"Receiving financial support from GiveDirectly felt like a true blessing, and I considered it a sacred opportunity to make wise use of the funds. As a farmer and a parent to five children, I recognized the need for a significant improvement in our sanitation practices. Therefore, I decided to invest $250 in the construction of a pit latrine, a vital addition that replaced the primitive practice of relieving ourselves in the bush. Additionally, I allocated $100 towards paying my children's school fees, prioritizing their education. Lastly, I utilized $60 to purchase a sack of maize, ensuring our food security. All these endeavors were previously unattainable due to financial limitations. The assistance we received from GiveDirectly has not only raised our living standards but also granted us a sense of financial independence. We will forever be grateful for the transformative support provided."

"The seamless operation of the organization left a lasting impression on me, from the initial enrollment stage to the final stages of their services. Throughout the entire process, the team demonstrated a remarkable commitment to treating us with dignity and respect. Their genuine regard for our well-being made us feel valued and heard every step of the way. It was evident from the very beginning that they were dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service possible. Their unwavering dedication and professionalism were truly commendable."

"In the past, I experienced the heartache of my wife leaving me when I was away seeking employment. The tough living conditions made life unbearable for her, prompting her to leave with our two children. However, despite this painful memory, I gathered the strength to pick up the pieces and move forward. When I was informed about the monetary assistance from GiveDirectly, I knew that my first priority would be to pay my son's school fees, as it was the most urgent need at the time. I allocated $53 towards this important expense. Additionally, I purchased a sheep for $40 and embarked on a poultry project, investing $27. With the remaining amount, I procured essential food supplies. I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude, as the support I received enabled me to achieve my goals within a short period of time, which once seemed impossible."

"Farming is our main source of income for my wife, our nine children, and me. When we received the transfer, our most pressing need was to secure food for our family. Therefore, I made it a priority to purchase a sack of maize worth $62. With the remaining funds, we bought other essential food supplies. The prolonged drought had made things challenging for us, making this support crucial and arriving at the perfect time of need. We are eternally grateful for the assistance provided, as it has alleviated our immediate concerns and brought much-needed relief to our family."

"Looking ahead to the coming year, my primary objective is to fence my land to safeguard it from intruders and wild animals. I have set a goal to save the funds from my second transfer in order to accomplish this. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support we received, as it has provided us with a sense of financial freedom and opened up new opportunities for us."

"In the upcoming year, my primary goal is to fence my land, providing a safe and spacious grazing area for the sheep. Additionally, I aim to prioritize the education of my children. To bring this dream to fruition, I plan to invest in a village table banking group and also allocate resources towards sheep farming. I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, this vision can be realized."

"Upon receiving my second transfer, I made the decision to allocate the funds towards fulfilling a long-cherished dream of cultivating tomatoes, a more profitable crop with a readily available market. However, this pursuit had been challenging in the past due to unreliable sources of income, as it requires a substantial investment. My wife and I are farmers. Together, we are blessed with a child. With the $300 received from the transfer, we were able to fully prepare our farm for the upcoming planting season. Additionally, we allocated $62 towards purchasing a sack of maize and $23 for other essential food supplies. Furthermore, I invested $35 in acquiring manure to enrich our soil. As a final purchase, I acquired a solar lamp for $30. These achievements have filled me with gratitude and a deep sense of contentment and happiness."

"I work as a motorcycle taxi driver, and I am currently single. The support I received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in my life. It has enabled me to achieve things that I once thought were impossible. When I received the transfer, I decided to invest in goat rearing. With $54, I was able to fence my land, providing a grazing area for the goats. I then used $60 to purchase two goats. Additionally, I bought a sack of maize for $30. I am grateful that I now have an alternative source of income to rely on, which brings me a sense of relief and contentment."

"Give Directly excelled in providing us with unconditional transfers, and additionally, they conducted individual follow-ups to track the utilization of the funds. This approach proved to be highly effective in fostering financial responsibility among all recipients in our village, as we were accountable for showcasing tangible outcomes from the transfers. As a result, even after the program concludes, we will have gained the confidence to make informed decisions and utilize substantial sums of money prudently."

"I consider the lack of a reliable source of income to be my biggest challenge. In our area, the main economic activity is charcoal work, a very energy-draining job. Since I do not have the skills to seek decent jobs, this has pushed me to continuously venture into this activity. At the moment, trees are scarce and I am forced to dig out the tree remains to make the charcoal. In a good month, I make utmost $50 from this job. All this income goes to buying food and I save nothing. Since this income is low, It has compelled me to live in a very hazardous house that is just braving the strong wind of our area. In addition, my daughter's education has been affected because she is frequently sent home due to a lack of fees. This has pained me as a mother and has devoured my hope. What a life!"