"Starting fresh after losing everything to the floods has been a challenge, but I am determined to create a better life for my children. I used $50 of my unconditional cash transfer to pay school fees for my children, as their education is my top priority. Previously, I relied on my business of selling food and other goods to support us, but the floods destroyed my shop and wiped out my stock. Despite this setback, I borrowed money to restock my shop and get back on my feet. However, the competition has increased, and my daily income has dropped from $15 to $8, as more people have opened businesses after receiving their own cash transfers.Being a single mother is tough, especially when my children depend solely on me for their needs. The pressure of paying school fees was overwhelming, but now I feel more hopeful. Although I faced struggles and moments of depression, I am gradually finding my way. My children’s happiness motivates me to keep pushing forward, and I am committed to providing them with the education they deserve.Furthermore, I have managed to save $400, which I plan to use for school fees when they return in January. This financial cushion gives me peace of mind and shows that my hard work is paying off. I am determined to ensure that my children have a brighter future, and I believe that with continued effort and support, we will overcome these challenges together."

"In the coming years, I plan to open a business shop right at home so that I can earn profit without needing to go elsewhere. This will allow me to focus on growing the business steadily while staying close to my family. Alongside the shop, I want to continue farming, as it will support us with food and extra income. I believe this combination will not only improve our lives but also help secure a brighter future for my children by supporting their education. With the shop and farm together, we’ll have more stability and fewer financial worries. My goal is to create a strong foundation that will sustain us for years to come."

"I truly appreciate how GiveDirectly conducts its operations. The officers show great respect at all stages of enrollment, including during follow-ups, and they exercise a commendable level of patience. I also love that the money is sent directly to us, along with education on security measures. This consistent reminder from the officers has greatly helped ensure that our funds are safe. The follow-up after the transfer motivates us to spend wisely. I would recommend that GiveDirectly consider increasing the amount of support we receive. Alternatively, if they could support more people using the same approach, that would also be beneficial."

"GiveDirectly excels in supporting the poor through its unconditional cash transfers, which have visibly transformed our village as people take diverse initiatives to improve their livelihoods. The unconditional nature of the funds empowers recipients to make choices that best suit their needs. However, while GiveDirectly officers do conduct follow-ups on how we spend the money, I believe there is room for improvement. If they identify individuals who misuse the funds, it would be beneficial to provide them with education on wise spending to help them make better financial decisions in the future. Overall, your approach is effective. Keep it up! "

"My primary goal for the coming year and beyond is to complete building my dream house, a project I’ve already begun. Not having a proper home has been challenging, but I’ve always envisioned living in an iron-roofed house. To bring this dream to life, I’ve been setting aside a portion of my monthly income to buy building materials gradually. So far, I’ve managed to buy a few iron sheets and some building poles, and I’m hopeful that construction can begin soon. An iron-roofed house will provide much-needed protection from the rain, which has been a constant struggle in my current living situation. I am determined to save more to purchase the remaining poles, timber, nails, and cover labor costs to bring this dream to fruition. In addition to my housing project, I’m also committed to enrolling my child in secondary school, as he completed primary school last year. Ensuring he continues his education is very important to me, so I’ve started saving $1,000 each month towards his school fees. Thanks to these efforts, I have managed to build most of the house and only have the door left to complete."

"In the coming year, my plan is to focus on crop and livestock farming, which I believe will provide a sustainable income for my family. I intend to use my next transfer to buy more sheep as they multiply quickly. Alongside livestock, I am planning to plant butternut squash, a crop that thrives in our area and promises good returns. The profits from these investments will be crucial for prioritizing my children's education. With eleven children to care for, my ultimate goal is to ensure that all of them finish school and have better opportunities for the future. I didn't have the chance to go to school myself, but I have seen firsthand the difference education can make. Those who have had the privilege of an education lead more stable and fulfilling lives, and I want the same for my children, not just for their sake but also so that they can support me in my old age."

"When I received my unconditional cash transfer, I decided to prioritize my children's education and the well-being of my family. My son is currently in junior secondary school, and I enrolled him in boarding, which cost me $105. His school recommended boarding due to the long distance and the dangers of crossing the river, especially after the recent flood incident. Additionally, I have a daughter in high school who had accumulated $200 in unpaid school fees. I had no idea how I would settle her fees, but with this transfer, I was able to clear the arrears, which brought me peace of mind. As a crop farmer, I used $50 for land preparation, intending to plant maize on my one-acre farm. The proceeds from this harvest will help sustain us in the future. To create a lasting memory of the support I received from GiveDirectly, I bought a goat worth $60, which will also help us in the long run. With the remaining funds, I purchased food items like beans and maize to keep us going as we wait for the crops in the field to mature. This cash transfer has truly relieved a great burden and allowed me to plan for our needs with confidence."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the $200 from GiveDirectly is the joy and relief it has brought to my family. Before this support, I was overwhelmed by the stress of not being able to pay my children's school fees, which led to them being sent home. Knowing that I could now use this money to get them back to school has filled me with hope and a sense of purpose. This financial assistance has not only eased my worries but has also allowed my children to continue their education, which is something I deeply value. I am incredibly grateful for GiveDirectly's help, as it has transformed our situation and brought a new sense of stability to our lives."

"Upon receiving my latest transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I immediately took action to support my family. I used $210 to pay the school fees for two of my children, who were on the verge of being sent home due to unpaid fees. Thankfully, since I made this payment, they have been able to continue their education without interruption, and I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for that. Next, I invested $100 in buying watermelon seeds and paying for the labor needed for planting. I planted melons on two acres of land because this crop thrives in our area and fetches good prices in the market. I plan to use the proceeds from the harvest to boost my existing business and purchase more assets that I currently do not have. Additionally, I spent $50 on food for my family to ensure we have enough to eat at home. The remaining money went towards our daily household needs, helping us maintain a stable and comfortable living environment. I feel hopeful about the future, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I knew this was my chance to get things I hadn’t been able to afford before. At that time, I had a maize farm that had been partly affected by floods, but fortunately, I managed to save a portion of the crop. With harvest time approaching, I used $150 to cover harvesting and transportation costs, ensuring that my family now had enough food to eat. Next, I spent $140 to buy two sheep, as I had none before. I am committed to helping them grow and multiply so that they can generate income for us in the future, even after the GiveDirectly program ends. With that done, I turned my attention to a loan that had been causing me stress for the past three years. I used $65 to pay off the interest, which has relieved me of a significant mental burden, leaving me feeling stress-free. Additionally, I spent $30 on remedial classes for my child because I believe education is essential, and I want to invest in my children’s future. Lastly, I used $40 to buy essential household items like utensils, curtains, plastic chairs, and a table. These items have improved the look of my home and given me a sense of pride in owning things I didn’t have before."