"I was a tailor but my work had been greatly affected by the drought. Many stopped making clothes and I lost most of my customers in turn. My children who are school going used to be the biggest beneficiaries of my business as I used my earnings to take them through school. Now I am reliant on the transfers to ensure this happens. I am hoping to use this transfers to take my children through school and have then become working class citizens where they are able to take care of themselves."

"I had always wanted a bigger house seeing that my kids were fast becoming grown ups. We live in a two room house which acts as our lounge, sleeping area and cooking area. I had my eldest joining junior secondary soon and I would want that myself as well as my children have sufficient space. I have bought most of my building material but I am also making small payments towards getting the 36 sheets of iron that I need to complete this construction."

"As I said my house has delapitated roof and this has meant that my family has had to sleep on wet beddings.I am not happy with the state of things and my hope and goal for this year is to finish buying enough iron sheets which is 10 iron sheets and hire a mason to replace them. I am planning to try direct my transfers to this course to ensure that the year does not end while we are still in this state as this has had an effect on myself and my children."

"I have two children and when my wife was taken back to her home she went with them. They are soon becoming of school going age and I need them to bee at arms reach to ensure I am able to support them financially, mentally and physically. I want to clear my dowry debt to ensure that they get back as soon as possible. After I get my wife back, I would like to get a second hand motorbike which I hope to use to raise cash to take care of my family."

"I lost my kitchen that also acts like an animal shade to the rain. Over years the wood that built it had been exposed to termites that weakened it and when the rains started the house was brought down by the rain. I need to replace it since my goats have no place to stay and the rain is still ongoing. I have bought the building poles thanks to Givedirectly and I have already also started making payments for the grass for thatching now. I am now aiming to raise $75 for the labour which I believe will complete the building of this house."

"My goal is to start selling more electronics to the locals since many have expressed interests in goods that I do not stick such as non- digital phones, torches, radios as well as phone accessories. I hope to use this as an avenue to earn more income for my business as well as explore an expansion to ensure that people do not have to travel far to access the things they may need."

"As the sun cast long shadows across the football field, I paused my coaching duties to check my phone, and there it was—a message from GiveDirectly. My heart raced as I read the words, and a radiant smile spread across my face. I couldn't believe it; this unconditional cash transfer was a lifeline for a widower like me. With this unexpected blessing, I knew I could finally complete the construction of our humble home and install a fresh water tap right in our compound. No more long treks for water; no more worries. The joy that welled up within me was indescribable, knowing that my children would now have a better, more secure future ahead."

"Receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been a transformative experience in my life. The most significant change I've witnessed since these transfers began is the transformation in my children's education and future prospects. Before, we struggled to make ends meet, and providing a quality education for my children seemed like an impossible dream. But with the financial support we received, my two children are now not only in school but also thriving academically. They are on the verge of obtaining their degrees, and I can't help but feel immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity these cash transfers have provided them. I'm filled with anticipation for the day when my children graduate, knowing that they will have the tools to shape their own destinies, create better lives, and give back to their community. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the future has never looked brighter for my family, and we owe it all to the unconditional cash transfers that have truly transformed our lives."

"I have a child who recently finished eighth grade, and I am determined to support her education journey. My goal is to see all my children educated and thriving. To make this happen, I plan to sell two of my goats to fund her college education. She excelled in her studies, and I want to ensure she gains valuable tailoring skills to apply in her future."

"I am eagerly saving up to purchase my first dairy cow for my farm. At the moment, my farm does not have any cows, but I am determined to make this investment. Having a dairy cow will allow me to sell milk and create a valuable source of income for myself. This opportunity will not only benefit me but also greatly improve my family's overall well-being."