"Receiving the transfers has been a transformative moment for my family of two, facilitating positive changes that were previously beyond our reach. I allocated funds to enhance our living conditions, investing $14 in a solar light for sustainable and reliable energy. Communication was prioritized with an $80 allocation for a phone, while $25 went towards purchasing maize and an additional $22 for building materials to improve our living space. Investing in agricultural activities, I dedicated $100 to renting a 1-acre piece of land, addressing immediate needs and paving the way for potential future income. Self-care was not overlooked, with $14 allocated for grooming and $12 for transport. I also saved $80 for constructing a house, a crucial investment in our long-term well-being. The remaining funds were wisely used for household goods, contributing to a more comfortable and nourishing living environment. The transfers have uplifted us, not just materially, but by providing a sense of stability and hope for a brighter future."

"Receiving the transfers was a transformative moment for me and my family, allowing me to address several crucial needs. Education is a top priority, and I allocated $150 to cover school fees, ensuring that my children could continue their academic pursuits without hindrance. A significant improvement to our living conditions was made possible by investing $100 in cement for the floor of our two-roomed house. While the construction was completed, financial constraints had previously prevented me from cementing the floor. Now, with the transfers, our home is more comfortable, and the living space has been enhanced. Essentials like bedding and furniture were lacking, but the transfers provided the means to rectify this. I am grateful that I could allocate $100 to create a more comfortable and secure environment for my family of six. Recognizing the importance of access to light, I spent $15 on a solar light. This not only enhances our living conditions but also provides a sustainable and reliable source of illumination. The remainder of the funds were wisely utilized for transportation and the upkeep of my children in college, ensuring that they could continue their education without added financial burdens. I am thankful for the positive impact of these transfers, which have enabled me to address various needs, creating a more conducive and supportive environment for my family's well-being."

"Since receiving the cash transfers, I've adopted a systematic way of approaching one project at a time. I utilized the previous transfers to build the pit latrine and bought a solar lighting panel. Currently, my goal is to complete the payment for the solar panel, which I acquired on credit. Following this, I plan to invest in furniture, specifically plastic chairs and a table. The existing wooden furniture has aged, leading to deterioration, and plastic furniture would mitigate this risk. Additionally, I aim to support my husband in covering the school fees for our child entering form four. The objective is to alleviate the financial burden on my husband, who has been facing challenges in meeting school fee obligations at times."

"Our are is not in the national electricity grid, most of us here use kerosene lamps and torches to light our house at night. It was such a challenge since the cost of fuel was going up and navigating around with this lamp was bound to have it go off. When the sales people for the solar lights came our way I was confident to take up the solar lights that cost $107 on loan as I knew I would receive my monthly transfers from Givedirectly which would help me pay off the loan. I used $4 from my October and November transfers to pay off that loan. I used $30 in October to prepare the land for planting and $30 in November to till the land after planting. In the month of December I used the amounts on festivities which was mainly food and clothes at $19 and $15 respectively."

"I obtained a solar light through a hire purchase arrangement to illuminate my home, making an initial deposit of $34 and subsequently paying the remaining amount in monthly installments. This solar light not only provides illumination for my house but also serves as a means to charge my phone. The improved lighting has significantly enhanced the ambience of my home during nighttime. Additionally, I allocated $34 towards renovating my house, which previously had mud walls before I received transfers from Give Directly. The funds facilitated the purchase of stones for repairs, resulting in a substantial improvement in the appearance of my house. I am relieved that the structure is now more stable, alleviating concerns about potential collapse due to the previous mud walls. During the festive season, I utilized the entire $34 to procure food and partake in joyful celebrations with my family. The transfers played a crucial role in creating lasting memories and fostering closer bonds among my family members."

