"My primary goal is to plant maize on my 4-acre plot. Last season was tough; we faced food shortages, and I want to ensure we don’t go through that again. This time, I want to not only grow enough maize for our own needs but also produce a surplus to sell. With the income from that sale, my hope is to finally build a house on the plot I purchased. It’s been a dream to have a stable place where we can all live comfortably, and I know this is the right step forward. To make this vision a reality, I’ll be relying on the third transfer I received, which will go toward ploughing the land and buying quality seeds. With this transfer and a good harvest, I’m confident that this coming year will be transformative for me and my family."

"Receiving the GiveDirectly money was like a new chapter in my life, allowing me the freedom to plan for my needs without interference. I could decide what was essential for my family, whether that meant buying food, repairing our home, or investing in a small business. The money came directly to me without going through intermediaries, which made the whole process transparent and quick. Honestly, I don’t see anything that needs to be changed about how they operate – everything was handled so smoothly, respecting my independence and understanding that my needs are unique."

"My spouse and I agreed to purchase a motorbike on loan. Although it was second-hand, we bought it for $500. My spouse operates the motorbike, and the earnings he makes, combined with a portion of my transfer, go toward repaying the loan. This business also helps cover our family's basic needs. We also have a hotel business that has become more stable thanks to these transfers, so while I’m still caring for our newborn, my spouse is running it. Our top priority for the coming year is to fully repay this loan. Once my child is old enough for me to bring to the hotel, I plan to focus on expanding the business by adding more stock. I intend to use my transfers to make this possible so that when the transfers eventually end, the business will be able to sustain itself through its profits, supporting both my family’s needs and my own."

"I haven’t fully recovered from my chest pain, which started years ago. As a casual laborer supporting my family, it’s difficult to avoid heavy work, especially since that’s mostly what’s available here in the village. To help solve this challenge, I’ve decided to invest in livestock. My goal is to raise goats at home, which I plan to eventually trade for a dairy cow. The cow will provide a steady income, helping me become more self-reliant. Thanks to these transfers, I’ve started buying goats and already have four. To achieve my dream of owning a cow, I’ll keep buying goats and, as they multiply, trade them for a cow. Cows are expensive, so purchasing one all at once is not easy. Additionally, once I have my cow, I’ll sell some of its offspring when it multiplies and use the earnings to start a small shop. I’m confident that if I can bring these plans to life, I’ll achieve financial stability and be able to support my family with ease."

"Now that most of my pressing needs are met and my farming is going well, with plans to expand shortly, my next goal is to restore the household items that were swept away by the floods. I plan to use the final GiveDirectly transfer to buy essential household utensils and furniture, including chairs and a sofa set. The thought of having these items again brings me so much happiness, as it means I will have fully recovered from the recent flooding. Having a complete home once more, with comfortable furniture and the basic items we need, feels like a big step toward a fresh start for my family."

"What stands out most to me about GiveDirectly is their approach of providing unconditional cash transfers. I appreciate this method because it trusts recipients to prioritize and make the best decisions for their own needs, empowering us to address what truly matters in our lives. As for recommendations on changing their current program, I honestly have none. I prefer that GiveDirectly continue with this approach, as it has proven effective and impactful. The freedom to choose how to use the support has made a positive difference in my life, and I believe it can continue to do the same for others."

"GiveDirectly does exceptionally well in supporting the needy through unconditional cash transfers, which have had a transformative impact on our home. The money we received enabled us to build a better house, something we could not have achieved otherwise. During the enrollment process, the officers were patient and respectful, ensuring that we understood everything clearly without feeling rushed. Additionally, during community meetings, we were educated on the importance of spending the money wisely, including avoiding illegal activities such as purchasing firearms. The unconditional nature of the cash allowed me to prioritize my family's needs, giving us the freedom to invest in what was most important to us. Honestly, I do not see any areas of improvement in GiveDirectly's approach, and I would encourage them to continue with the same."

"The money came early in the morning at 5am. When I checked my phone at 5:30, I saw an M-Pesa message confirming the transfer had arrived. My husband was still asleep, but I woke him up immediately to share the news. We were overjoyed, especially because we had been struggling to find school fees for our children. They’d been sent home to collect fees, and with the term almost ending, the teachers needed the payments cleared. Without this transfer, we had no other options, and seeing the money brought us such relief and hope."

"I aim to open a shop in the coming year and beyond to fully support my family through the income generated from selling goods. This idea arose from noticing a market gap in our village, where residents often travel long distances to find shops that may not stock what they need. I intend to use the upcoming monthly transfer along with my job savings to establish a large shop that will offer most essential items. I've received guidance from friends in business, and I have a strong passion for managing a shop, which tends to succeed despite challenges. Our area has very few shops, and those that exist have limited selections. As I have three younger siblings and my parents are unemployed and dealing with health issues, all responsibilities rest on my shoulders. Generating extra income from the shop will help alleviate my financial burdens, allowing me to marry and start my own family."

"My first goal is to lease a piece of land using the funds from the third transfer. I want to use this land to plant maize so that, come harvest time, we’ll have a reliable food supply. This will ease the burden on my children, who often feel the pressure to find casual jobs to support the household. With a steady harvest, they can focus on their studies and daily routines without the constant worry about how we’ll put food on the table. Alongside securing the harvest, I also want to make sure that my children are fully settled in school. I aim to pay their school fees on time, giving them the stability they need to thrive academically. By taking care of their tuition, I hope to lift some of the financial strain we've been under, allowing them to focus on learning and preparing for a brighter future. I believe that with these plans in place, our family will grow stronger, and the year ahead will bring us closer to stability and peace."