"When I received the first transfer, the first thing I did was buy seven iron sheets to fix our rundown house. Spending $67 on those sheets might seem small, but it meant a lot to us. It was about satisfaction and a secure roof over our heads. After that, I bought two mattresses. My three children and I had been sleeping on the hard floor for too long, and it took a toll on us. I spending $100 on the mattresses. The relief of finally having a good night's sleep was priceless. With another $100, I managed to clear some food bills and other expenses we had borrowed. I also saw it fit to spend $60 on a sack of maize to keep us fed and $80 on a second-hand bicycle. This bike was our ticket to easier water access during the dry season because the water points seemed too far away. As for the remaining amount, I saved it, knowing it would be our safety net in case of emergencies."

"Upon receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it to improve our lives. First, I focused on our home. With the old roof making us worry, I bought 30 iron sheets to renovate it and extend another room. Now, we have a safe and secure place to live, and our kids have their own space, a room they can call their own. Seeing their happiness is worth more than any amount of money. We finally have our privacy and comfort restored, a feeling I can't describe. As a casual laborer burning and selling charcoal for a living, the thought of having enough food without the daily struggle lifted a weight off my shoulders. I purchased two sacks of maize to ensure there was plenty to eat, allowing me to take a break from the exhausting work. Additionally, I bought a bed for my children, giving them a proper place to sleep instead of the hard floor. Their smiles as they lay down in their new bed made every penny spent worth it. It feels like we're stepping into a new chapter, one where our basic needs are met, and we can focus on building a better future."

"Life used to be a constant struggle. Nights of empty stomachs and worry were all too familiar, especially when the rain stopped my husband from finding work. Our leaky roof added to our troubles, stealing away our peace. But then, everything changed. The GiveDirectly transfer came like a ray of hope. Suddenly, our song changed from sorrow to joy. With the money, we could buy food regularly, and we fixed our leaking roof. Now, we sleep soundly, no longer drenched by rain or worry. That transfer brought us more than just money; it brought us comfort, security, and a renewed sense of hope for brighter days ahead."

"The leaking roof over our heads had been a constant worry, so I decided to use a significant part of the money to renovate our humble home. Changing the roof brought a wave of relief, and now I can sleep peacefully in a comfortable and dry place, something I hadn't enjoyed for a while. But it wasn't just about the house. I wanted my family to experience comfort too. With part of the money, I bought two beds and two mattresses. No more nights on small, broken traditional beds; now we sleep on proper beds, and it feels like a luxury. I cherish the smiles on my family's faces every night. Additionally, I invested in a goat for $35. It might seem small, but it's a step towards a more secure future. The remaining amount, I allocate to food. Even though I'm getting older and taking care of my sick husband through casual labor, knowing we have a comfortable home and enough to eat brings a deep sense of peace and gratitude."

"My thatched house has been deteriorating for some time, with rainwater seeping in through the large openings in the roof, causing damage to both the structure and my belongings. To address this, I opted to construct a new single-room house, this time using iron sheets to cover the roof. I allocated $90 to acquire nine pieces of iron sheets, and the construction is currently in progress, with only four pieces remaining to complete the roof. In addition to purchasing the iron sheets, I spent $14 on food to sustain my family, given my husband's limited earnings from his casual work in construction and farming for others. I am genuinely grateful for the financial support I have received, as it has significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of my life."

"In the upcoming year, my primary objective is to replace the grass roof of my house with iron roofing sheets. The recent heavy rainfall led to severe leaks in the grass roof, causing damage to some of my household items. I have initiated savings towards achieving this goal and plan to purchase the iron roofing sheets in the coming year. The support provided has been immensely crucial to my family, and we are genuinely grateful for it."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goals include acquiring livestock and building a decent house for my family. After my main house collapsed, I erected a temporary one-room shelter where my six children and I currently reside. However, its conditions are far from ideal for accommodation. I aspire to build a new house with two rooms, featuring a tin roof and mud walls. Additionally, I plan to expand my livestock holdings. Currently, I have four goats, two of which I obtained through the cash transfers. The goal is for them to reproduce, grow the herd, and eventually exchange them for cows in the future. This strategy would provide funds for my children's education even after the cash transfers cease."

"My primary objective is to acquire new iron sheets and completely refurbish the roof of my house, as the current rusty and deteriorated sheets with holes allow rainwater to seep into the house during rainfall. Alongside this crucial renovation, I am committed to supporting my children's education by covering their school fees. The assistance provided by Give Directly has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of my life, and I am sincerely appreciative of this financial support."

"Currently unemployed, I rely on farming to support my family of five. The coming of GiveDirectly to our village has significantly improved our lives. I am proud to share that I now own goats and have undertaken the construction of a larger house. Utilizing the transfers received over three months, I allocated $90 to purchase essential iron roofing sheets, a necessary component for completing the house. The remaining $12 was allocated to cover school fees for my children, a crucial requirement for them to commence the school term. I am filled with immense joy at the accomplishments made possible through this support."

"My previous dwelling was in a deplorable condition. It had a grass-thatched roof that would leak profusely whenever it rained, exacerbated by the scarcity of grass due to an ongoing drought. Repairing the roof became a challenging task. Moreover, the single-room structure proved insufficient to accommodate my family of four and our household belongings. Over the past six months, I diligently saved my transfers, utilizing the funds to procure essential materials for construction. This included investing in sturdy iron sheets, as well as obtaining building materials such as poles, nails, and timber. I am thrilled to share that I have recently relocated to my new residence, which is not only spacious but also shields us from the rain. The transformation has brought me immense happiness and gratitude. The financial support I have received has been instrumental in making this significant improvement to my living conditions. I am deeply appreciative of the assistance that has enabled me to acquire a new, comfortable home for myself and my family."