"The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is how much I've been able to boost my business. I'm a lot busier now than I was before, and it's been a good change. With the profits I’ve made, which is about $2 from both my shop and small restaurant, I’ve been able to invest in planting half an acre of watermelon. This has given me even more potential for growth. Most importantly, my three children are now constantly in school, unlike before when they used to get sent home for lack of fees. It's a huge relief to know they're getting an uninterrupted education."

"When I received the cash transfer, I first leased half an acre of land for $40 to plant beans. I’ve always wanted to grow beans, but my land was flooded and unsuitable. I used part of the money to buy 20 kilograms of bean seed and paid $8 for labor to help with the planting. Later, I spent another $8 on herbicides to spray the farm and keep it free from weeds. The floods not only ruined my land but also swept away most of our clothes. My children had nothing decent to wear, so I spent $40 on clothing to replace what we lost. It was a relief to see them dressed properly again, especially since they had been going through a difficult time with the floods. On top of that, my son in Grade 3 had school fee arrears, and I needed to clear them to keep him in school, so I used $40 to settle his balance. The remaining amount went toward food since my business had been struggling, and we needed to ensure we wouldn’t go hungry. This cash transfer has truly been a lifeline, helping me handle urgent needs and keep my family afloat during a tough season."

"When my bed completely broke down, I had no choice but to borrow a small one from my mom to use temporarily, squeezing in with my two children. When I received my first cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I made buying a new bed and mattress my priority, which cost $75 plus $5 for transport from town. My house was also damaged by termites, especially the door, so I spent $18 on frames, nails, and labor to repair it. As a farmer, I rely on my generator for irrigation, but it had been faulty, so I used $17 to fix it. I also gave my children $17 to buy clothes, as they had worn-out ones. Before, I could only afford to prioritize food due to my limited income from my weekly vegetable business. I had also taken a loan from a microfinance, and paying it back has been hard, so I used $20 to reduce the balance, which still leaves $80. Finally, I spent the rest on food since we had none and often buy it daily or on credit when money is tight."

"After losing our crops and livestock to the floods, paying school fees became a major challenge, especially for our daughter, who had just joined high school. Her fees for this term were a huge worry, and I didn’t know where I would even find the money for her arrears from the previous term. Fortunately, GiveDirectly’s support came at the perfect time, and I was able to reduce the arrears from $126 to $26. I also rely on my vegetable business, and the cash helped me restock as it was running low due to overdependence. Now, my business is thriving, with daily earnings increasing from $7 to $20, and I no longer worry about school fees. The knowledge of the next transfer gives me even more hope. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"The most significant change in my life since receiving this transfer is how profoundly it has transformed our daily struggles. My business has flourished, and with its growth, I am confident that it will bring in more income for our family. In addition, we have been able to stock up on food, easing the constant worry of where tomorrow's meals would come from. Unlike before, when we barely managed to make ends meet, we now have the security of knowing we won’t have to scramble for food every day. This support has truly changed our lives for the better."

"I can honestly say that receiving cash from GiveDirectly has made a huge difference in my life. Before, I used to struggle so much to pay my daughter's school fees. Just last term, I had to sell three sheep to raise the money, and even then, it was a huge struggle to make ends meet. But this term, with the transfer, I didn't have to struggle at all—it boosted me. Not only was I able to cover her fees without any hassle, but I also started a small business that allows me to earn money daily, helping me buy household necessities and sustain my family. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I finally feel secure in my ability to provide for my loved ones."

"Before receiving the cash transfer, I had no money to start livestock farming, and I felt hopeless after closing my business. I struggled to provide for my family and had to depend on my husband's irregular income. However, after getting the transfer, everything changed for the better. I was able to buy a cow and a sheep, making my dream of farming come true. Now I have a source of income and food for my family, which has reduced my stress. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity that has opened a new door in my life."

"I was out on the farm weeding my beans when I heard my phone beep with a message notification, but I was too focused on my work to check it right away. After finishing up, I finally reached for my phone, and to my surprise and excitement, it was a message from GiveDirectly confirming that the cash transfer had come through. My heart leapt with joy. Immediately, my mind started racing with ideas, and I thought that it was a perfect opportunity to start the business I've always dreamed of. It felt like a turning point in my life, a real chance to change things for the better."

"I am a parent to school-going children who depend on me to ensure their basic needs are met, such as paying fees and providing food. This motivates me to work extra hard. Recently, I achieved my dream of starting a vegetable business, and now I intend to expand into cattle rearing in the coming years. My goal is to secure my family's financial future and avoid desperation when this financial support ends. I believe that investing in goats will provide a safety net for any future financial challenges. However, I faced a setback when a goat I purchased passed away while giving birth, which was very disappointing. Despite this, I am determined to continue and will soon start saving to resume the livestock rearing project. I am grateful for the support I've received and remain committed to restarting this endeavor in the near future." (Occupation: Small business)

"I realize that I'll need to find a job in order to raise the funds to start my cyber cafe. Unfortunately, my poultry farming investment took a hit when a disease wiped out all my chickens, leaving me feeling disheartened. I'm currently weighing my options, especially since poultry feed is quite expensive. Despite this setback, I'm determined to save up enough money to fulfill my dream of opening a cyber cafe, a passion I've had since my university days. My friends who used to operate a cyber cafe have encouraged me to pursue this venture, and I believe it has the potential to be a successful and financially rewarding business. I'm committed to saving a portion of my income every month, and a friend has suggested that I could use the $500 from my poultry farming proceeds to start the cyber cafe. This business endeavor will also allow me to provide support for my seven younger siblings, all of whom are currently in school." (Occupation: Small business)