"Receiving the transfers was a transformative moment for me and my family, allowing me to address several crucial needs. Education is a top priority, and I allocated $150 to cover school fees, ensuring that my children could continue their academic pursuits without hindrance. A significant improvement to our living conditions was made possible by investing $100 in cement for the floor of our two-roomed house. While the construction was completed, financial constraints had previously prevented me from cementing the floor. Now, with the transfers, our home is more comfortable, and the living space has been enhanced. Essentials like bedding and furniture were lacking, but the transfers provided the means to rectify this. I am grateful that I could allocate $100 to create a more comfortable and secure environment for my family of six. Recognizing the importance of access to light, I spent $15 on a solar light. This not only enhances our living conditions but also provides a sustainable and reliable source of illumination. The remainder of the funds were wisely utilized for transportation and the upkeep of my children in college, ensuring that they could continue their education without added financial burdens. I am thankful for the positive impact of these transfers, which have enabled me to address various needs, creating a more conducive and supportive environment for my family's well-being."

"In the upcoming year, my focus is on improving the living conditions for my family of five. Our current one-roomed house feels cramped as the children grow, and I am eager to provide them with the privacy and space they need. To realize this vision, I have set a goal to allocate $450 towards expanding our living quarters. To fund this housing venture, I am committed to attending casual jobs alongside my regular farming work. It's a dual effort to ensure that I can raise the necessary funds to create a more comfortable and spacious home for my loved ones. The desire to offer my family a better living environment is a driving force, and I believe that this investment will contribute significantly to their well-being and overall quality of life. As I juggle the demands of casual jobs and farming, the goal of expanding our home serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter and more comfortable future for my family."

"In the approaching months, my primary objective is to provide financial support to my wife by covering her school fees. The culmination of her two-year course holds the promise of substantial benefits for our family. I eagerly anticipate witnessing her undertake her examinations and acquire the essential certifications to enhance her employment prospects. I express profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated my college completion but also enabled me to procure sustenance for my young family and invest in the acquisition of two cows."

"Looking ahead, my primary focus in the upcoming months is to expand my investment in acquiring livestock. As the herd expands, it will generate income through future sales. Concurrently, I aim to finalize the construction of my house, having completed the walls and now progressing to the remaining task of roofing. Subsequently, I intend to utilize my forthcoming transfers to procure the necessary iron sheets and complete the construction. I am grateful for the support provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated the purchase of food during the drought but also has enabled us to prepare our land as we embrace the arrival of rainfall."

"Life has become so tougher because of the lack of a reliable source of income. Imagine with a family of 7, I have for a long period of time depending on charcoal work. This job is very tiresome and its income is usually low, mostly $40 per month. Considering the many needs of my family, it has never been easy to take care of them. Sometimes, my children are sent home due to lack of fees while at home we forfeit meals or survive on one in a day. Looking at my house is also another reason to shed tears because it's grass-thatched and during the rainy season, I always change my bed position. What a life of worries!"

"Having separated from my husband for 7 months now is something that has left me desperately taking care of my 2 children single-handedly. Since I do not have a job to depend on, I have survived at the mercy of my parents. Casual jobs and some farm work are what I am actively engaged in, activities that can not earn me cash. This has affected my children because they are yet to join school despite being of age. This has devoured my mind as a mother, a situation that has made me unhappy. Hence, the lack of a reliable job is basically what has made my life harder."

"EATING FOOD REGULARLY AND TAKING IS SOMETHING THAT HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. WE ARE ALL HAPPY AND EATING WELL"

"The feeling of not achieving my ambitions has made me unhappy because life has become harder. The charcoal work which I have depended on, all my life is very strenuous and low-paying. Currently, this job is not reliable since our area is now deforested and I am forced to dig out the tree remains to make charcoal. In a month, I make only $30 which I spend on food and school fees for my daughter. Considering the many and recurrent needs at home, I have for a long time lived a life full of stress. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income stands out as my biggest challenge."

"As I await my college enrollment in September, I recognize the considerable duration until then. To stay engaged and secure an additional income stream, I intend to establish a small vegetable-selling business. This venture will not only keep me occupied but also provide me with a source of revenue. I plan to set aside a portion of the earnings as savings to support me as I transition into college. The financial assistance I have received has been invaluable, enabling me to complete my education without the previous burden of lingering school fee debts, which often confined me to staying at home."

"Now that I have a good start with some goats, my big goal is to add a cow to my little animal family. I want to grow my herd of livestock because it means more possibilities for me and my family. A cow can provide us with milk and even more income opportunities. With hard work and the support I got from GiveDirectly, I'm looking forward to making this dream a reality and creating a better future for us all."