"I used to admire my neighbour's successful mango farming and wished to have a similar venture of my own. It seemed that mangoes flourish in arid regions like ours and bring substantial profits during harvest season. However, financial limitations, brought on by my job as a public transport driver with a monthly income of just $150, hindered the realization of my aspiration. Nonetheless, when GiveDirectly provided the transfer opportunity, I saw a chance to turn my dream into reality. I used the entire amount towards my farming project. To begin, I utilized $50 to complete the construction of a permanent fence around my three-acre land by purchasing two pieces of chain-link mesh and covering labour costs. Although I had started the fencing with the second transfer, I couldn't complete it at the time. I'm delighted to announce that my land is now properly enclosed, effectively preventing animals from causing harm to my crops. Further, I invested $320 in acquiring a 5000-litre water storage tank, a pivotal addition to my farm. Additionally, I dedicated $50 to purchasing water pipes that enable me to draw water from a nearby river for irrigation purposes. The remaining $50 was utilized to purchase and plant 50 mango seedlings. I'm thrilled to share that the mango trees are thriving, and I attribute this progress to the water tank, which has greatly facilitated efficient irrigation."

"One of the first steps I took after receiving the transfers was to address the deteriorating condition of my house. With $300, I invested in timber to rebuild and fortify my home, which was gradually crumbling due to the destructive effects of termites. Additionally, the iron sheets on the roof had rusted over time, leading to leaks whenever it rained. This investment did not only revitalized the structural integrity of my house, but also provided a safer and more comfortable living environment for my family. Recognizing the significance of education, I allocated $250 from the transfers to save for my child's school fees. My child is currently in form one, and ensuring their access to education is of utmost importance to me. As an electrician who is self-employed, my income is often inconsistent, and financial stability is not guaranteed. However, with the support of GiveDirectly, I am better equipped to secure my child's educational journey and create opportunities for her future. As I continue my journey as an electrician and work towards financial stability, the support received from Givedirectly remains a beacon of hope."

"GiveDirectly has been a transformative force in my life, granting me access to opportunities and essentials that were previously beyond my reach. The impact of their support is immeasurable, and I am grateful for the positive changes it has brought to my circumstances. One of the most significant transformations is in the realm of education. Before receiving the assistance from GiveDirectly, my children could not attend school due to financial constraints. Therefore, the burden of lack was lifted, and I managed to send them to school. The transfers have empowered me to achieve the dream of having a home. The security and comfort of a stable living space were distant aspirations, but through their assistance, I have managed to acquire a place to call my own a place where my family can thrive and grow. The mark left in our lives shall never be erased, we are so thankful."

"In my opinion, GD has excelled by offering sizeable cash transfers. This has opened opportunities we couldn't have imagined before. It is truly amazing to observe the tremendous improvements in our neighbourhood. People in this area have taken advantage of the possibility to invest in necessary items like food, better housing, and enterprises and this has uplifted our living standards. Kudos to a job well done."

"Three years ago, we invested in a one-acre plot of land located in Kaptombes. However, there remained an outstanding balance of $450 on the payment. With the recent arrival of the third transfer, we strategically decided to allocate $300 from it to reduce the remaining debt. This decision was driven by the landowner's requirement that the debt be settled before we could begin farming on the land. Despite the small amount, I consider this a step forward, and I am satisfied that we are getting closer to paying off the debt. This particular piece of land holds considerable promise due to its proximity to a river. This geographical advantage enables us to engage in irrigation farming, a significant improvement over our current farming location, plagued by salty water that hampers crop growth. Utilizing the remaining portion of the transfer, I procured food for my family of six. Given our dependence on farming as our primary income source, which often falls short of covering various expenses such as school fees and other responsibilities, having an adequate food supply is paramount. Ensuring that young children receive consistent meals is of the utmost importance."

"Our area's main economic activity is charcoal burning, a very energy-intensive job. Since I underwent surgery, I am not able to engage myself in this work. This has made me jobless and I mostly engage in looking after the goats of my husband. The lack of money has made my life so difficult since I always miss whatever I wish to buy. This has robbed away my joy and I always feel financial instability as my major challenge."

"Life has become so tough because being aged yet you lack a reliable person to depend on can be disastrous. At the age of 76 years, I cannot engage myself in income generating-activities. This means I depend on my grandson who is a casual laborer in the transportation sector. His support has not been reliable because he has his family to take care of. Imagine $10 per month! This cash is very little and we always go hungry with my 2 grandchildren at home. This kind of life has directly affected my health and I usually feel so weak. What a life of worry!"

"The transformative impact of the cash transfers on my life is something I deeply appreciate. Thanks to the funds, I now possess a decent cooking area that also serves as a shelter for my livestock during the night. This change is significant, given that the previous cooking structure I had was vulnerable to wind and easily blown away. My current objective is to invest in livestock rearing, which I see as a means to address my future financial needs. The earlier transfers allowed me to obtain five goats, although the recent demise of my mother resulted in the consumption of one of the goats at her funeral. Presently, despite the relatively high cost of acquiring goats, approximately $30 each, I am resolute in my determination to procure more. In the short run, I am actively working towards saving through a self-help group, intending to accumulate enough funds to eventually acquire additional goats."

"I hold a strong desire to build a new house in place of my current dwelling. Since the commencement of the cash transfer program, my primary goal has been to construct a new house. However, persistent constraints such as limited food and lack of money for food have impeded my progress in realizing this objective. Presently, with the ongoing harvests, my confidence has grown that we will have an ample food supply for the upcoming months. This newfound stability in food provision allows me to allocate the transfers toward the construction of the new house. The current structure, made of a roof thatched with grass, succumbs to leaks during rainfall. I aspire to erect a dwelling with a durable tin roof. As of now, I have managed to procure 16 iron sheets, leaving me with 4 more to commence the construction process."

"In the upcoming years, my primary objective is to provide consistent financial support for my children's education, especially for my son George, who is currently in his third year of college. Additionally, I have a younger son in seventh grade who relies entirely on me for his needs, particularly his school fees. Currently, I am not actively engaged in any employment. After retiring from work 18 years ago, I focused on raising cattle and goats as a means to accumulate wealth. This combined with the pensions I have received during my retirement years has been the backbone of my children's support. However, the income generated from these sources often falls short of covering the total expenses. This is where the cash transfers have played a pivotal role, filling in the necessary gaps and easing the financial burden. I am truly grateful for this assistance. I intend to continue directing these transfers toward supporting my children's education until they complete their education."