"The cash transfer to every household in our village was of great help in that we managed to invest a lot in the construction, livestock, and subsistence farming that we had been struggling with a lot. The freedom to spend on our choices enabled every individual to address the pain points in their households and ensure that they come to the same level as any other village member. No one complained then and even at the moment, we are still thankful for the generous support that was well executed by GiveDirectly."

"My new goal for this year is to set up my own tailoring business since that is my passion. This combined with what my husband makes from his motorcycle job will be able to cater to the family’s basic needs with much ease."

"This initiative gave a new face to every household and more so the whole village. We were given a chance to listen and decide on how to spend the transfer independently without being coerced. I can't see anything to complain about, but to just encourage GiveDirectly to keep supporting other villages as well."

"This year, one of my major goals is to do more farming and sell surplus produce in the nearby market. This will be of help since I will be able to support my husband in sorting some of the minor bills."

"To supplement my husband’s salary, I would love to start a small business selling either second-hand clothes or vegetables or get employed."

"In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with the whole operation as many attest to the fact that GiveDirectly did its best to change our living standards. All the promises made were delivered promptly."

"At the moment, I have a new goal to start a small business that will support my family alongside my daughters’ income. This will ensure that our basic needs are met comfortably without straining. Opening a cereal shop will come in handy and attract more customers who buy maize, beans, and millet for their families."

"My new goal for this year is to build a bigger house that comfortably accommodates my family since the one that we currently live in is quite small. I would also love to fence my compound all around."

"I had desired to construct a decent shelter for my firstborn child who is 16 years. This is because his house was grass-thatched, leaking and collapsing, which was very risky to his life. Similarly, he was spending sleepless nights during the rainy season, which lowered his concentration in class. I used $150 of my second transfer to construct a one-roomed, mud-walled iron sheets house for the boy. Additionally, I renovated our house by putting up a strong metallic door that keeps the household items safe. Furthermore, I spent $160 to boost our livestock rearing by purchasing one local dairy cow. This is a future investment for the family since I will have a steady supply of milk and plan to sell the offspring to cater for any emergency and educate my 5 children."

"I am still a student and I am currently in form four. My primary goal for this year is to spend my transfer on my school fees. I do not want to be sent home for fee collection because that affects my grade. Before, my parents used to struggle to raise my school fee. As a result, I was always at home, and my performance was adversely affected. I am glad I have registered significant improvement because I have ample time in school. In addition, I am planning to use the rest on food because my parents are poor, and they struggle to raise money. Being that I have rented my own house, I have been able to meet my daily needs. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly because, without that transfer, I would have dropped out of school."