"My second transfer came just at the right time. My daughter, who is in secondary school, had been sent home due to $300 in unpaid fees just two days before the transfer. I honestly had no money to send her back to school, so I used $100 from the transfer to reduce her arrears, which gave me peace of mind. Additionally, my home is a single-room house, and with five school-going children still living with me, space is a big challenge. We are forced to squeeze together, and I can't even add more household items due to the lack of space. Two of my children sleep on the floor, which worries me because our area is prone to snakes, and I fear for their safety. I decided to buy 20 iron sheets for $240 to start building an additional room for us. I plan to use my final transfer to buy the remaining materials and complete the construction. I also used $50 to buy clothes for myself and the children since our old clothes were worn out. The remaining money went towards buying food, including maize and condiments, as we were really struggling to put meals on the table at the time. My husband has another wife, and he spends most of his time there, leaving me with the responsibility to provide for our children, especially when it comes to food. Yet, I rely on casual jobs and sometimes crop farming, which has been unreliable due to droughts and floods. This cash transfer has been a great support for us. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"I used to own ten goats, which were a crucial part of our household because we have never had to buy milk, and whenever emergencies arose, I could sell one. Unfortunately, a disease outbreak claimed four of my goats, leaving me with just six. At least I was able to call a veterinary in time and save the remaining six, which was a relief. Now, my plan is to add five more goats to rebuild my herd. I intend to use my final cash transfer to purchase the new goats and manage them properly, as I am confident that this investment will greatly benefit my family by providing milk and a reliable source of income in the future."

"Receiving my second transfer was a huge relief. My son, who is in college, had accumulated $870 in school fee arrears, and I knew I needed to address this issue first. I spent $300 from the transfer on his fees and added $150 from my savings, earned through charcoal production and crop farming. I plan to clear the remaining arrears with the profits I hope to generate from my crop farming. In addition to my son's fees, I spent $16 on exams for my five children in elementary school, as I believe education is crucial for their future. To further support my farming, I decided to invest in livestock by buying an additional goat for $60. Goats have been a reliable source of support over the years, as selling them has allowed me to meet various needs, including school fees and food expenses. Lastly, I allocated the remaining $64 for food, which had become a challenge after losing my maize crop to floods. I purchased maize and ensured a balanced diet for my family by buying other essentials like beans. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"Five months ago, I realized the importance of proper sanitation, especially after enduring the unhygienic conditions of using the bush. To address this, I constructed a temporary latrine using old maize bags and makeshift materials, but it was far from ideal. When I received my second cash transfer, I seized the opportunity to build a proper latrine with cemented flooring, iron sheet walls, and a roof, complete with a door, spending $280. This improvement ensured my family's hygiene and enhanced our dignity. Additionally, I allocated $100 from my transfer for my two boys in high school, giving $50 to each. With total school fee arrears of $150, I managed to pay down my debt, leaving me with a balance of $50. Raising their fees has always been a struggle, especially since I have been solely responsible for my children after losing my husband over ten years ago. My income primarily comes from charcoal production and, occasionally, crop farming. To supplement our income, I started a small business buying and selling vegetables and fruits, investing $70. This investment has provided me with an alternative source of income, easing the financial burden and allowing me to better provide for my children. As we speak, I no longer worry about food, and I have moved away from casual jobs and charcoal production. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"I have a clear plan to ensure my family's safety and stability. After purchasing a plot on installments, I still have pending arrears of $150 that I need to clear. This past year, we faced severe floods that forced us to relocate temporarily, highlighting the need for a more secure living situation. To prevent similar disruptions in the future, I intend to use my final transfer from GiveDirectly to settle this debt. Additionally, I will utilize the income generated from my crops to build a new house on my plot, allowing my family to move into a safer and more permanent home. By taking these steps, I aim to create a secure environment for my family and protect us from the devastating impacts of flooding."

"GiveDirectly does well in delivering cash to the poor, which has had a transformative impact on our lives. The organization's commitment to following up on how we spend the money is commendable, as it helps assess the impact of the assistance and encourages wise spending. Additionally, the enrollment process was conducted independently by GiveDirectly officers, ensuring fairness and eliminating any form of discrimination. This approach not only fosters trust in the program but also empowers us to make informed decisions about our financial priorities. I believe GiveDirectly should continue its operations using the same approach, as it is highly effective; I have not identified any areas for improvement."

"My goal in the coming year is to complete the house. I need to buy more iron sheets, right now, I have ten that I was able to purchase with funds from the transfers. I will also need more building poles to finish the roof. To reach this goal, I plan to set aside part of each transfer, along with some of my husband’s support, to buy the materials we need. The financial assistance we receive is a huge help in making this long-term goal possible, and I am very thankful for it."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to use the funds to support my mother’s recovery. I plan to set aside part of each transfer to buy her medications and cover her monthly hospital visits. My hope is that, with this support, she will be able to regain her health. I am so thankful for the help that is allowing me to provide for her and contribute to her healing journey."

"In the coming year, my goal is to buy more iron sheets and other materials like building poles so I can begin construction on my one-room house. This would provide both my relative and me with more privacy, allowing each of us to live in our own space. To make this happen, I plan to set aside part of my funds specifically for building materials while using the rest to purchase food to maintain a stable supply. If we receive rain, I hope to plant maize on my farm. With enough food from the farm, I could put all of my resources toward building, making the process faster and smoother. I’m truly thankful for the support I’ve received so far and hopeful it will continue to help me reach this goal."

"Next year, my goal is to use future transfers to help pay school fees, buy more school supplies, and purchase food. I am determined to complete my studies and go on to study teaching in college. Teaching is something I am passionate about, and I am excited to pursue it as a career. This financial support has brought me closer to my dream of becoming a teacher. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue my education with fewer financial worries."