"I obtained a solar light through a hire purchase arrangement to illuminate my home, making an initial deposit of $34 and subsequently paying the remaining amount in monthly installments. This solar light not only provides illumination for my house but also serves as a means to charge my phone. The improved lighting has significantly enhanced the ambience of my home during nighttime. Additionally, I allocated $34 towards renovating my house, which previously had mud walls before I received transfers from Give Directly. The funds facilitated the purchase of stones for repairs, resulting in a substantial improvement in the appearance of my house. I am relieved that the structure is now more stable, alleviating concerns about potential collapse due to the previous mud walls. During the festive season, I utilized the entire $34 to procure food and partake in joyful celebrations with my family. The transfers played a crucial role in creating lasting memories and fostering closer bonds among my family members."

"Life posed significant challenges before, and I harbored genuine concerns that my children might be forced to drop out of school. Juggling kids in secondary and primary school, I am delighted to share that all are actively learning, with one having successfully completed his education. The positive impact of this project is evident in our ability to acquire livestock and install solar lighting in our home. Together with my husband, we are involved in farming and charcoal selling to meet the needs of our five children. A sudden illness befell my son, requiring urgent treatment, for which I spent $34. I am relieved that he has fully recovered and was able to sit for his examinations on time. Another $34 was invested in purchasing a goat, which I view as an asset for future sale to cover my children's school fees. The remaining amount was allocated to settle a school debt accrued during the year, enabling my son to obtain his school leaving certificate. My profound gratitude goes to this organization, as it has significantly elevated the quality of our lives."

"After receiving both the first and second transfers from GiveDirectly, providing for my family of nine has become much more manageable. The initial transfer allowed me to purchase essential items, and the second one came in handy. With a detailed list in hand, I prioritized spending $118 on food, ensuring a steady supply of maize and beans for my family. This has brought me a sense of peace, as I no longer need to rely solely on casual labor for our daily bread. Additionally, I invested $20 in a water container to facilitate storage during the rainy season, and $5 as a deposit for a rechargeable solar lighting system, replacing the kerosene lamp. I used $12 for clothes, providing new attire for my two daughters who were struggling with old and tattered clothing, and $65 for various household goods, including toiletries and kitchenware. I am delighted with the improved appearance of our home and the availability of these essential items, which were previously bought in small quantities or missed when funds were scarce. I saved the remaining $230, intending to use it to construct a pit latrine. This project aims to enhance our living standards by promoting better hygiene and proper waste disposal, avoiding contamination of the environment, especially after rainfall."

"As a primary school teacher, my meager earnings made it challenging to provide for my family's needs. Life was undeniably tough, but I am immensely thankful for this project, which has made the seemingly impossible attainable. I am delighted to share that through saving my transfers, I managed to install solar lights, bringing much-needed power to our home, a luxury we couldn't afford before. Additionally, I was able to purchase a motorbike, greatly easing my daily commute to and from work and benefiting both myself and my wife. Regrettably, my son was diagnosed with a hernia, necessitating urgent treatment and surgery. With careful savings amounting to $102 accrued over three months from my transfers, I was able to provide the necessary funds for his medical treatment. Fortunately, the operation was a success and he has now fully recovered and returned to school."

"My transfers have always been of great support to my family and these past few months, the money has been spent on a range of essential expenses ranging from personal and school requirements to investments. In summary, I spent some of the money on personal needs like shoes and clothes for my children and I, payment of school fees for my children and investment on poultry(geese) and lighting. Months ago, I managed to purchase a solar lighting system on credit, depositing a specific amount then paying for the balance in monthly instalments. Receiving the transfers was the major motivation towards making the purchase due to the assurance of the monthly transfers that would support in paying the required monthly instalments. It is a great pleasure to have a clean source of light and move away from the daily purchase of kerosene but even more excited about the fact that I am now able to charge my phone from the comfort of my own house. The availability of the Solar light has also made it possible for my children to comfortably do their schoolwork past daylight hours which has positively impacted their performance in school. Receiving the transfers also enabled me join a savings group where I save part of my transfers which I intend to invest in different ways to ensure a consistent flow of income after the project is over."

