"At approximately 3:15 PM, I found myself toiling away on the farm when a message notification chimed on my phone. Being illiterate, I relied on the kindness of my neighbors to decipher the contents of the message for me. As they read aloud the words, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and disbelief—I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. The weight of the financial burden lifted from my shoulders, and in its place, a sense of empowerment and hope blossomed. In that moment, I envisioned a brighter future as I realized that this unexpected windfall would enable me to construct a new rental house, a venture that promised to be my enduring source of income. Gratitude and dreams intertwined as I contemplated the newfound possibilities that lay ahead, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life."

"At around 4 p.m., as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over my humble abode, I received the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. The weight of my daily house chores, which had left me feeling perpetually weary and hopeless, lifted in an instant. The notification brought a surge of emotions, and an overwhelming joy washed over me, realizing that I now possessed the means to secure a new home for my family of four. The previous dwelling, cramped and insufficient, had long been a source of worry and discomfort. In that moment, the promise of a brighter future and the tangible hope of a more spacious and secure living space enveloped me, filling my heart with gratitude and optimism for the days to come."

"Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been nothing short of transformative, marking the most significant chapter in my life. The greatest change lies in the fact that I now own a piece of land, a sprawling one-acre expanse that symbolizes security and permanence for me and my four children. For the past seven years, following a challenging divorce, we found ourselves residing in my father's compound, a situation that denied my children the peace of mind, privacy, and freedom they deserved. As a mother, witnessing my children's struggle and dependence on me for our upkeep was a constant source of pain. Now, with this precious plot of land, I envision providing my children with a place they can genuinely call home, a space where they can grow with a sense of stability and belonging. My dream is to build a house on this land, a sanctuary that will not only shield us from the elements but will also be a testament to resilience and newfound hope. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now embark on this journey of turning a piece of land into a haven, ensuring that my children not only have a roof over their heads but a place where their dreams can take root and flourish."

"The entirety of my first cash transfer, a generous sum of $550, was dedicated to a purpose that had lingered in my dreams for years. I invested in essential construction materials such as iron sheets, nails, timber, and the labor charges necessary to complete the construction of my house. This dwelling had been a lingering aspiration, a vision of space and comfort for my family that I couldn't afford to realize until now. Being a farmer, my income is often unpredictable and, at times, insufficient to meet the needs of my family of four. My spouse, a dedicated plumber, contributes to our daily sustenance, earning around $10, though not on a daily basis. The previous house, modest and cramped, could no longer suffice for the four of us. With the newfound funds, the dream of a more spacious and comfortable dwelling is becoming a reality. The echo of hammers and the scent of fresh timber fill the air as the construction progresses. Each nail driven and every timber placed is a step closer to providing my family with a home that befits their warmth and unity. This cash transfer isn't just about constructing walls; it's about building a haven where we can grow and thrive together. It's a testament to the power of unexpected financial assistance to transform dreams into tangible, lasting realities.  "

"At precisely 3 PM, amidst my routine duties as a security guard at a school, a moment of unexpected joy pierced through the monotony when I received an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. As I hastily checked the contents, I felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over me. It was the long-awaited unconditional cash transfer that held the promise of transforming my family's circumstances. With the weight of accumulated arrears lifting from my shoulders, the realization that my children could finally resume their studies after weeks of being confined at home filled me with a profound sense of hope. In that instant, the financial support provided by GiveDirectly not only bridged the gap between aspiration and reality but also reignited the flame of possibilities for a brighter future."

"I have a plan to expand my goat holdings, anticipating that their multiplication will serve as a reliable source of income for my financial requirements. In my elderly years, I lack the physical strength to work, relying on the support of my sons and their families. In times of urgent financial needs, I'm confident that selling some of the goats will provide a solution. Additionally, I'm looking forward to purchasing a new mattress and bed to replace the ones I've been using for years. With a substantial amount already saved, my aim is to continue saving, ensuring I achieve this goal and secure a more comfortable sleep arrangement."

"I express gratitude for the transformative impact of the transfers on my living conditions, having transitioned from residing in a compact dwelling to a more spacious one. This improvement has been possible through consistent savings from the transfers received each month. Presently, I am setting my sights on saving for a quality wooden door to further enhance the comfort of my home. In addition to managing my living arrangements, I bear the responsibility of supporting my five daughters, who depend on me for their educational fees. With no stable source of income, my goal is to ensure their uninterrupted education by diligently covering their fees. This commitment is driven by the desire to provide them with the opportunity to stay in school and achieve academic success."

"Recently, I successfully launched a grocery kiosk selling a variety of items, such as vegetables, fruits, and sardines. While the profits generated are modest, they have significantly eased the financial burden of managing my household expenses. My objective is to expand the range of products I offer, aiming to boost my earnings and secure my financial future. As I am no longer engaged in active work, this business venture ensures a stable means of providing for my family. Additionally, I am considering investing in livestock, particularly goats, as they represent valuable assets that can serve as a reliable financial resource when needed."

"Looking forward, my plan is to start building my house early next year. The thought of finally fulfilling one of my long-term goals fills me with immense happiness. I am extremely grateful for the financial boost provided through the transfers, as it will undoubtedly bring about positive changes in my life."

"Looking ahead, my primary goal for the coming year and beyond is to ensure that my house is repaired and in good condition. Its current state fills me with fear, especially with the heavy downpours, as there is a risk of it collapsing soon. I intend to allocate funds to purchase additional poles and set aside money to pay a mason who will undertake the necessary repairs. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance I have received, as it has allowed me to achieve what was previously beyond my reach."