"Life posed significant challenges before, and I harbored genuine concerns that my children might be forced to drop out of school. Juggling kids in secondary and primary school, I am delighted to share that all are actively learning, with one having successfully completed his education. The positive impact of this project is evident in our ability to acquire livestock and install solar lighting in our home. Together with my husband, we are involved in farming and charcoal selling to meet the needs of our five children. A sudden illness befell my son, requiring urgent treatment, for which I spent $34. I am relieved that he has fully recovered and was able to sit for his examinations on time. Another $34 was invested in purchasing a goat, which I view as an asset for future sale to cover my children's school fees. The remaining amount was allocated to settle a school debt accrued during the year, enabling my son to obtain his school leaving certificate. My profound gratitude goes to this organization, as it has significantly elevated the quality of our lives."

"After receiving both the first and second transfers from GiveDirectly, providing for my family of nine has become much more manageable. The initial transfer allowed me to purchase essential items, and the second one came in handy. With a detailed list in hand, I prioritized spending $118 on food, ensuring a steady supply of maize and beans for my family. This has brought me a sense of peace, as I no longer need to rely solely on casual labor for our daily bread. Additionally, I invested $20 in a water container to facilitate storage during the rainy season, and $5 as a deposit for a rechargeable solar lighting system, replacing the kerosene lamp. I used $12 for clothes, providing new attire for my two daughters who were struggling with old and tattered clothing, and $65 for various household goods, including toiletries and kitchenware. I am delighted with the improved appearance of our home and the availability of these essential items, which were previously bought in small quantities or missed when funds were scarce. I saved the remaining $230, intending to use it to construct a pit latrine. This project aims to enhance our living standards by promoting better hygiene and proper waste disposal, avoiding contamination of the environment, especially after rainfall."

"As a primary school teacher, my meager earnings made it challenging to provide for my family's needs. Life was undeniably tough, but I am immensely thankful for this project, which has made the seemingly impossible attainable. I am delighted to share that through saving my transfers, I managed to install solar lights, bringing much-needed power to our home, a luxury we couldn't afford before. Additionally, I was able to purchase a motorbike, greatly easing my daily commute to and from work and benefiting both myself and my wife. Regrettably, my son was diagnosed with a hernia, necessitating urgent treatment and surgery. With careful savings amounting to $102 accrued over three months from my transfers, I was able to provide the necessary funds for his medical treatment. Fortunately, the operation was a success and he has now fully recovered and returned to school."

"My transfers have always been of great support to my family and these past few months, the money has been spent on a range of essential expenses ranging from personal and school requirements to investments. In summary, I spent some of the money on personal needs like shoes and clothes for my children and I, payment of school fees for my children and investment on poultry(geese) and lighting. Months ago, I managed to purchase a solar lighting system on credit, depositing a specific amount then paying for the balance in monthly instalments. Receiving the transfers was the major motivation towards making the purchase due to the assurance of the monthly transfers that would support in paying the required monthly instalments. It is a great pleasure to have a clean source of light and move away from the daily purchase of kerosene but even more excited about the fact that I am now able to charge my phone from the comfort of my own house. The availability of the Solar light has also made it possible for my children to comfortably do their schoolwork past daylight hours which has positively impacted their performance in school. Receiving the transfers also enabled me join a savings group where I save part of my transfers which I intend to invest in different ways to ensure a consistent flow of income after the project is over."

"Receiving funds from GiveDirectly was like a dream realized. I'm married and a mother to eight children, yet financial limitations had curbed my ability to pursue my aspirations. My husband and I rely on farming, with him also serving as a catechist at the church, to make ends meet. However, our agricultural income barely sufficed. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I managed to address the most pressing concern at the time: providing school fees for my children. This crucial need was met with $150. Additionally, I spent $200 to acquire solar lighting and phone charging, a move aimed at facilitating comfortable studying conditions for my children. The remaining funds were wisely used for food, alleviating the constant worry of feeding my family. The impact of this cash infusion on my life was profound, and my gratitude towards GiveDirectly's generosity knows no bounds. This assistance not only allowed me to realize my dreams but also bestowed a higher level of comfort upon me and my children."