"I am an ECDE teacher, and I have taken the initiative to further my education by pursuing a Diploma course, which has always been my top priority. In the upcoming year, I plan to focus on my studies since obtaining a Diploma is more advantageous in the teaching profession. Additionally, acquiring this qualification will lead to a higher salary compared to just holding a teaching certificate. My primary objective is to save a portion of my GiveDirectly transfer within our savings group, where I can access loans to cover my school fees. Moreover, I aspire to build a new house for my mother, as our current one is in poor condition, it's grass-roofed, and the walls are made of mud, making it weak and prone to collapse. Thus, my plan is to complete my Diploma before starting this second project. I anticipate that the extra income from my salary, along with my transfers from GiveDirectly, will help me achieve these goals. I am also grateful for the support I receive."

"I am deeply grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, which has enabled me to enroll in a technical college and pursue a certificate in Automotive Engineering, a significant milestone in my life. My immediate goal is to use future transfers to cover my school fees, as I have no other financial support. I aim to complete my course by March 2025 and hope to secure a job that will allow me to become self-sufficient. Looking ahead, my vision is to establish my own automotive business. Once I complete my education, I plan to save diligently from my transfers and future income, with the goal of raising $2,500 in the next five years to launch my business. This venture will not only sustain me but also uplift my circumstances and provide stability for my family."

"Raising a mentally challenged child with insufficient funds is making our lives harder. I have a 10 year old child with mental issues who needs total attention and care because she might get lost when left alone. This has reduced me into a housewife relying entirely on a single source of income from my husband. My husband is a casual laborer earning meager salary of KES 3000. Keeping in mind burden of schooling 4 children in primary school at different levels. Living in abject poverty saddens me and I don't wish anyone to be in our current status."

"What stood out for me about GiveDirectly is the unconditional cash that is sent directly to my phone. I find this approach very convenient and empowering because it allows me to decide how best to use the money based on my family's needs. I appreciate this unique aspect of the program and have no recommendations for any changes. Instead, I would encourage GiveDirectly to continue with their current model of sending cash directly to recipients. It is a life-changing program that has brought so much positive impact to my life and many others."

"The biggest difference in my life now is that I no longer struggle to provide for my family’s basic needs. With the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to stabilize my business by increasing stock and clearing debt, ensuring a steady income. Additionally, I can now afford different varieties of food for my family, which has improved our meals and overall well-being. Knowing that my children are happy, well-fed, and dressed warmly brings me so much joy and gratitude. This support has truly transformed our lives in meaningful ways."

"Upon receiving the $180 from GiveDirectly, I decided to address the most immediate need, which was food. I used $50 to buy food, as my family had been struggling to have enough to eat. Previously, I had to rely on casual labor to earn money for food, but it was difficult and unsustainable because it was temporary — some days I had work and other days I did not. After that, I used $100 to buy construction materials to build a toilet. This was an important hygiene component that we didn’t have before, but now, the construction is almost complete, and I’m happy with the progress. Lastly, I used the remaining money to send some to my two children for their school upkeep. I’m truly thankful for this support from GiveDirectly, as it has made a big difference in our lives."

"I am very, very grateful for the GiveDirectly transfers. Recently, when I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in farming. I used $410 to cover the cost of leasing land, buying seeds, paying for labor, and setting up irrigation. I farmed two acres of maize and one acre of beans. Previously, I lost my seven-acre maize farm due to floods, so this investment feels like a step in the right direction towards my recovery. It will allow me to have food at home and sell any surplus to generate income, helping me meet other household needs without worry. I have four children, and I will also use the income to pay their school fees. Since I had no harvest yet, I used $30 to buy food so my family could eat. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for making it possible for us to afford food despite having no harvest. This support has been a real blessing to my famil"

"My goal is to reclaim the one-acre farm that was destroyed by floods. The flood left behind huge amounts of sand and bushes, making it difficult to use. I plan to use the next transfer to reclaim the land, clear it, and plant maize. I also intend to settle some of the debts I have. Thinking ahead, and imagining what life will be like if I achieve all this, fills me with joy. If I succeed, I will have enough food from the harvest and will no longer have to worry about where my next meal will come from. This will greatly improve my family's quality of life and bring peace of mind."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in something sustainable that would allow me to generate income continuously. I used $400 to purchase a generator, which will significantly transform my farming activities and help me increase my harvest. With the generator, I will no longer rely on rain-fed agriculture. Instead, I can irrigate my crops year-round since I live near a river, ensuring consistent farming regardless of the weather. I used $30 to buy food because getting food in this area is a challenge, especially after the floods, which left me unable to harvest. Previously, I often depended on casual labor to provide for my family, so this support has been a relief. I spent the remaining amount to clear a debt at a nearby shop. Paying off this debt allowed me to maintain a good relationship with the shopkeeper, ensuring I could take food on credit if needed in the future"

"What stood out for me with the GiveDirectly program is their remarkable professionalism. They always ask for consent before enrolling or even speaking to anyone, which shows great respect for people’s privacy and dignity. This approach makes the program feel trustworthy and transparent. I recommend that GiveDirectly establish a permanent office in our area, even when they are not actively enrolling. This would allow them to engage with the community more regularly, conduct more focus group discussions (FGDs), and better understand the needs and challenges people face. Additionally, I suggest they introduce an exchange program where recipients from different locations can share their experiences and ideas. This could inspire new ways to utilize the support and foster a stronger sense of community among beneficiaries."