"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was use $80 to pay my daughter’s school fees. She’s in Form 3, and I had to clear the arrears so she could stay in school without disruptions. After that, I spent $30 to plough an acre of land and another $80 to buy beans seeds. It’s the right season for beans, and since they sell well in the market, I saw it as both an investment and a way to make some income later. Thinking ahead, I leased an additional acre for $120. I plan to use it to plant maize next year since it’s a crop that provides both food and profit. In the meantime, I made sure we have enough food by buying a bag of maize for $28. At least now I don’t have to worry about hunger in the house for a while. Food security is a priority, especially when you have children depending on you. Lastly, I bought a goat for $85, as it’s a good long-term asset. It can provide milk and can be sold or bred in the future if needed. With the little money left, I treated myself to a pair of trousers and a shirt. It felt good to buy something for myself after taking care of so many responsibilities. I believe looking good is important too—it lifts your spirits."

"I was at home alone when I received a message notification informing me that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. I was so happy and grateful! My first thought was to use the money to pay school fees for my children. This support would help ensure their education could continue without any interruptions, and it filled me with a sense of relief knowing I could meet this important need."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly is that I now have a sense of comfort and stability in my home. I used to feel overwhelmed by financial stress, especially when it came to paying school fees for my children. With the funds I received, I was able to create a cozy living space for my family and ensure that their education remains uninterrupted. I no longer have to rely on casual labor, which used to take a toll on my time and energy. Instead, I can focus on providing for my family’s needs while also feeling secure about their future. This support has truly changed my life, giving me hope and peace of mind."

"The biggest change in my life since receiving this support has been the sense of security and stability it has given me. I now have the means to provide for my family in a way that wasn’t possible before. By investing in two sheep, I’ve created a source of income that will help me cover important expenses like school fees and emergencies in the future. Adding a door to our home has also provided a new level of safety, giving us peace of mind and protecting our belongings. Being able to attend my child’s prayer day and afford household essentials has brought a level of dignity and joy to our daily lives that I deeply cherish. This support from GiveDirectly has not only met my immediate needs but has empowered me to plan for a brighter, more secure future for my family."

"I was filled with happiness and gratitude when I received $450 from GiveDirectly. After careful planning with my husband, we decided to invest the money in livestock, as we saw this as a sustainable way to secure our future. I used $420 to buy seven goats. With my background as a livestock keeper, I understand how to care for them, and I know how profitable this venture can be. As the goats multiply, they will provide a reliable source of income that I can use to support our farming and meet other personal and household needs. With the remaining amount, I decided to boost my poultry business, which had suffered losses after recent floods washed away some of our chickens. I bought 15 young chicks with the money, planning to raise them for egg and meat production. This addition to our income sources will allow me to pay school fees and buy food for my family without depending solely on my husband. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now feel more secure and empowered to meet our family's needs."

"What I appreciate most about GiveDirectly is their approach to providing unconditional cash transfers. This support allows us the freedom to use the funds in ways that best address our individual needs and challenges. With this flexibility, I can prioritize what's most important for my family without restrictions, whether that’s covering school fees, purchasing food, or investing in sustainable projects. I would strongly recommend that GiveDirectly continue to expand this model and enroll more people. Keeping the focus on unconditional cash transfers is impactful, empowering more families to make meaningful, self-directed improvements in their lives."

"For a very long time, I have been sleeping on a very uncomfortable bed made of ropes, without any bedding to cushion my body and help me get a good night's sleep. This has been disturbing me and I vowed to make a change in my sleeping situation. To effect this change, I spent $34 of my recent transfers, combined with some savings I had, to buy myself a proper bed and mattress. I am so happy to finally be sleeping comfortably. In addition to that, I spent another $34 to buy a goat, hoping that it would multiply and provide me with something to rely on in the future. I also used $14 to buy food for my family since we had nothing in our store, and I spent $10 on my children’s school fees to ensure they wouldn’t be sent home for unpaid fees. Lastly, I saved the remaining $10 in our local savings group for emergencies. I am truly grateful for these transfers; they have made a significant difference in our lives."

"My children and I currently do not have a proper home to sleep in. Right now, I sleep in a very small kitchen, where I take my bedding outside in the morning to make space for cooking and bring it back in the evening when it is time for bed. Also, my children have to borrow places to sleep from relatives, and this has been incredibly frustrating for me. To change this, I started a journey to build a three-room house for my family using the transfers that I received from GiveDirectly. My plan for this year and beyond is to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy building materials, ensuring that my house reaches completion. I feel so excited and happy to see the progress on my house and to imagine living there with my children. Additionally, with my kids in school, I am committed to using another portion of my transfers to pay their school fees so they can continue their education. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that GiveDirectly has provided for me and my family."

"I have an oxen disc plough, and my dream has always been to have my own set of cows that I would use plow my farm instead of borrowing from other people. I may even hire these cows with the disc plough for some extra income to support my family. To achieve this dream, I have been gradually buying goats, hoping that one day I can trade them for the cows I desire. Recently, I spent $45 of my transfers to buy two goats, believing they will multiply and eventually help me get the cows I need. Also, this year has been particularly tough, as we faced a prolonged sunny season that led to drought and left us vulnerable to hunger and so I spent another $27 of my transfers to buy food for my family, ensuring we have enough to eat during these challenging times. Additionally, I used $20 to pay school fees for my three children, ensuring they can continue their education without interruption. Lastly, I spent the remaining $10 to acquire birth certificates for my children, which were urgently needed for school enrollment. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received, as it enables me to work towards my dreams while ensuring my family’s immediate needs are met."

"With two children in secondary school, one of whom is in their final year, keeping up with their school fees is essential to me. Recently, I used $55 of my GiveDirectly transfers to cover their fees, giving them the stability they need to fully focus on their studies. There is no greater joy than knowing my children can continue their education, a reality made possible by this invaluable support. Our region has been harshly impacted by drought and hunger, so I also used $19 to buy food for my family, ensuring we had enough to eat in these challenging times. With the remaining $25 of my transfers, I was able to purchase a goat to add to the small flock I already have. My hope is that, over time, these goats will multiply, eventually allowing me to trade them for male cows to help plow my farm. This support from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline, providing my family with stability and allowing us to plan for a better future. I am incredibly grateful, and I look forward to brighter days ahead with renewed hope and a deep sense of appreciation."