"When my water meter was disconnected in January 2023, I had to purchase water from the neighbourhood at $0.1 for a 20-litre jerrican. This was expensive for my family of 4, which depends on my husband's bodaboda business to earn a living. Unfortunately, the cost of living increased and the fuel prices were also affected therefore, the business generates only $4 on a good day. All this caters for household use hence no surplus for water reconnection. I am excited that the transfers came at the right time as I used $50 to reconnect the water, $70 towards food and clothing for the household and an additional $15 to clear school fees for my children in primary school. As an alternative source of income, I enrolled on a tailoring course at Matano Maiine centre which I usually pay $15 a month using the transfers I set aside. Once I graduate, I will gladly assist my husband financially in raising the family."

"I spent a huge portion of my recent transfer on purchasing all the necessary stationeries and clearing fees for my son who was joining high school.   He had stayed home for almost a year, hopelessly, after trying all I could to get him to go to school but in vain. All I can say is it's by the grace of God that this has finally been achieved.   To me, my son's going to school will make him a better and more responsible person in the future. To add to that, I installed a fresh water tap in my homestead, which has also been my dream. I feel more at home now because I will no longer have to trek to my neighbours to fetch water. Also, I will keep selling the water to my friends and generate an income as well. Also bought new school uniforms and bags for my other three children who are in primschoolools.   They are now studying comfortably without being humiliated by their peers like before, which would sometimes demoralize them and cause them to fail to attend class.  With the remaining cash, I have been buying food for the seven children. Raising them singlehandedly without any help from my in-laws has never been easy.   For the last five years since the passing on of my spouse, it has been hell and I can't thank the organisation enough for coming through the time I needed their help the most."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by transforming my life positively.  I was granted all the freedom to choose what works best for my household and my heart's desires. Also, as soon as I received the cash, the officers made sure they followed up to be sure if I received the cash and how it changed my life. This generally means that they cared about their beneficiaries so much.  Therefore, I can't point out anything that needs to be changed. "

"I am not happy that my house is broken in one of the rooms. Besides, it lacks a door, which makes most of the nights feel unsafe for my family. I would be happy if I restored the damaged mud walls and install a door by the end of the year. Though hunger is still an issue in my house, I have decided to save most of my monthly transfers to aid the renovation exercise. Am afraid that if I only focus on buying food, I would never achieve anything more, hence the need to save. "

"Given the current tough economy, where commodity prices are rising by the day, my income as a motorbike-taxi operator barely secures enough meals for my family. Besides, there are no longer many passengers in my village as people prefer to trek rather than use a motorbike service. This has made me think about raising livestock as an alternative form of investment and source of income. I plan to secure more goats to increase my herd of ten, then later trade some for cattle. "

"I have always wanted to own a kiosk business where I sell vegetables and fast-moving goods to the people in my community. However, my major hindrance is the lack of necessary funds to establish this venture. The money I earn from charcoal making and the monthly cash transfers are usually consumed by food and education needs, such that am left with nothing to save. Operating this business will increase my income which will support the education of my three children. Besides, bringing this shop to my locality will avail commodities and save my community members the time and energy of walking for hours to the trade center. "

"Considering our advanced ages, my spouse and I can barely take on vigorous activities to fend for ourselves. Our two sons do most of the heavy lifting by constantly sending us money for food. However, given the unreliability of their casual tasks, the little they send barely provides enough meals. Not to entirely depend on them, I believe owning livestock is a great investment that will generate cash in the future to support the household essentials like food and school fees for two of my younger children. Currently, I have two goats; my intention is to secure more and grow the number. "

"Owning goats! The low income I make from charcoal burning can barely fulfill all my family's basic needs such as food and education for my three children. Keeping goats is the best income stream alternative that I believe will help me raise money to meet the household expenses. Currently, I own approximately ten goats. I still consider this to be a low number if I were to achieve financial stability. Therefore, whenever I get the opportunity, I will buy more goats to expand the herd and boost my wealth. "

"Before receiving GD's transfer, life was yough and as a farmer, it was even tougher because the weather had been sunny lately. My field was not as fertile as it should be but with the manure that I collect, the harvest is very promising and I think I will have enough to consume and spare enough to sell at the market. Buying a cow and renovating my house's roof was what bothered me the most."

"We earn our bread by working by cultivating a small piece of land that is in our backyard. I was home with my husband when I received when we heard the SMS notification alert. After finding out it was GD's transfer, I was very happy and I got myself ready and rushed to our commercial center. It was an hour long trip but the whole withdrawal process went smoothly and I was able to buy a cow that very same day. I am thankful to every person that ensured I got a grant."