"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."

"After building a two-room mud-walled house with my first transfer, I decided to invest $140 of the second transfer on upgrading my living conditions. I purchased two modern standard beds for each room, along with a comfortable mattress for $60. Now, I sleep peacefully and comfortably, a significant improvement from the small traditional bed I used before. With security being a top priority, I allocated $150 towards a burglary door, reinforcing the main entrance of my home. Feeling safer, I no longer worry about potential threats, knowing that my house is secure. Despite these essential purchases, I still had $157 left from the transfer. Wanting to enhance both security and convenience, I plan to invest in a set of solar panels and lighting systems. Currently relying on a small traditional lamp fueled by expensive paraffin, the solar lighting will not only provide sustainable energy but also contribute to better security around my home. With these improvements, I can look forward to a brighter and safer future for myself and my home."

"My husband typically contributes to our family finances, but there are times when he doesn't have any income. As a mother and wife, I feel obligated to step in to help contribute to the needs of our children. However, due to my current pregnancy, I cannot undertake strenuous work. So, the cash transfers have been my main stream of income. When the recent funds, I was unwell, and my child was suffering from asthma, requiring medical attention. Unfortunately, public hospitals were closed due to a nationwide doctors' strike, so I had to seek treatment at a private clinic, which was more expensive. I used $22 for all the necessary medical procedures, medications, and transportation. Thankfully, both my child and I are now in better health. Previously, I struggled to speak and had a persistent cough, but now my condition has improved. Additionally, I spent $12 to pay off school fees debts for my three children for this term and used $14 to purchase school uniforms for my youngest child, who was starting kindergarten. I'm pleased to see them progressing well with their studies. Earlier this year, I acquired a solar lighting system on credit, which requires repayment of around $440. To start this repayment, I used $35. I'm delighted that my family now has reliable lighting. The remaining funds were used to purchase clothes for myself, as I'm expecting and will need new attire that fits comfortably."

"With the GiveDirectly monthly cash transfers, I finally had the means to purchase building materials worth $28. I've been longing to expand our cramped living space barely accommodating our growing family. Without the assistance from GiveDirectly, affording these materials would have remained a dream. Now, with the hope of a larger home, I feel a renewed sense determination. Managing a small charcoal business and my husband's income as a fisherman, our combined earnings of $25 is hardly enough for our family of four, let alone the additional seventeen relatives we support. So, I allocated $20 towards purchasing food and essential household items, ensuring everyone's basic needs were met. I then used $1 to settle a debt for solar lighting, an investment that was previously out of reach. With $10 contributed to a savings group, I now feel more secure in facing unexpected emergencies. Thanks to GiveDirectly, what once seemed impossible has become a reality, and for that, I'm grateful."

"As a casual laborer, my primary source of income comes from selling charcoal, a job I pursue during the dry season. During the rainy months, I shift my focus to farming maize, ensuring an ample food supply for my family. Since April of last year, I have dedicated myself to farm work, and the effort has paid off handsomely. The food reserves I've accumulated are sufficient to sustain my family of 10 for the next year. While farming has been fruitful, my earnings from selling charcoal have been insufficient. Consequently, I've heavily relied on the financial support provided through transfers to meet our other basic needs. With six children currently attending school, I allocated $68 to settle school fee arrears, ensuring their continued education. Moreover, I settled a $5 debt incurred through the purchase of a solar light on hire purchase, which has significantly improved lighting in my home compared to traditional lamps. Additionally, I invested $29 in purchasing a goat, recognizing its potential as a future asset. As the goat multiplies, so does my initial investment, providing a potential source of income or emergency funds. I am deeply grateful for the financial support received through transfers, as it has been instrumental in enabling me to provide for my family's needs effectively."

"I joined a merry-go-round group upon receiving the cash transfers from GiveDirectly. Contributing $30 from the transfer, I accumulated funds that enabled me to expand my livestock-selling business by investing in additional stock. This move resulted in an increase in profits, providing the means to meet my household needs. The $40 allocated for the school fees of my six children not only kept them in school but rescued them from the possibility of being sent back home, a stark contrast to the challenging times before receiving the transfers. Furthermore, the surplus from the business allowed me to invest in a solar lighting system, creating a conducive environment for my children to study at home. I allocated $2.45 to food, facilitating both sustenance and the cultivation of our own produce, now overseen by my wife. Additionally, a portion of the transfer, $7.5, was dedicated to rearing chickens. This investment not only ensures a steady supply of eggs for our consumption but also generates income when we sell them in the market. Reflecting on this transformative journey, I am genuinely grateful for the positive turn our lives have taken, and I extend heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support."

"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."