"By the time I received the first transfer, I had already planned on building a house because the one I had collapsed and I was living in my brother's house. Therefore, I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets, ridges, roofing nails, and some building poles. The cost of these materials was $250. I also bought a mattress for $30 because I was sleeping on empty sacks. Apart from that, I paid $60 in school fees for my two primary children. Currently, I am a happy woman because I know very soon my house will be ready. As of now, I sleep in my brother's house though it is always uncomfortable to be in someone's house. You lack confidence and authority in the house. I also bought some food using the remaining amount. Hunger was a challenging factor since we have been without rain for the last three farming seasons."

"As I stepped out to fetch water one morning at 7 am, my routine was interrupted by my daughter-in-law's excited voice. She asked me to check my account balance, her face beaming with a mixture of curiosity and delight as she had just received her transfer from GiveDirectly. Since she is my helper, I did not object. When she checked, she informed me that I had also received $550. A rush of emotions swept over me, and for a moment, I was utterly speechless. Joy exploded from within, and I couldn't contain my elation. I laughed and cried simultaneously, a dance of overwhelming happiness that I had never experienced before. The worries and uncertainties that had haunted my nights seemed momentarily distant, overshadowed by this unexpected blessing. With a heart full of gratitude, I knew that this simple transfer held the power to transform not just my circumstances, but the trajectory of my family's future."

"Receiving support from GiveDirectly has completely transformed my life. My business has flourished beyond my wildest dreams, enabling me to adequately provide for my family. In the past, I could only afford a limited stock of six pieces of clothing for sale. However, with the cash transfer, I was able to purchase a staggering 95 pieces of clothing, greatly expanding the variety I offer to my customers. This wider selection has not only attracted more customers but also provided them with a diverse range to choose from. My business is now thriving, enabling me to provide for the family without straining like before."

"Before I received the funding from GiveDirectly, my life was a constant struggle to make ends meet. The days were marked by the gnawing ache of hunger, with regular meals being nothing more than a distant dream. I vividly recall enduring the discomforts of an empty stomach for days on end, often having to endure the torment of going without food for at least two days a week. But now, everything has changed. The support I received from GiveDirectly has infused my life with a newfound sense of hope and security. No longer do I have to endure the agony of starvation, as I now have the power to provide food for my family. The weight of uncertainty has lifted, replaced by the reassurance that sustenance is within reach."

"Building a house and starting a business"

"Renovated house, bought a piece of land and a piece"

"I was digging, I felt so happy, I first thought of buying a cow"

"I was at home sleeping. I was very happy. I thought about the fees arrears for my children."

"My primary objective before this year concludes is to resolve our water issues by guaranteeing a continuous supply at home. My aim is to enhance my family's comfort by ensuring access to clean, piped water within our household. Going to the river to fetch water only to come home hours later, tired and with very little water is not worth it at all."

"My suggestion to Give Directly is to contemplate extending the duration of their program. Most beneficiaries are starting from the ground up, and the challenging demographic conditions of this region make sustainability difficult. An extended program could offer more support to those striving to make progress."