"We have a three-bedroom block house that I started constructing five years ago. We couldn't complete it, and it's about 80% done because we ran out of funds, but we have been managing like this. It has been challenging to maintain because I have to sprinkle water daily to avoid dust, and we have to buy water since there is no nearby source. My wish has always been to complete it. If I get funds, I plan to finish the pending construction areas, including plastering the walls, cementing the floor, and painting."

"My sincere appreciation to GiveDirectly for rescuing our lives after being affected by the floods. The floods came unexpectedly, destroying some of our properties, especially my farm. My motorbike, which was outside, was filled with water, rendering some parts nonfunctional. Additionally, I had left my generator at the farm, not anticipating the flooding.I had two maize farms initially. Only one survived because the maize had grown tall enough that the water did not carry them away, while the smaller maize plants on the other farm were swept away by the floods. Despite these challenges, I am very happy because my surviving maize is now ready to be harvested. When I received $180, I saved $140 to use for the harvest. I thank God because this prevented me from needing to take out a loan.I also used $30 to purchase food. Previously, we relied on charcoal burning for cooking, and we stored our harvested crops for future use. With the remaining $30, I paid for school fees. We used to pay little by little from the money we earned by selling charcoal, but since the floods made the ground too muddy for charcoal burning, we had to work on other people's farms to earn basic necessities. Previously, life was very hard for us as small-scale farmers taking care of four kids without employment. Since receiving your cash, I have seen hope for the future, and I believe we will improve our lives. Thank you so much, GiveDirectly. May God bless you abundantly."

"For the coming year and beyond, my goal is to pay off a $600 debt for my child, who completed secondary education last year. His secondary school certificate is being held by the school until this fee is settled, which has prevented him from applying for tertiary education. To achieve this, I plan to plant watermelons on my one-acre land in August using the third transfer. Watermelons typically take about two months to harvest, and I expect to earn around $1500 from this project. This expected income will enable me to clear the outstanding school fees and allow my child to receive his certificate and enrol in college for tertiary education."

"Since receiving the transfer, the biggest difference in our lives is having a TV, which has brought my family closer together. Owning a TV was my long-time dream, and I am overjoyed that the transfer allowed me to make this purchase. Watching TV has become a source of entertainment and information for us. We can now enjoy various programs and stay updated on the news, giving us insight into what's happening in our country. Before, we could only hear about events and our leaders through the radio, but now we can see them on TV. My children are particularly excited about the TV. They are more motivated to complete their tasks quickly, like fetching water, so they can watch their favourite shows. This has replaced their habit of wasting time on the road with friends. In the past, I often felt left out when my neighbors and friends discussed TV programs. I could not join in because I wasn't familiar with the shows they talked about. Now, I can be part of those conversations, which has improved my social interactions and sense of belonging."

"I took my livestock to graze in the forest and left my phone at home to charge in the evening. On my way back from the grazing fields, I learned that villagers were receiving money promised by GiveDirectly. I called my helper to confirm the messages on my phone and check if I had also received my transfer. I was overjoyed when she informed me that I had. I couldn't wait for the next day to withdraw my transfer and install a water tap to address the water shortages in my household."

"I hope that my farm will do well and that I will find a good market for my watermelons. My plan is to use the money I earn from selling watermelons to start a business buying and selling cows. I see that livestock trading is profitable; for example, selling one cow can yield a profit of $100. If I can sell five cows, I could become quite successful, and this is something I am planning to pursue.Additionally, with the income, I am also considering remarrying, as my first wife left me. I still feel young and want a wife who can take care of me and my son."

"Following recent heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, my kitchen, washroom, and chicken house were all destroyed, leaving me without these essential structures. With my last transfer, I immediately purchased iron sheets and nails totaling $106 to repair the damage. Additionally, I sent $20 as pocket money to my son, who is in high school and had accrued debt during a school tour when he needed to borrow money due to my financial constraints. Water scarcity remains a significant challenge in our area, pushing me to spend $10 to refill our water tank. Furthermore, I spent $30 to purchase an additional goat. Goats have always been a reliable source of support during emergencies in our region, and for remembrance of my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I acquired this goat. The remaining $16 was allocated to purchasing essential food items. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support."

"I was having lunch at home after returning from my farm when I received my first transfer. I received a confirmation of receipt of $200, and I couldn't contain my excitement. Meanwhile, my wife was busy with her charcoal production activities in our compound. I called her over, showed her the message, and we both shared a moment of joy. Immediately, we contacted the water delivery company to refill our tank, as we were facing a water crisis. Thank you GiveDirectly for your support."

"We depend on farming and recently before the floods we were able to harvest an acre of water melons. This gave us some money to support our family. Farming makes us happy since it raises good amount of money."

"In the coming year and beyond, my plan is to secure enough funds to enable my child to continue with her tertiary education next year. She is set to complete her secondary education this year, and I am optimistic that she will pass. I do not want to let her down, so I am determined to raise enough money to ensure she can join college. To achieve this, I have planted watermelon on my one-acre plot of land. Watermelon thrives in our area, and I am expecting to earn about 50% from the harvest. This income will be crucial in supporting my child's education and ensuring she has the opportunity to pursue her dreams."