"Looking ahead to the coming year, my goal is to realize the dream of having my own house, considering that I am currently living in my brother's place. I am pleased to report that I have already started saving towards this endeavor, aiming to begin construction sometime this year. In pursuit of this objective, I plan to utilize both my savings and financial support from my parents. The prospect of having my own home fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment, and I eagerly anticipate a prosperous new year."

"Looking ahead, my objective for the year is to invest in acquiring goats, with the intention of breeding and selling them for a profit. This strategic move aims to ensure that, when the project concludes, I will have a tangible and sustainable asset. Moreover, as the goat population multiplies, the potential income generated can be utilized to meet urgent financial needs, such as covering my children's school fees. I am optimistic about achieving this goal with the upcoming transfers, as the support received has undeniably brought immense joy and value to my life."

"Receiving the transfer has brought about a significant positive change in my life. The most notable difference is the sense of peace I now experience, knowing that there is a promising future for my granddaughter. While I haven't been able to fully clear even half of her school fee arrears, I find solace in having settled a portion, marking progress towards a solution. Moreover, my dietary habits have improved since I started receiving the transfer. Previously limited to two meals, I can now afford a three-course meal. This positive shift in my nutrition not only contributes to my overall health but also enhances my strength for carrying out farm work. The improvement in both my granddaughter's educational prospects and my own well-being reflects the tangible impact of the financial assistance."

"I had harbored the dream of attending a secretarial college ever since I graduated from high school in 2018. Thanks to the support from the cash transfers, I realized this dream when I enrolled in college last September. Given that my parents are not actively employed – my father being physically challenged and my mother serving as his caregiver – the responsibility of covering my tuition fees falls solely on my shoulders. My goal is to complete college within the two-year program without facing any struggles in paying tuition. I am optimistic that the cash transfers, supplemented by potential bursary funding, will enable me to manage my fees, which amount to at least $330 per semester. I believe that obtaining a college degree will pave the way for my dream job as a secretary and, in turn, help support my family in the future."

"For years, the tranquility of sheltering under an iron roof was a luxury I had never experienced. Residing in a deteriorating grass-thatched house with weak walls created a challenging living situation. During rain, the bizarre reality unfolded as the entire house would flood, compelling us to seek alternative shelter. Despite my previous attempts to save and build a stable house, financial constraints made it an insurmountable challenge. Gratitude fills me as I acknowledge the transformative impact of GiveDirectly, enabling me to realize my dream of a secure home with the first transfer. This support facilitated the acquisition of essential building materials, including iron sheets and building poles, which were previously beyond my financial reach. The completion of my new, spacious iron-roofed house marks a significant milestone, bringing immense joy and relief from the constant worry about rain. Not only am I accommodated comfortably, but my children are also now sheltered in a secure environment. In addition to the improved living conditions, the financial assistance allowed me to invest in four goats, serving as valuable assets for potential future financial needs. The positive transformation in my life, courtesy of GiveDirectly's support, is something I deeply appreciate."

"What GiveDirectly accomplished for us was an extraordinary act of kindness that will forever be etched in our memories. We were trapped in a cycle of impoverished living conditions with seemingly no way out. GiveDirectly emerged as a transformative force, a true lifesaver that enabled us to achieve numerous milestones and elevate our quality of life. The pivotal factor in this positive change was the unwavering financial support we received from GiveDirectly. Presently, we enjoy the luxury of decent shelter, and we have acquired livestock, which stands as a valuable asset we can rely on in times of financial need. Additionally, our children are thriving in school, thanks to the support provided. This profound transformation would not have been possible without the timely intervention and generosity of GiveDirectly, for which we are deeply grateful. There is nothing GiveDirectly falls short of in its operations and in delivering unconditional transfers."

"With the first transfer, I prioritise $240 in building a two-bedroom house for my six daughters. It was disheartening to share a room with them and their father, and I wanted to give them the privacy they deserved. The joy in their eyes when they saw the metal sheets for the house made every penny worthwhile. As a farmer, I often took up casual work to supplement our income, earning an unpredictable $2 per day. My husband, a casual worker, could make $15 on a good week, but it was never enough to cover our family's needs. With $65, I purchased a sack of maize, addressing the issue of hunger that had been affecting their health. Another $20 went towards buying second-hand clothes for my children, saving them from the embarrassment of wearing the same outfits repeatedly. Finally, I invested $80 in two goats, hoping that their multiplication would serve as a source of financial security for our family's future. The unconditional cash transfer not only met our immediate needs but also allowed us to build a foundation for a better life."

"With a limited income from unpredictable casual jobs and the responsibility of being the sole provider for my household, life has become a constant struggle. My husband, who is elderly and suffers from chest problems, remains at home, relying on me to meet our daily needs. With the transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I spent $160 to address the food problem. I used $130 to construct a toilet, addressing a pressing issue that had forced us to resort to unsanitary practices in the bush. Additionally, I invested $84 in new furniture to enhance our comfort. Previously, we had been using traditional stools, but this upgrade has significantly improved our living space. Unfortunately, I fell ill and had to allocate $20 for medication to address both malaria and typhoid. Amidst these struggles, I prioritized my son's education by spending $5.5 on 11 school exercise books, ensuring he continued his studies with the necessary materials. Recognizing the importance of livestock in our livelihood, I spent $30 on veterinary drugs for our goats. Maintaining their health is crucial for our overall well-being and sustenance. Lastly, I used $20 for transportation. Despite the challenges, I remain determined to provide a better life for my younger son, grandchild, and ailing husband. The support received from GiveDirectly has been a lifesaver during these difficult times, and I am grateful for the assistance that has allowed us to address some of our most pressing needs."

"I invested in the garden. I am too expectant that I will have too much of the yields this coming season"

"My foremost goal is to fortify my financial independence by strategically investing in assets, specifically goats. Recognizing the impermanence of certain aid programs like GiveDirectly, I aim to secure a sustainable future for myself. By purchasing more goats, I envision building a valuable asset base that can generate income through breeding and sales. This strategic move is motivated by a desire to cease dependency on my children for financial support, ensuring that I have a tangible resource to fall back on. I believe that by making prudent investments, I can not only weather the uncertainties of external aid but also pave the way for a more self-reliant and secure future."