"Before being enrolled in the Give Directly cash program, I relied heavily on casual jobs such as uprooting tree stumps, burning them, and making charcoal. However, the earnings from these ventures were minimal, making life quite challenging. Since joining the program, my life has undergone a significant transformation. I now own six goats and eight sheep, all acquired with the help of the transfers. With my recent transfers, I allocated $24 to food purchases, ensuring that my family of five never goes hungry. Additionally, I saved $20 in a local savings group formed with close relatives and friends. I intend to use this money to purchase bulls, which will not only help me plow my land but also potentially earn additional income by offering plowing services to others. Given the heavy rains we are currently experiencing, I invested $24 to plow my 1.5-acre land in preparation for planting. Moreover, I fully paid $24 to purchase a mattress that I had been acquiring in installments. Lastly, I spent $10 to purchase two hens, considering them as a future investment since they will multiply, allowing me to sell them and address my needs. I am extremely grateful for the financial support I have received, as it has profoundly changed my life for the better."

"I used to rely on labor-intensive jobs like cutting tree stumps for charcoal and working on farms, which took a toll on my health. However, due to declining health, I had to stop these jobs and now depend on my daughter, who sells palm wine, for support. Three months ago, my traditional sisal twine bed collapsed, leaving me with uncomfortable nights sleeping on the cold floor, only separated by a sack. Determined to improve my sleeping conditions, I decided to invest in a modern wooden bed and mattress. I allocated my three months' worth of transfers, totaling $102, to purchase a new bed for $70 and a mattress for $60. I covered the remaining $28 with my own savings. Now, I am delighted to have comfortable and restful nights on my new bed. This change has significantly improved my quality of life, especially considering the hardships I faced with my previous low-paying jobs. I am grateful for the financial assistance, which has played a crucial role in helping me live more comfortably."

"After my small business collapsed, I was left with no choice but to become a small-scale farmer to make ends meet.  As a subsistence farmer, I rely on farming to ensure food security for myself and my unemployed son. With the quarterly transfers from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest $60 in a savings group, hoping to buy a mattress and add goats once the savings mature. Currently, I only have a bed without a mattress, forcing me to sleep on sacks, which has been causing me back pain therefore, getting a mattress will not only alleviate my back pain but also allow me to spend quality time with my grandchildren when they visit. I also used $40 to buy food and household items since the transfers are my only source of income."

"With $34 from the transfer and $25 from my savings, I finally bought a new mattress. The old one had become so worn out that it was uncomfortable to sleep on, but now, we can rest much better. I also used $30 to repair my house after a strong wind damaged the roof. Despite the repairs, I still feel uneasy sleeping in my mother's house with my three children; it's not how I want us to live. To ensure we had enough to eat, I spent $18 on food since our stock was low. Additionally, I invested $20 to till my land, aiming for food security and extra income for other needs. Thanks to the support from the organization, I've been able to achieve a lot, like buying goats, which means a lot for our future. As a widow and a casual worker making charcoal, alongside subsistence farming, every bit of assistance makes a big difference in ensuring my family's well-being."

"I'm deeply thankful that my life has taken a positive turn with the assistance of the transfers. Presently, I'm engaged in a fast food business, catering to school students. I've transitioned from the arduous task of selling charcoal, which yielded minimal income. With my upcoming transfers, I intend to invest in a new bed and mattress. Currently, I sleep on the cold, bare floor, and acquiring a bed and mattress will ensure I enjoy restful nights and improved comfort."

"Our household's primary source of income comes from surplus produce from our subsistence farming efforts, which helps cover a portion of my four children's school fees and other household expenses. During times of low harvest, GiveDirectly transfers provide a critical safety net, ensuring we can meet our basic needs and educational expenses. Currently, I am saving $10 monthly in an informal group with nine other members, to accumulate funds to purchase a new bed and mattress in the coming year. Achieving my initial goal of acquiring a goat within less than a year has motivated me to invest in improving our bedding situation. Our current bedding is in poor condition, with old and worn-out items that no longer provide adequate comfort. Acquiring new bedding will significantly enhance our quality of life and ensure better rest for our family. I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance from GiveDirectly, as it has positively transformed our lives in various ways and enabled us to pursue important goals that improve our living conditions. This support has been instrumental in allowing us to plan more effectively for the future and address immediate needs with greater confidence."

"My husband works as a house contractor, and sometimes his work isn't steady. But with the recent cash transfer, I was able to do a lot for my family. First, I spent $80 to buy a mattress for my four kids. They used to sleep on the floor, which hurt their backs. They were so happy to finally have a real bed. Then, I used $100 to get a door for our house because It's important for our safety. I also used$100 of the money to pay for my kids' school fees. I don't want them missing out on their education. With a bit left over, I bought food so we wouldn't go hungry. But the best part? I used some of the money to start my own bakery. I've always loved baking, and now I can sell my goods in a shop and even go door-to-door. It's not easy, but on a good day, I can make $12. My bakery helps support my family, especially when my husband's job isn't reliable. I'm grateful for the chance to provide for my loved ones."

"I work hard putting roofs over people's heads, but it's tough making ends meet. Sometimes I only make $150 in a month, and finding work isn't always easy. When I got the cash from GiveDirectly, I felt relieved. First, I bought a mattress for $75. Sleeping on a mat for so long was tough. Then, I spent $65 on a hair-shaving machine to improve my business. No more using old razor blades! I also bought two she-goats for $90. I'm hoping they'll multiply, so I can sell some, expand my business and also help me educate my daughter once she starts school. Plus, I used $90 to pay my niece's school fees. Her family didn't want to educate her, but I believe she deserves a chance. Hopefully, my business will make enough profit to support her education."

"I run a business selling traditional herbs, while my husband works as a casual laborer to support our family of eight. I am truly grateful for this project as it has empowered me to provide education for my children and contribute to our local savings club. From the transfers we received, I allocated $38 to purchase books, uniforms, and shoes for my son who was joining Junior secondary school. Additionally, I saved $30 in our savings club, allowing me to buy a bed and a mattress, improving our living conditions. Lastly, I spent $34 on seeking treatment and medication for myself when I fell ill, and I am relieved to say that I'm now feeling better. These transfers have brought me immense joy as they have positively transformed my life."

"I manage a vegetable kiosk in my village while my husband works on neighboring farms as a casual laborer to support our family of five. Previously, affording food and sustaining the business was challenging due to lack of capital. I am glad things have improved; now, I can invest in my business, pay school fees, expand into livestock and poultry, cultivate my farm, and even save some of my transfers for future needs. With the received transfers, I allocated $34 to purchase a bed and mattress as we lacked proper sleeping arrangements. Additionally, I invested $34 in installing solar lights in our house, a significant improvement from our previous situation. The remaining funds were used to purchase a goat, adding it to my current livestock. I'm delighted to be part of this positive change and look forward to a brighter future."