"I am deeply appreciative of GiveDirectly for their substantial financial support, which has played a vital role in meeting my daily needs. Upon receiving my transfers, I carefully allocated the funds: $18 was directed towards a phone loan, $2000 was earmarked for food expenses, and $3000 was set aside for school fees. Additionally, I used a portion of the support to acquire personal clothing and purchase items for my daughter. This assistance has been crucial in ensuring that my family's essential needs, are adequately met. The impact of this support has been profound, providing much-needed relief and stability in our daily lives. By addressing critical expenses like school fees and food, Give Directly has significantly alleviated financial burdens and allowed us to focus on other aspects of our well-being."

"Upon receiving my final transfer, I paid school fees for my grandchild, who lives with me worth $250. Together with her parents, we support each other financially. As a small-scale farmer, my primary sources of income are from selling goats and engaging in crop farming. To sustain my farming activities, I invested $100 in plowing and planting maize, and I regularly irrigate the crops to mitigate the impact of frequent droughts. Additionally, I spent $11 on new clothes for my granddaughter and myself since our old clothes were worn out. With the remaining $89, I bought a sack of maize and other food items to ensure we had enough food in the house. Thank you GiveDirectly."

"I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's unconditional cash support, which has saved me the stress of school fees and transformed my home. Initially, at first, the transfer took me by surprise, to the point I thought it was a debt. However, after receiving thorough explanations from the officers, I understood that it was not a loan. I have received all the transfers without any obligation to repay, which has been a great relief. Moreover, I noticed that the officers do not accept anything in return during their visits, a practice consistent across all homes they assist, ensuring we incur no costs. The respect shown by GiveDirectly's officers has been exemplary. I hope they continue with this commendable approach."

"I'm truly grateful for the financial support provided through these transfers. With the funds, I invested $41 in farming by hiring labor and also managed to allocate some money to purchase seeds. Given that my family was running low on food supplies, I used part of the transfer to buy food for consumption. Additionally, I allocated the remaining amount to pay school fees for my two children who are currently attending school. These investments and expenses have been crucial in ensuring that my family's needs are met effectively. The support from these transfers has not only enabled me to enhance our farming activities but also ensured that my children's education is not disrupted. I am deeply appreciative of this financial assistance, as it has significantly contributed to our well-being and provided us with opportunities for improvement."

"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 wife and I rely on farming and selling charcoal to support our family, but the scarcity of tree stumps has affected our charcoal production and business. Despite these challenges, I strive to provide for our school-going children and meet their basic needs. The financial support from GiveDirectly has been a relief, especially in paying school fees for my children, lightening our financial burden. Looking ahead to the coming years, I aim to maximize my savings from the transfers, combined with earnings from casual jobs, to prepare for my son's junior secondary education in two years. I anticipate needing approximately $150 for his admission, and I'm optimistic that diligent saving will ensure we're ready when the time comes, easing the admission process."

"Once I receive my transfers, I plan to invest in a water pump for irrigating my 2-acre piece of land. I will set aside $450 for a Honda water pump because of its horsepower and ability to pump over long distances. This investment will allow me to cultivate vegetables during the dry season to provide for my family of 10. The remaining funds will go towards school fees for my children and reviving my retail shop to earn extra income. I will be excited to involve my wife, Jackline, in managing the shop to keep her engaged and contribute to our family's financial stability."

"For the past decade, I've earned a living by selling local toothbrushes, a job that has supported my family's needs. Currently, my wife and I are actively cultivating maize on our two-acre farm, hoping for plentiful rains and a bumper harvest. A successful harvest will not only ensure food security but also provide financial resources to enhance our quality of life. Recently, I invested in livestock by purchasing a goat for $45, supplementing the cost with earnings from my business. With this addition, I now own six goats, all acquired using funds from the transfers. These animals will serve as valuable assets for the future, offering security and potential income. In addition to supporting my immediate family, I assisted my son in paying $34 in school fees for my six grandchildren. They had been sent home due to outstanding fees, but with the financial assistance, they were able to return to school, complete the term, and sit for their exams. Furthermore, when my son's house collapsed earlier this year due to heavy winds, I contributed $34 towards purchasing building poles to help him set up a new home. I am relieved that he now has a safe and comfortable dwelling, protected from the elements. I am grateful for the financial support provided by Give Directly, as it has enabled me to fulfill my responsibilities to my family and improve our overall quality of life."

"For the past 15 years, I've been alone since my husband died in a car crash in Meru County. It was tough taking care of our six kids without him. But when I got the latest money transfer, I decided to do something smart with itI used $180 to rent a piece of land and plant beans. Beans are marketable in our area, so I figured it was a good investment. When you harvest one hectare of beans, you get 6 bags. Each bag sells for $170. So, planting beans seemed like a good idea to make money. And I'm thankful to GiveDirectly for giving me the money to start farming.I also spent $50 to buy mango seedlings and planted them in my compound. When I get older, I can sell the mangoes and relax under the shade of the mango trees, enjoying them and remembering the help from GiveDirectly.The rest of the money went towards my kids' school fees. Before this money came, I used to borrow loans or sell my animals to pay for school. But thanks to GiveDirectly, things have improved. I used to have a lot of debt, but now I don't owe anyone. I even have some money saved in the bank for emergencies."

"When I receive my transfers, my heart is set on one thing: clearing the arrears for my children's school fees. It pains me to see them missing out on education due to financial constraints. With seven children in school and $500 in arrears looming over us, I am deeply concerned about the impact it could have on their performance. I plan to spend $200 towards easing this burden, ensuring they can continue their education without interruption. Moreover, the constant leaky kitchen has been weighing heavily on my mind for the past three months. It breaks my heart to see my family endure discomfort, especially when it rains. They deserve a safe space to gather and share meals. That is why I am determined to spend $200 in renovating the kitchen, not just to fix the leaks but to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for my loved ones. Balancing these expenses is a labour of love, driven by my unwavering commitment to their well-being and happiness."