"The floods brought so much destruction to my life, sweeping away my four acres of maize and damaging everything I owned, from my household items to my eight goats. Life was already hard, and the floods made it worse. I was struggling to make ends meet, relying on casual jobs and farming whenever the rains were kind to us. My two children depend on me, and after separating from my wife 20 years ago, I’ve been the sole provider. The money from the cash transfer came at a time when I needed it most, offering hope and relief in the midst of my challenges.I used $60 to pay my children’s school fees, which was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I used to rely on casual work and farming to cover the fees, but it was never enough, and sometimes I couldn’t even get casual work. I then spent $35 on a mattress because the old one we had was completely worn out, and my children had been sleeping uncomfortably. It was a small comfort, but it meant a lot to see them finally sleep well. I also bought kitchen utensils for $16, as I had very few, and it was difficult to serve guests without proper items. I purchased new clothes for $10, as I had no good clothes to wear, especially for occasions like vacations. The remaining $14 went towards buying new cups, as the ones I had were broken. Lastly, I used the rest of the money to buy food, which was a huge relief. Before, I had to rely on casual jobs that earned me just $3 a day, which was never consistent. Some days, I didn’t even have food to give my children. Now, I feel more secure knowing that I have food in the house and my children’s school fees are paid. The transfer has made a big difference in our lives, bringing hope and stability where there was once struggle."

"Since we received the GiveDirectly transfer, our village has been positively impacted. You reached us directly, without any intermediaries like headmen or chiefs, which we really appreciated. It was clear that you are an independent organization, and we felt respected by how you handled everything. Also, the one-month gap between transfers gave us time to think carefully about what to do next and plan how to use the money wisely. I did not see anything bad in the way you operated; everything was well done. You are a perfect organization, and we just hope that you will come back and continue supporting us with more transfers."

"The officers explained GiveDirectly’s program very clearly, which really helped ease our concerns about where such a large amount of money was coming from. We were initially worried and unsure, but they took the time to explain everything thoroughly, making sure we understood the entire process. I appreciated their respectful approach and how they answered all of our questions patiently. From what I experienced, there was nothing negative about the way GiveDirectly handled things; everything was well-organized and transparent. They truly fulfilled their promises, and the support they provided has made a positive difference. I hope they continue to help others in the same way they have helped us."

"GiveDirectly has truly kept its promises, always sending the money right on time, and I am so grateful for this free support. I appreciate how respectfully the staff treat us, making sure we feel valued and understood. The transfers have made a real difference in my life, allowing me to make improvements I hadn’t thought possible before. Honestly, I haven’t noticed anything negative about GiveDirectly—they’ve done everything they promised. I just hope they can continue reaching out to others in need, as they’ve done for us. This program has been a true blessing for my family and me."

"The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is the relief from school fees stress. Before, I struggled to keep up with fees, and my child had to miss a week of school because I couldn’t pay. It broke my heart to see him falling behind in his studies while I had no way to help. Now, he is back in school, learning well, and I feel so happy knowing he can focus on his education without interruption. The transfer has taken away the worry of finding money for school fees, something that used to keep me awake at night. Now, I feel at peace, knowing I can keep my child in school, and I have more hope for his future."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the goal of starting a grocery store in my village. We currently have no nearby grocery, and I see this as a great opportunity for an income-generating activity that will benefit both my family and the community. Once I finish fixing the windows in my house, I plan to use the transfers I receive to fund this venture. I estimate that it will require about $40 in starting capital, and I am excited about the possibilities it will open up for us. This grocery store will provide a steady source of income and fill a crucial need in our area."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the renovation of my house by building pillars to make it more resilient against the fierce winds that we sometimes experience in our area. This is important for the safety and security of my family, as I want to ensure that we are protected from the unpredictable weather. To achieve this, I have been diligently saving $20 every month from my transfers, and I am determined to continue this effort until I can afford to complete the renovation. This improvement will give us peace of mind and a stronger, safer home."

"In the coming year and beyond, my biggest goal is to build a good, secure house because the one I currently have is in poor condition and on the verge of collapsing. It has been a constant worry, and I know my family deserves better. To make this dream a reality, I have committed to saving $10 monthly from my transfers. It may take time, but I am determined to steadily build towards a safer, more stable home for my family. This goal is more than just shelter; it’s about giving us the security and peace of mind we’ve long needed."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to grow my livestock by purchasing more goats through my monthly savings. Right now, I have one goat and one cow, but expanding my herd will secure a better future for my family. I’ve already started saving $10 per month through a merry-go-round group, and I’m committed to continuing this until I can afford to buy more goats. With a larger herd, I’ll have more resources to provide for my family’s needs and create long-term stability for us. This plan gives me hope and a clear path forward."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to buy more goats to secure my family's future, especially when it comes to my children's education. Goats are a valuable asset that can provide stability, and I believe that by steadily saving at least $10 every month, I can grow my herd. This investment will ensure that when school fees come up, I have the means to support my children without financial strain. By focusing on building this asset, I am setting a foundation for their future and ours as a family."