"Three of my children needed new school uniforms as their old ones had become tattered from repetitive use. So, I used $18 to buy them new school attire. I also saved $60 through a merry-go-round savings club. When it is my turn to receive the lump sum, I plan to invest in livestock, like goats for rearing. These goats will serve as a financial resource during times of struggle, as I can sell them in the future, such as when paying school fees for my children. Furthermore, I will allocate some of these funds to buy three iron sheets to repair my roof. A severe wind blew off a part of it, leaving a huge hole that had been letting in cold air and rainwater. I also reduced their school fee debt by $6. The remaining amount was spent on food. The last farming season did not yield well for us, so we have been relying on buying food. My husband, as the provider, has been struggling to put food on the table due to his advanced age and inability to actively work to provide for us. Therefore, cash transfers have proved to be extremely useful in keeping our children in school and providing meals."

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly was a turning point for me. I decided to invest all of it in buying a 5000-liter water tank. Before, getting clean water was a real struggle. I had to walk over 5 kilometers just to fetch water. But now, with two water tanks in place, collecting rainwater has become our main source. Whenever the tanks run low, I simply refill them. This change has brought so much comfort into my life, especially considering my old age. I no longer have to endure long walks for water, and as a result, my health has improved. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I'm living with less stress, knowing that clean water is readily available right at my doorstep."

"I support myself by selling vegetables and fruits, but business has been challenging lately. Before the program began, life was tough, we faced a lot of challenges including scarcity of food, water, and financial resources. However, I'm grateful that our situation has improved. Starting the vegetable business has provided me with daily income. From the transfers received, I used $55 to pay school fees for my younger brother, who had been sent home due to a pending debt. Additionally, I spent $28 on purchasing food, clothes, and shoes for myself, as I needed them. Another $14 was used in adding more stock to my vegetable business, significantly boosting its performance. Lastly, I purchased a chicken worth $5, which I plan to rear and sell later on . Overall, my life has become much easier, and I'm glad to be part of this positive change."

"One of my children recently obtained a sponsorship to join a boarding high school. Since the sponsorship covers only her tuition, any additional expenses fell on me. Therefore, I had to purchase boarding essentials such as a mattress, water storage jerricans, a cup, a plate, and books, using $34. Meanwhile, her sibling was also joining secondary school, and I contributed $20 towards her school fees. Also, I allocated $14 to boost my palm wine business, which I had previously used to cover the school fees of my children when they resumed school earlier this year. Furthermore, I noticed that one wall of my house was caving in, posing a risk of collapse. To address this concern, I spent $26 on repairing the wall by purchasing building poles and compensating for labor. I am relieved that the wall is now well-repaired and stronger. I am grateful for the transfers, as they have enabled me to support the education of my children and boost my business, which, in turn, helps me meet their daily needs such as food."

"With the money I received, I decided to fix up our leaking house. I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets, along with ridges, nails, and roofing timbers, and hired a contractor for $90 to do the repairs. It cost me $530 in total, but now my family and I can enjoy living in a cozy home, safe from the rainwater seeping through the roof. The relief of knowing we won't have to endure those leaks anymore is priceless. After taking care of the house, I still had $10 left. I used it to pay off some debts at a shop where I had taken items on credit. Clearing those debts lifted a weight off my shoulders, bringing me peace of mind. Now, with our home secure and debts settled, I feel a sense of stability and security for my family's future."

"As an elderly woman, I rely entirely on my daughter, who supports me by selling surplus farm produce and occasionally taking on paid tasks like collecting firewood and fetching water during hot weather. Recently, I invested $20 as a deposit for a wooden bed, as my current bed made of sisal twine ropes is no longer repairable. With a remaining balance of $60, I eagerly await the comfort and rest a new bed will provide. During a health crisis when my grandson fell ill and required urgent hospitalization, I contributed $20 from my transfers towards the substantial medical bill. Thankfully, he has since recovered and returned home. Despite a setback when the two hens I purchased for $10 succumbed to Newcastle disease, I remain hopeful that future investments in poultry will yield income. Additionally, I allocated $18 towards purchasing food and essential items like soap and detergents, a luxury I can now afford independently, unlike before when I relied on borrowing from my daughter. Lastly, I dedicated $34 to travel to my birthplace to bid farewell to a close relative who passed away, grateful for the opportunity to give her a dignified send-off. I appreciate the financial support I receive, as it enables me to address various needs and circumstances that arise in my life."

"My current focus is on building a new house. Given the poor condition of our current dwelling, particularly the roof, which allows water to leak in, I am determined to construct a new one. To achieve this, I have been purchasing two iron sheets every time I receive the funds. I plan to gather all the necessary building materials, including iron sheets and building poles, before commencing the construction. Once the new house is completed, I intend to start rearing livestock, particularly goats. Since I do not have an active source of income at the moment, I believe that goat rearing will establish a solid financial foundation, especially for the education of our two young children."

"After enduring a relentless six-year drought, I faced the heartbreaking decision to sell nearly 30 goats and 10 cows to mitigate the impact of hunger on my family. Though the proceeds were modest, they provided essential funds to purchase food for my household of five. Enrolled in a program aimed at rebuilding lost assets, I was determined to restore the wealth I had prior to the drought. From my previous transfers, I managed to save $150, which I invested in purchasing a bull. This investment has proven invaluable in several ways. Firstly, the bull assists me in fetching water from the nearby water pan, a task I struggle with due to my advancing age. Additionally, it aids in plowing my 2-acre farm during the rainy season, allowing me to cultivate crops and generate income by offering plowing services to others. The earnings from these endeavors have been instrumental in supporting the education of my three grandchildren, whom I care for. Recognizing the importance of future investments, I recently acquired a goat for $30. I view this as a long-term asset, particularly beneficial for my grandchildren's future. As the financial support continues over the five-year duration, I anticipate having a reliable source of income to finance their education and other needs. With the remaining $4, I purchased new clothes to replace worn-out garments, enhancing our quality of life.I am profoundly grateful for the financial assistance provided."

"Changing my household's social status is what I consider my priority at the moment. This is by having a separate house for my children, supporting their studies as well as having water storage facility. At the moment, I share house with seven of my children while the three seek refuge from my relative. This has devoured my joy as a mother since I always lack privacy by sharing house with grown up children. Culturally, it is unacceptable. Receiving this money means construct a separate house for them and I estimate the cost of this structure to be utmost $400. Also, I intend to buy 2 mattresses at $150 to replace the old rugged ones. Part of the second transfer ($300) will help me to buy a water storage tank because we face water challenges in our village. The remaining amount will support my children's education. What a life of joy to have all these achieved!"

"Before the cash transfers come to an end, I wish to have repaired the roof of my house. It is made of polythene paper, which is not only inconvenient for habitation but also allows water to leak through its holes. I hope to obtain at least 10 iron sheets to replace the roof, and I am glad to have already obtained 2 pieces from the transfers. Alongside, I hope to rear livestock, particularly goats, as they are like a form of banking to me, securing my future financial needs. So far, I have bought three goats from the transfers, two of which have delivered two kids."