"I was filled with gratitude and overwhelming happiness when I received the message confirming the receipt of my first transfer from GiveDirectly on my phone. At that moment, I was doing casual work on a tomato farm, and my phone was tucked away in my jacket in the shade. When I heard an alert, I could not contain my excitement and immediately checked the message, thinking it might be money from a friend I was expecting. To my surprise, it was wonderful news from GiveDirectly. I could not share the news with anyone on the farm. However, I could not wait to inform my children the following morning, and I proceeded to withdraw part of the money while I transferred the remaining directly from my account to the sellers when making payments."

"Given my lack of a stable income source to guarantee the consistent payment of my four children's school fees, these transfers are my sole lifeline at the moment. To prevent them from frequently being sent home due to fee arrears, I am determined to allocate my transfers towards their education. My primary objective is to ensure they attain their educational aspirations, thus illuminating their future prospects. In addition to covering tuition fees, I also intend to invest in acquiring livestock, including chickens and goats, to rear and propagate. I recognize that by possessing goats and chickens, I can secure the future of my children's education even when the organization's support eventually diminishes. These assets can serve as a fallback plan, allowing me to sell them if a financial need arises, such as funding my children's education."

"My objective is to establish a general shop business in our local trading centre in the near future. To realize this dream, I've become a member of a savings group comprising twenty-five individuals, contributing $20 monthly. Recognizing that securing the necessary capital is the primary challenge, my plan is to initially invest my savings in purchasing goats. Once these goats reach maturity, I can sell them at a profit, enabling me to accumulate the capital required for my business venture. This endeavor will not only enhance my financial independence but also provide the means to support my children's education effortlessly. I am a parent to four children who rely on me for their educational fees. It is my utmost priority to witness them achieving their academic aspirations despite our financial constraints. Therefore, my current primary goals are to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of my children's education and save for an income-generating project."

"The first transfer from GiveDirectly brought a significant positive change to my family's life. We had been struggling with our reliance on subsistence farming for both food and any surplus we hoped to sell to meet other obligations, including school fees for my children. However, the past three years of extensive drought made this nearly impossible, and our hopes rested on the goodwill of others and the livestock, which we eventually had to sell. With the first transfer, I prioritized education and used $80 to pay the school fees for my two children, who attend a private primary school. I also allocated $40 to purchase new clothes for my children, and despite their surprised faces, they were delighted, believing it was already Christmas, and they could dress nicely for the festivities. Additionally, I invested $50 in buying two goats to add to our existing herd, with the hope of breeding and multiplying them, as we had relied heavily on livestock in the past few years. I spent $25 on purchasing food for my family of three and used the remaining $5 for transportation to and from the shopping center while purchasing these essentials. I am grateful for this support and hopeful to do a lot more with the subsequent transfers."

"Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a game-changer for me and my family. My primary concern was my grandson, who attends a private primary school. I had been taking care of him and his sister since their parents separated, and despite my age, I felt a strong obligation to provide for them. My grandchild had accumulated $50 in tuition arrears and graduation fees, which I promptly cleared. Due to adverse drought conditions over the past three years, relying on subsistence farming has become nearly impossible. Therefore, I allocated $100 to purchase four rolls of chain links to complete the fencing of my farm, a task I had started but could not finish due to lack of fencing materials. I am thrilled to have them now, and I have already begun planting mangoes, which can thrive under the current climatic conditions. I look forward to completing the fencing process. I later spent the remaining $40 on household essentials, including food and toiletries for my family of nine, as well as covering the transportation costs for all the purchased items from the shopping center."

"The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly has been the plentiful availability of food for my family of six. The constant struggle to secure enough food had been a major challenge, especially since I lacked a reliable source of income. My occasional casual labor and sales of charcoal, which were also restricted, couldn't provide a stable food supply. However, the support from GiveDirectly has granted me the opportunity to purchase sufficient food for my family, and it has filled us with hope that we'll be able to replenish our supplies with subsequent support. This food security has relieved a great burden from our daily lives and has given us a sense of food security going forward since we are currently working hard on our farms, among other sources of income."

"Receiving that first transfer from GiveDirectly was an unexpected and incredible moment for me. I was filled with happiness because I had not anticipated any money coming my way that day, and I couldn't believe it was true that I was going to receive free cash support from GiveDirectly. After my enrollment, I had been patiently waiting, and then I received a message that caught my attention because it had the sender's name we had been informed about. At that moment, I was alone at the farm, tending to my goats while fixing the fence around it. When I returned home around 5:00 p.m., I excitedly informed my spouse, who shared in my joy. Since everyone in the program had received their transfers on the same day, I decided to wait over the weekend and withdrew the money the following Monday from the nearby shopping center. It was a moment of relief and hope that things were going to get better for our family."

"I am delighted to share that the financial support I have received has propelled me towards achieving greater financial independence. I am now able to meet my daily needs, such as purchasing food and water, without relying on external assistance. My aspirations extend further, as I aim to enhance my financial situation through investments in livestock. By acquiring livestock, I anticipate their multiplication, which will provide me with additional resources to address any future challenges that may arise. The support I have received has had a profound impact on my life, and I am filled with happiness and gratitude for the opportunities it has provided. It has enabled me to take significant steps towards securing a better future for myself, and I am excited to continue this journey of progress and self-sufficiency."

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary objective is to construct a new house that can comfortably accommodate my children. The current two-roomed house is insufficient to provide adequate space for my entire family. Moreover, as my children enter their teenage years, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure their privacy and create a suitable living environment. I am filled with happiness and optimism, knowing that the financial assistance provided by the organization will play a significant role in helping me realize this goal. With their support, I am confident that I can provide a better living situation for my family, ensuring their comfort and privacy in the years to come."

"In addition to my hard work and running my business, I have a strong desire to further invest in livestock. This is a wise strategy for accumulating wealth over the long term. My goal is to build a substantial flock that will provide a safety net in case of emergencies. Moreover, I plan to sell some of the livestock to acquire dairy cows and a bull, which will aid me in cultivating my land during the rainy season. I am filled with happiness and gratitude for the financial support I have received thus far. It has played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of my family."