"I was on my way to fetch drinking water from a local stream when I heard my phone ring. Upon checking and confirming that I had received money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy that I was finally going to be able to fence my compound and make my homestead more lively and enjoyable. I normally rely on odd casual jobs that earns me hardly $2 per day which is just enough to buy food for myself."

"My primary aspiration centers around the construction of a new home. Our current dwelling is in a dismal state, and it's become increasingly evident that we need a safe and comfortable space to live in. The prospect of building a new house represents not just a change in our physical surroundings but a significant step toward improved living conditions and overall well-being for my family. With each passing day, I am reminded of the brighter, more stable future that awaits my family once I achieve this goal, and it fills me with hope and determination."

"I want to have been able to plant and harvest from the two pieces of land"

"My foremost ambition is to purchase goats. However, before I can embark on this endeavor, I must first complete the ongoing project of adding another room to my house. This expansion is crucial for accommodating my growing family and creating a comfortable living space. Once this project is successfully concluded, I eagerly anticipate the prospect of acquiring goats. These animals represent more than just an investment; they signify increased financial stability, a means to provide for my family, and the potential for sustainable growth."

"My aspiration is to become the proud owner of a small herd of goats. These goats will be more than just livestock; they will serve as a financial safety net in times of need. I envision them as a source of stability and a resilient asset that can help me overcome any unexpected financial constraints that life may throw my way. With dedication and careful planning, I aim to build a sustainable goat-raising venture that not only supports me but also provides valuable resources for my family's well-being."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I do casual jobs earning very little income and sometimes I do not get any job for the whole month. Last year I developed harnia problem and due to financial constraints I have not got any medication."

"My husband and I are having health issues. I suffer from ulcers and this has affected me for almost five years now. The husband got an accident and broke one of the bones on his right leg and he cannot stand up on his own. The health complications has affected my work because I can engage myself on hard activities and I also do nurse my husband every day."

"I had my phone with me that day when the message arrived, around 2:00 p.m. I was in my usual routine, tending to my crops on the farm, when I heard the message notification. A rush of excitement surged through me, and I couldn't contain my joy. I had to leave the fields and hurry back home, eager to share the wonderful news with my family later in the evening. It was a moment filled with hope and anticipation for better days ahead."

"However, I tried to read the message myself that I received from GiveDirectly around 2 pm, but I could not quite comprehend it. So, I had to patiently wait for my helper to return home from his daily chores. When my helper finally arrived and read and confirmed the message, a wave of excitement washed over me. I couldn't wait to access the funds, so I eagerly made plans to withdraw the money from the nearby shopping center the following day. It was a moment of great joy and hope for a brighter future."

"My house has seen better days; it is a tattered structure I have called home since 1993, when it was just me and my firstborn daughter. Over the years, I have watched my family grow to include four more children, who have all grown up and moved on to start their own families. When that first transfer from GiveDirectly arrived, it was like a glimmer of hope. I immediately invested $154 to purchase 14 iron sheets, and I am still saving up to buy 12 more, enough to construct a proper single-room house. The current hut I live in has walls made of mud and a roof of grass that's been blown away by the wind or pulled apart by wandering livestock countless times. With $32, I bought 50 kilograms of maize, which still serves as our main source of sustenance. I used the remaining amount to buy new pairs of clothes and some much-needed household goods. We had relied on charcoal burning and occasional casual labor for income, but those were unpredictable and often insufficient. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we no longer have to depend solely on farming, especially given the unpredictable weather conditions that have led to crop failures and financial losses in the past."