"The cash transfers have made a significant difference in my life, especially considering the limited income my husband earns as a house help. With previous cash transfers, I was able to install a solar lighting system, providing ample light for my children's studies. They no longer have to use battery-powered torches, which provided them with dim lighting. Additionally, I acquired a decent water storage tank, ensuring that our household doesn't run out of water frequently. Through the recent funds received, I allocated $20 to reduce the school fee debts of my five children, who were at risk of being sent home as their father had not received his salary to settle these balances. With the remaining $14, I purchased food, which sustained my family until my husband received his wage. I am incredibly grateful to Give Directly, and I wish I could personally shake everyone’s hand to express my gratitude to every person involved."

"I am incredibly grateful for the cash transfers as they have allowed me to install a solar lighting system in my house, replacing the old paraffin lanterns. To ensure a steady supply of power, I allocate $5 each month to pay the solar company. As soon as I received the recent funds, I promptly paid the $5 fee, and I am delighted that my house has never experienced a shortage of power since then. I believe that education is of utmost importance to children, and I used a portion of the funds to settle the outstanding tuition fees for my son in grade eight, which amounted to $9.5. Additionally, I paid $4 for my grandson in kindergarten, who was frequently being pulled out of classes due to unpaid fees. Settling these balances has provided my children with the stability they need to continue their education uninterrupted. Give Directly's support has not only enabled us to meet our basic needs but has also helped to build trust with the teachers. They now allow my children to attend classes with the confidence that I will pay the fees upon receiving the transfers. I also used $3 to purchase a hen to expand my flock. By allowing them to reproduce, I can sell the chickens when needed, providing financial support for my family during difficult times. With the remaining funds, I bought food for my family. We had experienced going to bed hungry that week, and I am grateful that the cash transfers have alleviated that struggle."

"The transfer I received from GiveDirectly couldn't have come at a better time, as I was facing challenges in making ends meet. As I don't have a family yet and my energy levels have decreased with age, it became difficult for me to engage in various casual jobs available. Currently, I rely on taking care of my goats, which serve as my source of income. When I received the transfer, I spent $50 towards purchasing another goat, $26 for clothing, and $6 for solar light to provide lighting. The remaining amount was wisely spent on securing food supplies. I am overjoyed that I could easily fulfill these needs, unlike before when my daily earnings were barely enough to sustain myself. This assistance has significantly impacted my life, and I am immensely grateful for it."

"My husband used to be the only provider for our family of seven for all household requirements, with food accounting for the majority of these before we started getting these transfers from Givedirectly. This put a lot of pressure on him, and I used to feel for him because there wasn't much I could do to help as a housewife. I was overjoyed to be accepted into this cash transfer scheme since it will allow me to help my husband. I bought groceries for my family with $17 of my May transfer. After our paraffin lamp broke, I also spent $12 on a solar lighting panel. I also purchased two t-shirts for my two school going kids with the rest of the transfer."

"Upon receiving the transfer, I immediately made the decision to use a portion of it to seek medical attention for my elderly mother, who has been struggling with illness. Approximately half of the first transfer went towards covering the costs of her medication. In addition, I used $30 to purchase essential household items that were lacking in our home, such as utensils and a solar light. Recognizing the need to take care of myself as well, I used $40 to acquire two new pairs of trousers for my wardrobe. Lastly, I utilized the remaining funds to ensure an ample food supply for myself."

"Due to financial hardship, my wife left me to seek better opportunities in the city, and I now reside with my son. The pain of losing my family to poverty was almost unbearable. As a farmer who also does casual work on other people's farms to earn a living, buying goats was an investment that I couldn't afford due to financial constraints. However, with the financial aid from GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase goats worth $120 which was a practical investment given the favorable climatic conditions. Previously, I only had one goat, but unfortunately, it was devoured by wild animals. Lastly, I bought foodstuffs and solar lights worth$40 and $15 respectively. The support from GiveDirectly came at the right time and has greatly impacted my life for the better."

"In the past, I owned a large piece of land along the lake where I farmed and provided enough food for my family of eight. Unfortunately, a few years ago, heavy rainfall caused the lake to swell, submerging my entire land. The land was no longer safe, and we had to evacuate. Since then, we have been living on a temporary piece of land where I cannot farm or build permanent structures, and we have been relying on casual labor to make ends meet. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase construction materials such as iron sheets and nails to build a new house for my family. Additionally, I spent $6 on furniture, $9 on bedding, $74 on equipping my daughter who was joining a new school, $69 on foodstuff, and $78 on a solar lighting system from Sunking to replace candles and torches. The remaining amount was saved and used to buy household items to support my daughter and her newborn baby. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am now able to rebuild my home, provide for my family, and create a better future for my daughter and her child."

"Upon receiving the payment the next day, I sought the assistance of my helper to collect the funds, and immediately ventured into investing $100 in purchasing two goats, recognizing the profitable nature of goat farming in our region with its expansive shrub-covered lands. My intention is to breed these goats and eventually sell them when the need arises. Additionally, I upgraded my household lighting system by purchasing a solar lighting system that cost $48, replacing the dim torchlight that we had previously relied on. This transformation to luminous solar bulbs has significantly improved our living conditions by providing a well-lit environment. The remainder of the money were allocated to buying food for my small family of two, which we are still utilizing to this day."

"I spent most of my first transfer buying construction materials to start renovating my house. I bought construction tools worth 142 $, paid 32 $ for a solar lighting system, bought planting seeds for 10 $, food for 20 $ and some wood worth 50 $. I am an orphan and live alone. My biggest dream is renovating my house and starting my very own family. I believe all this will come to reality all because of GD."

"For a long time, I relied entirely on casual labor to supplement my income, while my husband worked as a rider providing motorcycle taxi service after acquiring a motorcycle on loan. Since starting the work, the majority of his earnings had gone toward repaying the $4 daily to the motorcycle seller, and he was unlikely to come home with any extra cash. Casual work on my side had been hard to come by, particularly during the dry season, and all our expectations rested on the first transfer after enrollment. Buying enough food for my family of three was an issue given our limited funds. I paid $90 for a sack of maize, 5 kg of dry beans, a carton of milk with 12 packets, sugar, tea leaves, and salt. We have been eating hearty meals without missing a beat since then. I also spent $30 on two goats that I hope will assist us with milk production in the future and whose offspring will be useful in an emergency. In addition, I needed gutters to gather rainwater from the roof, so I purchased two for $16. Despite the fact that I don't have enough collecting materials, I hope to purchase enough gutters to surround the roof in the future. I used the rest of the money to purchase a $2 rechargeable torch to supplement the solar lighting system we were using, as well as $2 toiletries. I am grateful for the support that I received and look forward to accomplishing much with the second transfer."