"The long-cherished dream of building a decent house for ourselves was something I had envisioned for a considerable period. However, various responsibilities such as school fees and medical expenses, stemming from my joint condition, had prevented its realization in the past. Recognizing that acquiring building materials was a crucial first step, my husband and I decided to utilize the entirety of our transfer, supplemented by some savings, to purchase them in preparation for the construction. While my husband primarily relies on farming, I sustain our livelihood through goat rearing and poultry farming, albeit with some limitations due to my medical condition. Our children have all grown up, leaving just the two of us, relying on each other for support. Reaching these significant milestones brings a profound sense of relief and satisfaction."

"GiveDirectly has consistently performed admirably and has maintained impartiality since its inception. I am pleased that even in cases where some individuals did not receive assistance, the reasons for their exclusion were clearly communicated. The staff members who visited were approachable and provided detailed explanations, ensuring transparency throughout the process. The decision to entrust us with the choice of how to spend the funds bestowed upon us was a commendable approach. However, there is always room for improvement, and GiveDirectly should continue to enhance their outreach efforts and ensure that all eligible individuals have access to their support in time."

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary objective is still centered on realizing my plan to acquire sheep to add to the herd of sheep that I currently have. This endeavor holds great importance for me, as it will contribute to a secure future while I continue to accommodate my grandchildren. Additionally, I have a strong desire to construct a small kitchen right on my doorstep. This kitchen will not only serve as a cooking area but also provide an additional room where my grandchildren can sleep comfortably during their visits."

"Our biggest problem as a family is food. It's really hard getting 3 meals a day. Most of the time we eat once a day. During hard times we're forced to collect wild fruits and boil them for a meal. These fruits are seasonal. We also depend on menial jobs such as collecting firewood. From selling firewood we can buy food. The cost of living is high, we can only collect $2 worth of firewood a day. This means the money cannot be enough for us. It makes us worried about our next meal."

"Currently, I reside in the house of my older brother. However, I have long harbored a dream of having a place of my own, a home where I can experience comfort and privacy. To realize this aspiration, I am determined to save up sufficient funds specifically designated for acquiring essential building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, cement, nails, and sisal ropes. The prospect of owning my own house fills me with great joy, and I firmly believe that through these transfers, my dream will become a reality."

"The condition of my house is in a state of disrepair, with a portion of the wall riddled with large holes that allow cold air to permeate inside. In a previous endeavor, I acquired some poles with the intention of constructing a two-bedroom house. Looking ahead to the end of the year and beyond, my objective is to accumulate sufficient funds from my monthly transfers. With these savings, I aspire to construct a larger and more secure dwelling that provides both safety and warmth."

"It has been an extensive period since my house collapsed. The deep poverty my family endures, coupled with my limited income, has hindered any progress in constructing a new dwelling. As the year draws to a close, my objective is to accumulate sufficient funds that can be allocated toward purchasing building materials. This will enable me to embark on the journey of constructing a new house for myself."

"I deeply appreciate Give Directly for their initiative to financially support people in communities like ours. These transfers alleviate numerous hardships, with the most pressing one being hunger. With the received funds, I can contribute to our household needs and relieve the burden on my son, whose income from selling chewing sticks barely provides for our daily sustenance. My goal is to ensure that even after the transfers cease in a few years, hunger becomes a rare occurrence in our lives. As I am unable to engage in active work due to my age, I plan to accumulate wealth through goat rearing. Additionally, I aspire to start a small business selling vegetables or dried sardines to maintain a steady income flow."

"First and foremost, I am thankful for the cash transfers as they have significantly alleviated hardships in my household. My main objective is to acquire goats, so when the cash assistance from Give Directly stops, I can rely on selling the animals to generate a steady income. To achieve this, I am dedicated to saving a portion of my monthly earnings through a self-help group. I hope that the current farming season yields enough food, allowing me to accomplish this goal in the next few years. This will enable me to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase goats and build wealth, ultimately improving the financial stability of my household."

"While enjoying the company of my grandchild who had come to visit me during the December holiday, a message popped into my phone at around 4 pm. I did not hesitate to check, but before I could take the phone from the table where I had placed it, my grandchild picked it up and read the message to me. My face brightened with the good news. It was the first transfer of $550. My heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving since I thought it was just a formality of registration but the ones to be assisted were already known; it was not the case. Involuntarily, the mood of the stories we had with the grandchild changed and we became happier than before."