"For eight years, I felt completely helpless as a mother, watching my daughter unhappy. She couldn’t collect her secondary school certificate because of $150 in unpaid school fees, and it pained me deeply to see her miss out on both college and job opportunities that required that certificate. I tried everything I could. I engaged in crop production to raise the money, but it only led me deeper into debt as I kept losing crops to drought. This year, when the rains finally came, I had a glimmer of hope, but then the floods hit, wiping out all my maize crops on an acre of land. I truly believe God answered my prayers through GiveDirectly. When I received my first transfer, I cleared my daughter’s arrears, and now she has her certificate and is happy. And because of that, I am finally at peace. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for restoring hope in my home."

"Sleeping on a tiny, uncomfortable bed that was barely holding together, propped up by a stone with my wife for three years was a constant struggle. It was so small that we had to coordinate every time we wanted to turn over, and our old mattress was completely worn out. We dreamed of buying a new bed and mattress, but with our unreliable farming income from droughts and floods, plus our son’s school fees, it seemed impossible. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I made buying a new bed and mattress my top priority, and now we sleep comfortably every night. This change has made a huge difference in our lives. I used to wake up at 5 am because I couldn’t sleep well, but now I can sleep until 7 am, thanks to the comfort of our new bed and mattress. Thank you, GiveDirectly!"

"For ten years, my husband and I struggled with casual jobs, just making enough to survive. We always wanted to do crop farming, but we never had enough money. Earlier this year, after saving for a while, we planted maize, hoping it would help us, but floods destroyed everything, and we felt hopeless. When GiveDirectly gave us money, it was like a new beginning. We used the cash to plant tomatoes, and now they are growing well. We hope to harvest in less than two months, and if all goes well, we expect to get about two tons, which will give us enough money to address our needs, continue crop farming activities, and finally stop doing casual jobs."

"I was sitting under a tree with my auntie, my grandmother, and my nieces when I heard a notification on my phone. I quickly checked it, and to my surprise, it was the GiveDirectly cash transfer. At that exact moment, everyone I was with also received their transfers. We all screamed in joy, hugging each other tightly, completely overwhelmed by the excitement and disbelief of this unexpected blessing. For the first time in a long while, I felt a deep sense of hope—now, I could finally rebuild my house, which had been destroyed during the floods."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, I aspire to start a livestock farming venture focusing on goat keeping. This is to ensure a stable source of income and secure my future. Goats are perfect for my plans because they are resilient and can thrive in the harsh climate of our area. Unlike cows, which would struggle in such conditions, goats are hardy, affordable to buy, and easy to maintain, making them an ideal choice for someone like me who wants to start small but dream big. To make this vision a reality, I plan to save $10 monthly, gradually building enough funds to buy my first few goats. With patience, hard work, and dedication, I envision this venture growing into something significant that will provide for my family and give me peace of mind about the future."

"In the approaching year, I am committed to renovating my house, which has become old and unsafe, especially during the rainy and windy seasons. I want to create a home that is not only sturdy but also a place where I can feel comfortable and secure. To bring this dream to life, I have decided to save $20 every month. It may be a small amount, but with consistency and determination, it will grow into something significant over time. My goal is to make my home a warm and welcoming space, one that can safely shelter me and serve as a lasting symbol of my dedication and hard work."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to invest in goats. This dream fills me with hope and determination. I already have three sheep, and I believe adding goats will be a great step towards building a small but meaningful source of income. I envision growing a herd that not only brings financial security but also teaches my grandchildren the value of hard work and dedication. To make this dream a reality, I will save $10 monthly."

"In the forthcoming year and beyond, my aim is to concentrate on the education of my grandchildren. I want to guide them every step of the way so that they can become responsible and independent individuals. I aim to be their source of encouragement, showing them that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. I will create a nurturing environment where they feel supported, whether they are struggling with schoolwork or celebrating their accomplishments. I want them to grow up knowing that education is a powerful tool that will open countless doors for them, and I am committed to being their biggest cheerleader on this journey."

"In the coming year and beyond, I aim to expand my livestock investment by purchasing more goats. Currently, I have eleven goats, and I view them as a valuable asset that can help me secure a brighter future. My objective is to grow my herd and transform this small venture into something larger and more profitable. To accomplish this, I plan to set aside at least $10 every month. While it may seem like a small amount, I believe that with patience and determination, it will accumulate and make a significant difference. I am dedicated to working hard, saving diligently, and caring for my goats to realize my vision."

"Before we received the cash from GiveDirectly, our house was in such poor shape that people would refer to it as a kiosk, and it hurt my daughters. They were so embarrassed that they wouldn’t even bring their friends home, opting instead to take them to their grandmother’s place, since her house looked much better than ours. But after getting the money and redoing the house, everything changed. My daughters are now proud to call this place their home. They bring their friends over with confidence, and when we’re passing by on the road, they even point to the house and tell people it's theirs—something they would have never done before."