"Receiving funds from GiveDirectly was like a dream realized. I'm married and a mother to eight children, yet financial limitations had curbed my ability to pursue my aspirations. My husband and I rely on farming, with him also serving as a catechist at the church, to make ends meet. However, our agricultural income barely sufficed. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I managed to address the most pressing concern at the time: providing school fees for my children. This crucial need was met with $150. Additionally, I spent $200 to acquire solar lighting and phone charging, a move aimed at facilitating comfortable studying conditions for my children. The remaining funds were wisely used for food, alleviating the constant worry of feeding my family. The impact of this cash infusion on my life was profound, and my gratitude towards GiveDirectly's generosity knows no bounds. This assistance not only allowed me to realize my dreams but also bestowed a higher level of comfort upon me and my children."

"The cash transfers have made a significant difference in my life, especially considering the limited income my husband earns as a house help. With previous cash transfers, I was able to install a solar lighting system, providing ample light for my children's studies. They no longer have to use battery-powered torches, which provided them with dim lighting. Additionally, I acquired a decent water storage tank, ensuring that our household doesn't run out of water frequently. Through the recent funds received, I allocated $20 to reduce the school fee debts of my five children, who were at risk of being sent home as their father had not received his salary to settle these balances. With the remaining $14, I purchased food, which sustained my family until my husband received his wage. I am incredibly grateful to Give Directly, and I wish I could personally shake everyone’s hand to express my gratitude to every person involved."

"I am incredibly grateful for the cash transfers as they have allowed me to install a solar lighting system in my house, replacing the old paraffin lanterns. To ensure a steady supply of power, I allocate $5 each month to pay the solar company. As soon as I received the recent funds, I promptly paid the $5 fee, and I am delighted that my house has never experienced a shortage of power since then. I believe that education is of utmost importance to children, and I used a portion of the funds to settle the outstanding tuition fees for my son in grade eight, which amounted to $9.5. Additionally, I paid $4 for my grandson in kindergarten, who was frequently being pulled out of classes due to unpaid fees. Settling these balances has provided my children with the stability they need to continue their education uninterrupted. Give Directly's support has not only enabled us to meet our basic needs but has also helped to build trust with the teachers. They now allow my children to attend classes with the confidence that I will pay the fees upon receiving the transfers. I also used $3 to purchase a hen to expand my flock. By allowing them to reproduce, I can sell the chickens when needed, providing financial support for my family during difficult times. With the remaining funds, I bought food for my family. We had experienced going to bed hungry that week, and I am grateful that the cash transfers have alleviated that struggle."

"The transfer I received from GiveDirectly couldn't have come at a better time, as I was facing challenges in making ends meet. As I don't have a family yet and my energy levels have decreased with age, it became difficult for me to engage in various casual jobs available. Currently, I rely on taking care of my goats, which serve as my source of income. When I received the transfer, I spent $50 towards purchasing another goat, $26 for clothing, and $6 for solar light to provide lighting. The remaining amount was wisely spent on securing food supplies. I am overjoyed that I could easily fulfill these needs, unlike before when my daily earnings were barely enough to sustain myself. This assistance has significantly impacted my life, and I am immensely grateful for it."

"My husband used to be the only provider for our family of seven for all household requirements, with food accounting for the majority of these before we started getting these transfers from Givedirectly. This put a lot of pressure on him, and I used to feel for him because there wasn't much I could do to help as a housewife. I was overjoyed to be accepted into this cash transfer scheme since it will allow me to help my husband. I bought groceries for my family with $17 of my May transfer. After our paraffin lamp broke, I also spent $12 on a solar lighting panel. I also purchased two t-shirts for my two school going kids with the rest of the transfer."