"My heart was heavy with worry as my new house was still incomplete, and I feared for my family's future in the old, crumbling structure. With the second transfer, I wasted no time and used $250 to purchase much-needed construction materials like sand, cement, and iron sheets. It was a race against time, but I was determined to finish the house and provide a safe haven for my three family members. With the weight of homelessness lifted, I turned my attention to securing a brighter future for my son. I used $40 to pay his fees for PP2, ensuring he could continue his education without disruption. His bright smile when he saw his new uniforms, bought with $37 from the transfer, filled my heart with pride and contentment. Additionally, I decided to invest in our comfort and bought a larger bed and a comfortable mattress for $125. The difference it made was incredible, and I finally got a good night's sleep after months of discomfort. With what was left, I purchased essential groceries to fill my kitchen and some new decent clothes for everyone in the family, ensuring that we could face the world with dignity. Despite my spouse's modest earnings as a taxi driver, the unconditional cash transfers came as a lifeline, helping us to create a brighter and more stable future for our family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Upon receiving the first transfer, I had carefully planned how to improve our living conditions after relocating from our original home with my family of 8, including my mother, due to community conflicts caused by cattle rustling. We had been cramped in a single temporary flat-roofed room, which was too small for us and provided no privacy. Out of the most recent transfer, I spent $276 on purchasing all the necessary construction materials. I was relieved to later spend $50 on labor to construct a new house with two spacious rooms that we are currently living in. This improvement brought us much-needed comfort after enduring a long and devastating struggle in a small room. To further enhance our living situation, I invested $40 in buying a large bed to supplement the small one we were using. Now, we sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed for our daily routine. Additionally, I used $60 to buy food from the nearby shopping center, with a $2 motorcycle taxi fare to transport it home. Furthermore, I spent $30 on acquiring a goat to add to the 8 we already had, as we had previously lost a herd of over 50 cows due to theft and more than 100 goats, which was a painful experience that took me time to recover from. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, my hope has been restored, and I feel it has saved me from the brink of depression."

"In my opinion, GD's provision of the transfer has been truly commendable, empowering our community and paving the way for significant investments. I am very grateful for the support, through it, we have ventured into substantial investments that promise a brighter future for us all." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Upon receiving the second transfer, I used it to clear the pending debt of $200 for the motorcycle I had recently acquired. This enabled me to operate the motorcycle freely and enjoy its benefits fully, as I offer transport services to the community and commute between my farms in the nearby village. Additionally, I allocated part of the funds to renovate my existing house, which was originally constructed using wooden poles and frames. I replaced the damaged wooden parts with metallic bars, ensuring enhanced strength and durability for the house. The renovation expenses totaled $150, covering the replacement of dusty floors with cement. Utilizing leftover materials and additional purchases worth $50, I constructed a small kitchen. I spent the remaining $50 on buying foodstuff for my family of three, generously serving us for over a month as we worked on sourcing additional food supplies." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"My aspiration was to buy a motorcycle to provide my husband with a reliable source of income. He used to rely on a rented motorcycle, which often left us with little earnings due to the tough economic times we faced. However, financial constraints made it challenging to realize this dream, as I earned a living by selling eggs while he worked as a motorcycle rider. Fortunately, my situation improved when I received a second transfer. With this money, I was able to purchase a second-hand motorcycle worth $420, which brought us hope for a more stable income. In addition to the motorcycle, I used a portion of the funds to pay off a $40 debt that had been lingering. This brought some relief to our financial burden. The remaining amount was wisely used to buy essential food supplies for our family. The positive impact of the transfer from GiveDirectly on my standard of living cannot be overstated. As a married individual blessed with two children, I am overjoyed and deeply grateful for the significant improvement it has brought to our lives. The motorcycle has allowed my husband to break free from the cycle of dependence on rented vehicles, and it has given us the opportunity to work towards a more prosperous future." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"With the anticipation of a bountiful harvest that will guarantee ample food security, the burdensome task of purchasing expensive food from shops will soon be eliminated. This upcoming abundance opens up an opportunity for me to channel my monthly funds into investing in livestock, particularly goats, which are known for their ease of rearing and cost-effectiveness compared to other livestock types. My primary goal is to acquire bulls for myself, which I plan to achieve by selling some of the goats. Having bulls on hand will significantly reduce my farming expenses as they will assist me in preparing and cultivating the land during the rainy season." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"One of my top priorities was securing my children's education, and I used $150 to pay for one of my sons in high school fees for the entire year. This ensured he could focus on his studies without the burden of worrying about fees. Additionally, I paid $40 for my other four children's primary school tuition fees, ensuring they too could continue their education uninterrupted. Education was the key to a better future, and I was determined to provide this opportunity for my children despite our financial struggles. Understanding the importance of skills and vocational training, I enrolled my elder son in a driving course that cost $180 for six months. This decision was an investment in his future employability and self-reliance. I had faith that he would gain valuable skills and experiences that could open up new opportunities for him. Moreover, I repaired a motorcycle that had been our family's sole source of income. As jobless parents, my spouse and I heavily relied on the financial contributions of our children. By fixing the motorcycle, we aimed to revitalize our income source, allowing us to provide for our family of nine more independently."

"First and foremost, I used $180 to clear a debt I owed to a friend. This had been a source of constant worry and stress, but now I could finally breathe freely and regain my peace of mind. With the weight of debt lifted off my shoulders, I could focus on building a brighter future for my family. The next step was investing in a dairy cow, spending around $150 on it. This decision promised a steady supply of milk for domestic use and the potential for commercial purposes. As my dairy business grew, it would offer a reliable income stream and contribute to a stable livelihood for my family. Additionally, I repaired my motorcycle, which had broken down earlier and had been my primary source of income. With it back in working order, I could resume my transportation services and provide for my family's needs. Lastly, I made sure to buy clothes and food for my three family members. Seeing them well-fed and clothed filled my heart with happiness and gratitude."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing exceptionally well in our community. Their project has been the most beneficial initiative since I arrived here. The enrollment process was efficient and well-organized, and there were no complaints due to the clear communication channels established. The direct transfers were received promptly, and people showed their appreciation by calling back to express gratitude. One of the significant strengths of GiveDirectly's approach is its focus on empowering local community members to work on their projects without the need for external intervention. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency. However, one area that could be improved is providing additional support or resources to help individuals maximize the impact of their projects, especially those involving agriculture or other income-generating activities. Such support could further enhance the long-term sustainability and success of the beneficiaries' ventures." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Having faced financial constraints, I used to buy food in small quantities, resulting in high costs. However, upon receiving the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, ensuring an adequate food supply for my family of five became my top priority. I allocated $105 to essential food items, such as a 90-kg bag of dry maize grains, 10 kg of beans, cooking oil, tea leaves, wheat flour, and 5kg of sugar. Transporting these provisions home cost me $1 for a motorcycle service. Additionally, I spent $5 on toiletries and $29 on school uniforms for my son. Moreover, I took him to the hospital for a check-up, using $15 to cover the examination fees and medication. To secure additional income and ensure a sustainable future, I invested $9 in acquiring three chickens, which I am currently raising and plan to expand. Furthermore, I settled a $20 debt with a nearby shop, where I had obtained food on credit, expressing my gratitude for their patience. To weed my millet farm, I hired five workers, paying them a total of $15 for their diligent efforts. The generous support from GiveDirectly has significantly relieved my daily struggles and improved access to essential resources."