"I have been in a savings group for as long as I have been in the Givedirectly project. I save a monthly amount of $14. In November the remaining $19 went into buying clothes for myself, my then 5 month child and my wife. I also got some toiletries using that cash. In December I got three chicken at $3 each and hence got three chicken, I bought medicine for my child at $5 and also got diapers as well as food for my family as need arose. In January I spent $20 paying a debt I had taken, I had been stuck and needed finances as some emergencies came up. I also spent the money to buy some shoes for me and my child at $3.5 while the rest was used on food, toiletries and diapers as the need arose."

"My primary goal is to complete my studies and pursue a career in either medicine or engineering. I aim to achieve not only personal success but also to uplift my family from the challenges we currently face. I hope to provide assistance to my parents, creating a positive change and breaking the cycle of our financial struggle. In the end, I aspire to contribute to the holistic development of the village, fostering a brighter future for everyone. I am happy and feel empowered through the assistance that GiveDirectly has provided me."

"With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I immediately prioritized the well-being of my family. I invested $120 in purchasing comfortable beddings for my seven children and five grandchildren, allowing them to sleep well and in pairs, a luxury they hadn't experienced before. Previously, they slept on sacks, leading to health issues like ringworm and bedbugs, and shared their room with chickens. The transformation has been incredible, and their happiness is noticeable. With the remaining funds, I addressed their health concerns by buying medicine, ensuring they are now free from bedbugs and sleep in a safe environment. As a casual laborer burning charcoal, my income is limited to $20 every two weeks, and my husband's earnings from taking care of a neighbor's cow amount to $40 per month. Despite our combined efforts, the funds are insufficient for food and school fees. Determined to secure my children's education, I allocated $150 to settle their school fees balance, and another $150 was spent on buying food for the festive season. Additionally, I used part of the funds to purchase clothes and uniforms for my children, relieving me of the worry that they might attend school in torn garments. The cash transfer has brought immense relief, allowing my children to learn in peace and comfort."

"Around 2 in the afternoon, I found myself in a quiet moment of relaxation after diligently taking my post-eye surgery medicine. It was then that my daughter, with an infectious smile, shared the news that I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of happiness engulfed me, realizing that the days of makeshift sleeping arrangements on traditional beds were finally coming to an end. For years, I had relied on those rudimentary setups, and the thought of transitioning to a comfortable bed and mattress sparked a profound sense of joy. The unconditional support felt like a gift of dignified rest, a reprieve from the discomforts of the past, and a promise of better nights ahead. Gratitude welled within me, not just for the tangible upgrade but for the renewed sense of comfort and stability this unexpected assistance brought to my life."

"Before being enrolled in the program, I was in great distress due to my inability to afford my medication, as I have struggled with epilepsy for many years. This condition prevented me from joining school because of frequent seizures and attacks. GiveDirectly has provided crucial support, enabling me to access specialized medical care and treatment through monthly transfers. As my parents are subsistence farmers and my father sometimes does menial jobs to support the family, the transfers have had a significant impact on my life. The support I have received has been instrumental in helping me manage the challenges associated with this condition, and the specialized medical care and treatment I can now access are essential for my well-being. I can now afford monthly treatment, including frequent checkups. The monthly transfers have made it possible for me to spend almost $20 on medicines. The ability to afford monthly treatment, including frequent checkups, has significantly improved the quality of life. I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs, new clothes for myself, and some household items that I lacked."

"Since joining the program, I had acquired four goats, but unfortunately, they all succumbed to a deadly illness, resulting in the loss of two. In an attempt to aid their recovery, I had purchased medicine before the two goats passed away. Despite this setback, I am thankful that two goats survived. Additionally, I allocated $15 to purchase food for our festive celebrations, creating cherished memories with my family. Moreover, with $68, I procured two goats in November and October. Regrettably, both fell victim to the disease. Nevertheless, I am resolute in continuing to raise goats, as I aim to generate substantial income from their offspring in the future."

"The arrival of the financial aid couldn't have been more timely, bringing a profound sense of relief to our family during a challenging period. With five children on their lengthiest school break due to a two-month closure, the lack of a harvest from our one-acre maize plantation, affected by a prolonged drought, added to our difficulties. As a housewife with my spouse earning $45 monthly as a watchman, providing for the family became difficult, especially with the kids at home and no available food. Upon receiving the transfer, a mixture of gratitude and optimism filled me. I used $40 to buy a bag of maize, which ensured that our children would have sufficient food throughout their break. With $100, I bought two goats and used $20 to acquire chickens for poultry farming. The goats will provide us with milk once they give birth, and I am optimistic that the goats and hens will multiply, creating a potential income source for my children's education through sales. I used the remaining amount to address a day when illness struck me, covering admission charges and the purchase of essential medicines. Gratefully, the transfer facilitated the fulfilment of crucial needs, fostering a sense of hope and resilience for our family's future."

"When I received my Givedirectly transfers the first time I invested in chicken rearing. I spent $10 in October on chicken feed, $17 in December on chicken feed and medicine for the chicks. We had some heavy rains in the month of October and my house came apart. I had to renovate the house, I spent $15 on poles and $10 on building sticks while the rest went into paying the mason. October saw us do some plant farming and we spent $20 in tilling the land. In December we spent the remaining $17 to buy food items used during the festivities."

"My primary focus remains on buying and installing a water storage tank at home. This goal has been consistent since I began receiving cash transfers, and I've been diligently saving toward its realization whenever possible. Water scarcity has been a persistent issue in my household, especially during droughts, necessitating long walks to obtain water. Acquiring a water tank would be a sustainable solution to this problem. While my income from traditional medicine primarily covers basic needs, I am grateful that the cash transfers are bringing me closer to achieving this goal. Depending on the funds accumulated by mid-next year, I plan to purchase a water tank based on that amount."

"At the start of last month, heavy rains prompted me to prepare 1 acre of land for farming. I invested $24 in this endeavor and eagerly anticipate a bountiful harvest early next year, having planted maize, vegetables, and beans. Additionally, I settled a $10 debt with a neighbor who had plowed my land in August during the brief rains. A significant portion of the funds was allocated to purchasing medicine for my eleven goats, which had fallen seriously ill due to an infection. The total expenditure for treating all the goats amounted to $44. I am relieved that none of the animals succumbed to the peculiar illness, and their health has significantly improved. Furthermore, I procured two ducks for $10, viewing this as a prospective investment. Once they start reproducing, I plan to sell some and generate income. I am grateful for the financial assistance provided by Give Directly."