"The transfer has brought a sense of hope, offering me the opportunity to pursue a cherished dream of constructing my own house. As a single mother navigating the challenges of raising two children, the journey has been marked by significant hurdles, particularly with the sole reliance on maize farming for income, which has been severely affected by persistent drought over the past three years. Currently residing in my brother's house, it has been uncomfortable, especially with my two children, as it seems to impose a burden on him. My father has generously provided me with land, but financial constraints prevented me from constructing a home. I have saved $300 from the second transfer, and I intend to combine it with the third transfer to commence the construction of a two-room house made of iron sheets. This dwelling has been a longstanding aspiration, and the funds from the transfer have become a crucial catalyst for turning this dream into reality. To diversify my income sources, I used $10 to purchase three goats, expanding my existing herd with the anticipation of breeding and multiplying them. This holds the promise of becoming a sustainable source of income through future sales. I allocated the remaining amount to purchase food for my family. This ensures that, despite the financial challenges, we have a reliable supply of food to meet our daily needs."

"What stood out the most was the exceptional courtesy and accommodation displayed by their staff, particularly those in the field. The genuine warmth and respect they extended during the process made me feel valued and understood, eliminating any apprehensions I may have had. I feel there is nothing that GiveDirectly should change but keep up the good work."

"I am impressed by GiveDirectly's impactful intervention in my life. Through their unconditional cash transfer, I was not only able to secure a stable roof over our heads in the form of a new home but also relieve the burden of my husband's medical expenses. The simplicity and directness of their approach made the entire process smooth and efficient. The flexibility they provided allowed us to address our most pressing needs with the financial support they offered. The positive outcomes I experienced underline the effectiveness of GiveDirectly's goal. In my view, their services are exemplary, and I believe that nothing should be changed about the way they are transforming lives through their direct and empowering assistance."

"While I was diligently plowing the land in a nearby village, steering the tractor that constitutes my primary source of income, a message suddenly appeared, confirming a generous $200 from GiveDirectly. Waves of joy surged within me, yet I restrained my elation in front of my fellow workers, focusing on my task at hand. As the day wore on and I returned home, I couldn't contain the news from my expectant wife. Her eyes lit up with pure delight upon hearing about the unexpected blessing. The overwhelming emotion that enveloped us centered on the certainty of a brighter future for our 3-year-old and our unborn child. At that moment, gratitude overflowed from our hearts to GiveDirectly for their unwavering support."

"Upon receiving $200, we allocated $115 toward constructing a pit latrine. For the longest time, we relied on our neighbor's facility, which was unhygienic and inconvenient, especially with visitors around. We dedicated $45 to drilling and $70 to procure construction materials, finally securing a crucial aspect of our home life. With $55, we purchased topdressing fertilizer to enhance our maize farm during its growth stage. This was timely, as we lacked the funds for such necessities. Another $10 we used for petrol, crucial for operating the generator, essential for pumping purposes during fertilizer application. Remaining mindful of our family's sustenance, we dedicated $20 to purchasing food. Our family of four, including three children, relies primarily on farming for sustenance. When conditions are unfavorable, we engage in casual jobs to ensure our family's well-being. This support arrived precisely when we needed it most, allowing us to address immediate needs and invest in our farming endeavors, fortifying our hope for a more stable future."

"Feeding our family of four has been an enduring challenge. Relying solely on my husband's intermittent casual jobs as the sole provider made sustaining us an uphill battle. However, since we received financial assistance from GiveDirectly, our circumstances have taken a turn. We secured enough food to provide sustenance for a longer stretch. This newfound stability means my husband no longer has to seek day jobs to put food on our table. Instead, he's found purpose and productivity in cultivating our own land. Witnessing him tend to our farm has been a transformative sight—a shift from dependence to self-reliance. The impact of this assistance is profound. It's not merely about the immediate relief of having food on our plates; it's about the fundamental change in our lifestyle. We've moved from constant uncertainty to a place of assurance and empowerment. Now, our future is not just about surviving but thriving. Thank you, GiveDirectly, Your support has not only relieved our immediate hunger but has also empowered us to create a sustainable future for our family."

"On receiving the money, my first thought was feeding my family of six children and my husband. Our hustles had not given us anything on that day. I do charcoal burning for sale while my husband has a small shop where he sells household items. I therefore spent $60 of the transfer to buy food for my children. Of the six children, one is in secondary school and had a fee balance of $200, which I also cleared using part of the transfer. Our house was very tiny and we were all sleeping in it, and this was very inappropriate. I went ahead and spent $200 to build a house so that we could sleep separately from the grown kids."

"Because our house needed thorough repairs, I spent $400 of the transfer on repairing our house, whose roofing was in a very bad state, and we did not want the rain to destroy our house. With the heavy rains going on, it was difficult for me to work on people's farms and even burn charcoal. With this happening, it was hard for me to earn money for food and upkeep. I therefore spent the remainder of the transfer, $150, to buy food and family upkeep."

"As I said I started saving to build a new house in April. I now have enough money to buy iron sheets which is about $120. I am now saving for the building poles I need to finish with the construction. I had married but my wife left due to a disagreement hence I am left alone. I am building a one roomed house which will be made out of mud and iron sheets. I know this will be a big upgrade from my paper roof house and will withstand the harsh weather conditions that we have been experiencing lately."

"As we are currently in the planting season, I am hopeful for a successful harvest of the maize crops I planted. Upon harvesting, my family will have enough food for a few months. During this period, I intend to use the cash transfers to venture into livestock investment. While I previously owned a few goats, I had to sell them to finance my five children's education. Acquiring livestock will provide a sustainable source of income even after the cash transfers end. The ability to sell livestock, such as goats, will enable me to secure funds for ongoing school fees and food expenses. This strategic plan aims to mitigate financial hardships beyond the next few years when the cash transfers conclude."