"Looking ahead to the upcoming year, my goal is to address the state of my house. The heavy rains have caused extensive damage, eroding the mud walls and leaving behind substantial holes. I endure considerable discomfort during the nights due to the cold and chilly weather penetrating through the damaged structure. The financial assistance from the transfers will enable me to repair my house and finally experience a comfortable night's sleep. I am sincerely grateful for the ongoing financial support that I am receiving, as it has significantly improved my quality of life."

"Looking ahead, I have plans to utilize my subsequent transfers to purchase more hens. This step will enable me to realize my dream of establishing an alternative source of income, reducing my overreliance on farming alone. I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received, as it has played a significant role in helping me achieve my aspirations and goals."

"In the coming year, my main focus is to complete the repairs on my house. After years of neglect, the house is in total disrepair, and the roof leaks during heavy rains. Although I began purchasing iron roofing sheets, I couldn't start renovations due to an urgent school fee debt that needed immediate settlement. With my son finishing school soon, I plan to use next year's transfers for this purpose. Renovating my house will ensure my family lives in a safe space, bringing me peace of mind. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for providing me with the opportunity to transform my life."

"A significant portion of my recent unconditional cash transfer was dedicated to transforming the state of my dwelling. I allocated funds to purchase a solid wooden door, two windows, and cover labor charges, amounting to $77. This investment was crucial for the completion of my house, a project I had initiated using previous transfers. The structure I used to call home was far from ideal; its walls were weak, and the roof was a patchwork of grass thatching. Living under those conditions was a constant battle against the elements. Rain would seep through, leaving me drenched and shivering. Domestic animals, emboldened by the frailty of my shelter, would invade, posing a threat and causing damage. The fear that accompanied every night was palpable, making each moment a risky endeavor. With this recent infusion of funds, I could fortify my living space, not just against the weather but against the insecurities that had plagued me for too long. With the remaining funds, I made sure to secure another essential aspect of my well-being: sustenance. As a solitary individual, I allocated a portion of the money to buy food. Being a casual laborer earning around $4 a day, daily sustenance is often a challenge. This infusion of funds not only fortified the walls of my home but also ensured that my basic needs were met. It's a testament to the transformative power of financial support, turning a struggle for survival into a journey towards a more secure and dignified life."

"In my view, GiveDirectly has truly transformed my life by providing me with unconditional money. The impact has been remarkable—I've been able to invest in assets and significantly boost my business. With the financial support, I expanded my business operations, purchasing necessary equipment and increasing my inventory. This infusion of capital allowed me to take my business to new heights, attracting more customers and generating higher profits. GiveDirectly's initiative has been instrumental in empowering me to build assets and create a sustainable source of income, paving the way for a brighter future for me and my family."

"After receiving an alert, I got a message, at around 3:20 pm. I was thrilled to confirm the arrival of the money I had been eagerly anticipating. At home with my husband when the message came, we shared the joy, both excited that our plans were falling into place. With the kids at school, I visited the shopping center the next day to collect the money. The anticipation and subsequent joy of finally having the funds in hand added a sense of fulfillment to our family, marking a memorable and positive moment that aligned with our aspirations."

"Upon receiving funds from GiveDirectly, I realized the possibility of acquiring dairy goats, a task that was previously challenging due to my husband's reliance on casual work for our livelihood and my own dependence on farming. Unfortunately, what we earned was often insufficient, leaving us living from hand to mouth. With two children to care for, we used $84 to purchase two goats. Additionally, I spent $16 for my medication and used the remaining $80 to buy two sacks of maize. I am now relieved to have enough food in the house, allowing us to enjoy two to three meals a day, a significant improvement from the past when we could only afford one meal. Furthermore, having milk in the house will contribute to the improved health of my children. We are immensely grateful for the support that has brought immense happiness into our lives."

"Upon receiving funds from GiveDirectly, I recognized the opportunity to fulfill both my goals and immediate needs. My husband and I sustain ourselves through farming, and we are blessed with three children. Upon receiving our first transfer, we decided to address the most pressing need, which was paying our daughter's high school fees, including clearing the arrears, for which we spent $50. Additionally, we used $70 to purchase a mattress and bed, aiming to replace the tattered ones and create a more comfortable sleeping space. The remaining $80 was spent on acquiring essential food items. I am overjoyed that the transfer has significantly improved our lives, addressing needs that were previously unattainable due to financial constraints from the limited income generated by our farming activities. I am truly grateful."

"When the opportunity arrived with the transfers, I am glad I took a bold step. I invested $180 in a heifer, a decision I hoped would not just secure food for my family but also create a stream of income. The vision was simple yet profound—to build a sustainable source of nourishment and financial stability that could withstand the trials of our unpredictable circumstances. That heifer was more than just a livestock purchase; it represented a future. With careful attention and nurturing, she would eventually provide milk, a vital source of nutrition for my family. Additionally, her offspring would offer a chance to expand our assets, creating a cycle of growth and sustenance. The remainder of the funds were channeled into expanding our goat trading business. As a family of eight, our livelihood hinged on this enterprise. It was not merely a trade; it was a lifeline during challenging times, particularly when droughts cast their harsh shadows over our land. Every decision was meticulously calculated to ensure the well-being of my family. The heifer was a foundational investment, aiming not just for immediate sustenance but for a future where we could thrive. And the goat trading business, our mainstay, was strengthened to weather any storm, particularly the droughts that often tested our resilience."

"Investing in rental houses was a big step for our family's financial stability. Recently, I realized that our tenants did not have a dedicated pit latrine as they used the neighbors, so I used $200 to construct one for their convenience. It is important to ensure their comfort and well-being. Education is also a top priority for us, especially for my daughter in grade 8. I allocated $60 toward her schooling, wanting to provide the best opportunities for her future. Additionally, I spent $60 on topping up the purchase of our cow, hoping to possess it soon and provide food and income for the family of six, therefore assisting my husband, who is a soldier, in supporting the family. I also spent $11 to transport me to the hospital for delivery and $45 to purchase maize. With the rest of the funds, I made a conscious decision to save for emergencies. It is all about ensuring our family's well-being and laying the groundwork for a more secure future. I am grateful that the transfers have been of assistance."