"What I like about GiveDirectly (GD) is its independent nature when it comes to enrollment process. Their approach of conducting their own assessments and enrolling recipients based on their own criteria is indeed commendable, as it ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process. I have not identified any areas for improvement within the organization as the organization has been successful in delivering their programs effectively and meeting the needs of the beneficiaries."

"My goal is to obtain a cow that will serve as a foundation for growing my herd and building my wealth. As the cow reproduces, the herd will expand, providing me with a sustainable source of income. This will ultimately enable me to fund my long-term dream of constructing a better house. I want to construct a house with brick walls and a sturdy tin roof, offering improved living conditions compared to my current mud-walled dwelling, which is prone to destruction by rainwater."

"Unfortunately, my house was destroyed by the ongoing rains, which forced my wife and me to seek shelter in my grandson's house, where we have been staying since then. I feel like we are inconveniencing his space, which prompts me to build another house. Thankfully, I have been able to spend my savings from previous transfers to acquire building materials for the new structure. The remaining task is to secure funds for labor compensation. My goal is to build a two-room house with mud walls and an iron sheet roof, which will provide a more stable and comfortable living environment for my wife and me."

"Looking ahead, my goal is to acquire a decent sleeping space. Currently, I sleep on a sisal-twined bed with sacks as makeshift bedding, which does not provide a comfortable sleeping experience. Therefore, I aspire to purchase a new mattress to replace the sacks and improve the quality of my sleep. Give Directly’s cash transfers have played a vital role in improving my living conditions and empowering me to pursue self-sufficiency. I am grateful for the opportunities they have afforded me and remain determined to utilize them wisely to achieve my goals."

"For many years, our primary source of livelihood has been farming, despite the challenges posed by harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Through irrigation and timely planting, we have managed to secure some harvests. The support from GiveDirectly has had a significant impact on our farming activities, as I spent a substantial portion of the second transfer on this endeavor. I was able to lease a 2-acre plot adjacent to a nearby river for $100, providing us with a more convenient water source for irrigation. To prepare the land for planting, I invested $154 in tilling and harrowing. Additionally, I allocated $70 to purchase seeds, which I have already planted and will require three months of diligent care before we can harvest. In anticipation of the final transfer, I also spent $64 on food to sustain my family of three throughout the month. As a single mother, I am profoundly grateful for the tremendous support that has surpassed what I could have achieved on my own. Moreover, I used $18 to purchase three plastic chairs and saved the remaining $44, which has proven invaluable for replenishing depleted household supplies as needed."

"Around 3:00 p.m., I received a message on my phone confirming that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was alone at home at the time, having just returned from the farm a few minutes ago. The situation was concerning because I didn't have anything to cook for the day, and I was deep in thought, trying to figure out how to ensure my family had something to eat. When I read the message, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for answering my prayer at just the right time. I immediately called my husband to share the good news, and he advised me to buy the basics and wait until the following day to collect the remaining amount from the nearby shopping center."

"In addition to our focus on livestock farming, subsistence farming is a widespread practice in our community, providing both food for consumption and surplus for sale. Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I took several steps to enhance our farming activities. I leased an acre of land for $50, invested $58 in land preparation, and promptly planted maize once the land was ready. With the intermittent rainfall we've been receiving, I am optimistic about achieving a better harvest at the end of the season. Furthermore, I purchased a sack of maize for $50, which continues to sustain my family of three. Recognizing the importance of communication, especially as I commute daily to work in town, I realized that my wife needed a phone as well. Hence, I spent $100 to purchase a new phone for her, facilitating easier and more convenient communication. Additionally, I used $157 to buy construction materials, as we plan to expand our current house in anticipation of our growing family. To ensure the smooth management of farming activities and other household expenses, I saved the remaining $50 from the transfer."

"Our first transfer from GiveDirectly brought about significant changes in our lives. Living near the center, we yearned to relocate deeper into the land to provide ample space for our livestock. To realize this dream, I purchased 10 iron sheets for $72, which would be crucial in constructing our new house. Meanwhile, my husband encountered a problem with his motorcycle, which served as a vital source of income for our family. It facilitated his taxi business, the transportation of water during drought seasons, and frequent visits to our distant farm. Recognizing its importance, we spent $45 to have it repaired, ensuring that our means of income remained intact. Furthermore, to ensure a sufficient food supply, I invested $65 in acquiring a substantial 100-kg bag of dry maize grains for my family of four. Previously, I relied on small-scale food businesses and grocery purchases while my husband diligently operated his motorcycle taxi, and after a breakage, we could not get any income. With the remaining $18, I bought other essential household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our daily lives."

"Ever since GiveDirectly stepped in, our daily lives have undergone a significant transformation. With the limited resources we had, it was a constant struggle to meet our obligations in this challenging economic time. However, I am truly grateful that, with the financial support we received, I didn't have to sell any of my precious goats. Instead, I utilized the funds to cover their expenses, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, I was able to manage school fees for my children and purchase ample food for our family. This newfound stability in meeting these essential needs has brought about the biggest difference in our daily lives, filling us with hope and gratitude."

"As a child, the thought of owning a television was a distant dream, as it was a luxury few households in our county could afford. Even having a radio was a challenge for my parents, who had to prioritize our basic needs over such expenses. Over the years, I held onto the hope of providing my children with a different experience, but the financial strain made it difficult. However, thanks to GiveDirectly, that dream finally became a reality when I used $65 from my recent transfer to purchase a small television. Although modest in size, it allows me to stay updated with live news and connect with the world. The next priority was improving my farming endeavors, so I allocated $70 towards land preparation and the purchase of maize seeds, with the hope of achieving a bountiful harvest to reduce our food expenses. Additionally, I spent $60 on a sack of maize, which serves as sustenance for my family of seven. I also set aside $49 to buy clothes for my children and $100 for other essential household items like sugar, tea leaves, and toiletries. To support my husband, who works as a cleaner in the county, I gave him $50 to cover his monthly rent. Lastly, I managed to save $60 for future management practices on the farm, including weeding, spraying, and harvesting."