"I used the entire transfer of $450 to start a small kiosk business in a center close to my home. I spent $20 to rent a shop and used the remaining $430 to stock the shop with goods. It's been two months since I opened the shop, and I'm thrilled with its success. On average, I make $3 in daily sales. This thriving business has become a lifeline for my family, allowing me to provide for our basic needs. The reason I started this shop was to move away from the strenuous work I used to do, such as working on people's land and burning charcoal to make a living. Now, I can rest more and use less energy. Having my own business has been a fantastic experience, and I feel a sense of freedom and an opportunity to build a better life."

"In the years to come, my main goal is to save half of the income I earn from my vegetable hawking business for my son's education. With an average daily income of $1, I have already used some of the transfer money to pay his fees for the next two terms. I am confident that by continuing to save diligently, I will have enough funds to cover his fees for the entire year. My unwavering commitment to his education is driven by the firm belief that it holds the key to his future success. I am determined to provide him with the best possible educational opportunities, and I will work tirelessly to ensure he remains in school."

"Previously, I had rented 1.5 acres of land using the second transfer, and I was eagerly anticipating the third transfer to begin maize farming. Once I received the funds, I immediately allocated $300 to the tilling of the land and purchased essential farm inputs like maize seeds and fertilizers. I utilized the remaining $150 to buy top dressers for the farm and cover the daily irrigation costs. As we are speaking, I am thrilled to report that the maize crop is thriving, and I am optimistic about a successful harvest. I am anticipating around 25 sacks of maize, which will serve as a significant source of food for my family of eight. Considering the high purchase price of maize, having a substantial stock will safeguard me from the impact of rising prices. I firmly believe that this harvest will last until the next harvest comes next year, ensuring food security for my family during that period. This successful venture into maize farming brings hope and stability to our household."

"My current objective is to gather sufficient building materials, such as building poles and iron sheets, and begin constructing a new house. To achieve this, I've adopted a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I am purchasing some materials every month, steadily building up the resources needed for the construction. Additionally, I've joined a merry-go-round, contributing $10 regularly. This way, once I accumulate enough savings, I'll be able to purchase all the required materials to start the construction. In the coming year and beyond, my ultimate goal is to build a decent, spacious house where I and my children can comfortably live. The determination to provide a secure and stable home for my family drives me forward, and I eagerly anticipate the day when we can move into our new home"

"My current priority is to ensure that my children's education is not disrupted due to a lack of funds. My son is in college right now, and my daughter is in high school. Raising the required fees has been a significant challenge for me. I am unable to work in the menial jobs I used to do due to my poor health. As a result, I rely heavily on the monthly transfers to cover my children's educational expenses. Fortunately, I have been able to use the monthly transfers to pay for their education and have even cleared part of the fees. My ultimate hope is that this financial assistance will keep them from being sent home from school on a regular basis. They had previously experienced this when I was unable to pay their fees on time. I am extremely grateful for the support that has allowed me to give them a chance to shape their future through education."

"Upon receiving my recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to take a significant step towards financial independence. Using part of my second transfer, I decided to invest in a business selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and chapatis. I already had stalls that I had built with the first transfer, so this new venture was the perfect addition. I spent around $120 to kickstart the business, ensuring I had a wide variety of products to attract customers. This decision filled me with excitement and determination, as I knew it could provide a stable income for my family and me. On the other hand, Education was a priority, and I used $100 from the transfer to pay for my son's kindergarten fees. I firmly believed in giving my children the best opportunities, and providing them with a good education was paramount. Additionally, I invested in our self-esteem and well-being by purchasing new clothes for myself and my two children. The old torn garments had affected our confidence, but now we could hold our heads high and face the world with renewed self-assurance. Lastly, I made sure to purchase enough food to sustain my four family members. Although my spouse worked as a mechanic, his income was not always steady. The unconditional cash transfer provided us with the means to meet our basic needs and allowed us to look forward to a more stable and secure future, with the business venture offering a potential source of stability."

"As a civil servant and a recipient of GiveDirectly's unconditional money, I am immensely grateful for the support they have provided without discrimination. GiveDirectly's inclusive approach has been truly commendable, as they recognize the value of every individual, regardless of their profession. This financial assistance has uplifted me during challenging times and allowed me to meet my family's needs without the burden of discrimination. The respect and dignity they have shown me as a civil servant have made a significant difference in my life, and I can confidently say that GiveDirectly's commitment to equality is one of the many reasons why their initiative has been so successful and transformative for individuals like myself."

"When GiveDirectly provided me with unconditional money, I felt a sense of empowerment as I was given the autonomy to decide how to use it wisely. With this newfound opportunity, I made the crucial decision to send my son to school so he could sit for his exams. It filled my heart with pride and joy to see him embrace his education and work hard towards a brighter future. GiveDirectly's trust in me to make the right choices for my family has been truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the chance they gave me to invest in my son's education, opening doors to endless possibilities for his success."

"My primary goal is to renovate my house, which has been in disrepair for many years. Unfortunately, using my menial job earnings proved difficult because the majority of it went towards food and other essential household needs. The condition of the roof is particularly concerning, as it is dilapidated and poses a risk of being blown away during strong winds. Furthermore, the constant leaks during rainy days have caused damage to my household items, leaving me constantly concerned. I intend to replace the old roof with new iron sheets to address these issues and create a safe and comfortable living space. My immediate goal is to purchase 25 iron sheets, which will be critical in facilitating the much needed renovation. I have already purchased 8 iron sheets with the help of monthly transfers, indicating progress toward my goal. Moving forward, I am determined to use the monthly transfers to acquire the remaining iron sheets and commence the renovation process. This endeavour is a significant step toward bettering my living conditions and ensuring a more secure and pleasant home for myself and my family."

"Enrolling my five children in school has always been a challenge, as paying their fees proved to be an uphill task until the transfers came into play. My children were sent home numerous times due to my inability to pay their school fees on time. However, the arrival of the transfer has been a game-changer, as it now ensures that my children can attend school without interruptions. I rely heavily on these transfers to cover my children's educational expenses because I do not have a regular source of income. Looking ahead, my main and unwavering goal for the coming year and beyond is to prioritize my children's education. I am determined to continue using the transfer to pay their fees promptly, guaranteeing that their learning journey remains uninterrupted and their educational aspirations are achieved. The assistance provided by the transfer has provided much-needed relief, relieving me of the burden of school fees. It has allowed my children to attend school without worry, and I am extremely grateful. Ensuring that my children receive a quality education and foster a promising future for them is my utmost priority."