash transfers not only alleviated the financial strain but also fueled the realization of my dream. The prospect of having a house—a sanctuary we could call our own—not only brings joy to my heart but also symbolizes the triumph over the adversities that once defined our marriage. The newfound sense of security and stability has not only transformed our living conditions but has also rekindled the optimism and happiness that every married individual yearns for, which brings the biggest difference in my life."

"My primary goal is to complete my studies and pursue a career in either medicine or engineering. I aim to achieve not only personal success but also to uplift my family from the challenges we currently face. I hope to provide assistance to my parents, creating a positive change and breaking the cycle of our financial struggle. In the end, I aspire to contribute to the holistic development of the village, fostering a brighter future for everyone. I am happy and feel empowered through the assistance that GiveDirectly has provided me."