"I bought land in mbale and paid my children's school fees."

"After losing my house to a devastating fire, life became a complicated puzzle of survival. Each day felt like a struggle and nights were spent in a granary store, a meager shelter that barely shielded me from the world outside. When GiveDirectly's support arrived, it was like a ray of hope cutting through the darkness. With the second cash transfer they provided, I decided to transform my life. I invested in constructing a new house, a place I could finally call home. I used $250 of the transfer to secure roofing materials, another $100 for building poles, and employed a skilled local contractor whose labor charge amounted to $95. As the walls of my new house rose from the ground, a sense of security and pride bloomed within me. The soot that had once plagued my nights was now a thing of the past, and I could finally rest peacefully under a solid roof.But my transformation didn't stop there. With $72 from the cash transfer, I embraced the opportunity to nurture a small livestock enterprise by purchasing three goats. This wasn't just about sustenance; it was a step towards self-sufficiency. With the remaining amount I acquired a comfortable bed and mattress for $110, a luxury I never thought I'd experience. As the drought tightened, I used the remaining amount to buy essential food supplies."

"The transfer was used to buy cattle"

"Upon getting the second transfer, I decided to invest in goat-keeping by buying seven goats for $280. Besides having a ready market for them, I chose to invest in goats over cows because they are cheap to acquire, maintain and can withstand the harsh climatic condition of our area. Thereafter, I opted to construct a house for my three grandsons whom we have been sleeping in the same house with. Currently, the construction of the house is ongoing and soon they will have their own house. I believe they will be very happy with the freedom they will have in their house. I will also be relieved of the deprivation of privacy which I have lived with for a longer period in my house with my grandsons."

"The tremendous work that GiveDirectly put forth was commendable and considerate to every villager. During the initial gathering, we got excellent instructions that clarified our understanding of the parameters for registration. Reading the fly cards that we were given and hearing the instruction at the initial meetings helped us to prepare and make decisions. We appreciate the effort put into each step of the procedure, and we hope to work with you again soon."

"From the first cash transfer GiveDirectly provided, I embarked on a journey to transform my living conditions. My small one-room dwelling had long been a source of discomfort for my family. The moment I received that initial transfer, I saw an opportunity to change that. I immediately set out to construct a two-room house that would provide the space and comfort we deserved. However, various needs nibbled at the funds, and I couldn't complete the project as quickly as I hoped. Upon getting the second transfer, I allocated $207 to purchase 24 iron sheets, $98 for the essential roofing timbers, and I paid a skilled contractor $80 to ensure the construction was done right. As the last piece was put in place, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The sight of the finished house, crowned with the gleaming iron sheet roof, filled me with pride. But the benefits of the cash transfer didn't end there. I prioritized education by using $50 to pay my children's school fees to secure their future. The remainder of the funds ensured our daily needs were met, bringing stability and contentment to my family's life in ways I had never imagined. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the transformation was not only structural but touched every facet of our lives."

"When the much-awaited cash transfer from GiveDirectly finally arrived, relief washed over me like a soothing rain after a long drought. The weight of worry that had been bearing down on my shoulders lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope. My three secondary school children's education had always been my top priority, but the school fees had been a constant source of sleepless nights. Determined to secure their future, I used $480 of the transfer to pay their entire school fees for the year. As I handed over the money to the school administrator, I felt a mixture of pride and gratitude. The burden that had haunted me was now lifted, and my children could continue their studies without interruption. With a portion of the cash remaining, I turned my attention to improving our family's living conditions. Our home was in dire need of some basic household equipment that we had been lacking for years. I bought a set of new utensils that brought a shine to our mealtimes, and even a few blankets to keep us warm during chilly nights. Each purchase felt like an investment in our well-being, a small step towards a brighter future."

"I consider GiveDirectly an excellent organization. The organization was determined to give the locals additional power. Most of the kids in the families that dropped out of school in our region owing to school fees are now back. GiveDirectly is the origin of their return to school. Soberly, I must admit that GiveDirectly is an important organization."

"The community has no words to describe how grateful we are for the stirring and motivational event you gave. Sincerely, by elevating us to a higher level, GiveDirectly helped us progress from where we were. We would not have been able to do the things we have or get to the levels we have now without its unconditional cash transfer program."

"By giving us the option to decide how to use the funds, GiveDirectly performed well in my opinion. It has pleased me to have the freedom to choose how I want to use the money, and I am appreciative of the organization. My level of contentment and happiness may not have reached this high if I had not been given the flexibility to decide how to spend the money. Sincerely, there was nothing that GiveDirectly performed poorly that I could detect."