"The biggest difference in my daily life since receiving the first payment from GiveDirectly is the newfound hope of constructing a new house. This sense of assurance has brought me immense peace, even though I haven't initiated the construction yet. With the prospect of the second transfer, I am confident that I will soon be able to replace the old, dilapidated structure, riddled with holes that allow unwanted animals to intrude and put my life at risk."

"I used the first transfer from GiveDirectly to make some important investments. I purchased three goats, with two of them costing $50 each and the smaller one at $35, totaling $135. With my children seeking job opportunities and facing difficulties finding stable employment, I occasionally support their efforts by selling some of the goats and sharing the earnings with them. Currently, I have a herd of over 20 goats, some of which belong to my sons, but they all graze together on my field. Additionally, I allocated $35 to buy 50 kilograms of dry maize grains, which my two grandchildren and I are still using for sustenance. The remaining funds were used to acquire various household essentials. I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly that has brought a lot of transformation in my household since I received it, and I hope to see and do more once I receive the subsequent transfers."

"Upon receiving our first transfer, my children and I made a collective decision to have piped water installed in our home. This was essential not only for our daily water needs but also to support our farming activities, as the nearest stream was quite a distance away. Our inability to connect to a water source had been due to our unstable income, primarily reliant on my children's support. As a widow with grown children, I earn my livelihood through farming. We allocated $90 from the transfer to cover the costs of the water connection, and the remaining portion was used to purchase essential food supplies and clothing. We will forever be indebted to the organization for significantly elevating our quality of life."

"Due to my advanced age, I no longer possess the physical energy to engage in farming or casual labour. Consequently, I rely on my children for sustenance, and I share my home with my three grandchildren. Upon receiving my initial transfer, I made the decision to allocate the funds towards purchasing building materials for the construction of a more decent house. The previous dwelling was aged, and I lacked the financial means to construct a new one. I allocated $96 of the transfer towards acquiring the necessary building materials, and the remaining amount was used to secure essential food supplies and purchase clothing. I am overjoyed that, at long last, I was able to achieve so much with the assistance of these funds, turning a cherished dream into reality."

"Now that we have recently harvested and my family is assured of sufficient food for the upcoming months until the end of the year, I plan to allocate my cash transfers toward the purchase of livestock, particularly chickens and goats. Additionally, I intend to continue saving for my medication, as my epilepsy condition requires ongoing treatment. I am happy that I already have one goat that I acquired through previous cash transfers. I also aim to expand my livestock holdings by raising chickens. These animals will not only serve as a means to build wealth for the future but will also provide a source of nutrition, as I can prepare them for my grandchildren when they visit. With around 50 grandchildren, I anticipate the need for a substantial herd of livestock."

"Unfortunately, I had to drop out of school when I was in grade two due to the frequent epilepsy episodes that disrupted my studies. It was only three years ago that my parents, especially my father, started purchasing consistent medication to manage my condition. However, his limited income made it challenging to provide me with daily medication. I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for bringing the cash transfers, which have ensured that I receive my medication every day. Although it might be too late for me to return to school, and I'm not confident about my ability to concentrate in a classroom setting, I have other plans to develop myself. I aim to do so through livestock rearing, and accumulating wealth that can help cover the costs of my medication and other needs even after the transfers come to an end. I already have one goat and a hen that I acquired through previous transfers, and my goal is to continue expanding my herd."

"I remember the day, I was at home around 4pm, engrossed in cleaning, when I received the good news. The excitement I felt was beyond words because this was an opportunity to improve our living conditions. At the time, my family of eight was living in a cramped, single-room mud hut with a grass-thatched roof. This arrangement was far from ideal, and my children had to seek out additional places to sleep in the neighborhood, which was neither comfortable nor safe. The first decision I made after receiving the transfers was to allocate funds towards building a better and more spacious home. This decision was not just about improving our living conditions; it was about providing a safe and secure environment for my children. The transfers from GiveDirectly have been a lifeline, allowing me to take a step towards realizing this dream of a better home. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to creating a more comfortable and secure living space for my family's well-being."

"The day I received the message from GiveDirectly was a moment I had been eagerly anticipating. On that particular day, I had gone to visit my mother, and as a result, my phone had been turned off. It was only around 5pm when I finally charged my phone that I saw the notification. That moment I read the message, a rush of happiness and excitement flooded over me. I had longed for the opportunity to make a specific investment, livestock business was a real deal for me and I knew this was the day I had been waiting for. This investment is one that I believed would benefit me and secure our family's future and since I didn't have this particular asset before, and acquiring them would be a step forward in my life. This moment was more than just a financial transaction; it was the realization of a dream, a chance to improve my circumstances."

"I've made investments with the assistance I received from GiveDirectly, and it has greatly improved various aspects of my family's life. First, I allocated $150 to purchase new furniture. The old furniture we had was not only worn out but had also become uncomfortable to use. It was even damaging people's clothes when they sat on it. This upgrade was essential for providing a more comfortable and welcoming living environment for my family and the guests. Another important use of the funds was $50 to buy new school uniforms for my three children who are in primary school. The uniforms they had were in poor condition, tattered, and had lost their original color. It was crucial to ensure that they had proper uniforms to wear to school, as it contributes to their self-esteem and pride in their education. Additionally, I've diligently saved $350. This money is earmarked for setting up a salon business for my wife. Currently, she works for someone else, but with this financial preparation, she can transition to being an independent salon owner. This will offer her greater autonomy and control over her career and also enable her to fully utilize her skills and creativity in the hairdressing industry. These investments will have a lasting and positive impact on our family and we are immensely grateful for this opportunity."

"The impact of GiveDirectly's assistance on my family's life has been nothing short of transformative. One of the most significant improvements we've experienced is in our access to food. Unlike before, when we would sometimes miss meals due to the inconsistency of our casual jobs or the limited income from selling charcoal, we now have the assurance of regular meals. This newfound food security has relieved us of the constant worry about where our next meal would come from. It has also allowed us to maintain better nutrition and overall well-being. Another major milestone we've achieved thanks to GiveDirectly is the settlement of my debt. This debt had been a source of great distress, and I had been uncertain about how to resolve it. With the financial support from GiveDirectly, I was able to clear this burden, bringing me immense relief and peace of mind. It's a weight off my shoulders that I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for. Our family's situation has improved since we received GiveDirectly's assistance, and we are deeply grateful for the positive changes it has brought to our lives. The transfers have alleviated our immediate financial challenges but have also provided us with the hope and stability we need to move forward with confidence."