"I want to express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for the financial assistance they provided, which has had a tremendous impact on my life. Without their support, the positive changes I've experienced would have been impossible. I have been facing challenges in meeting basic needs such as food and clothing for my family. Despite working as a mason and a roofing specialist, I've been struggling to secure consistent employment in these fields. Receiving the financial transfer was a huge relief for me, as it enabled me to afford things that were previously out of reach. Firstly, I spent $100 on purchasing essential food items, ensuring that my family had enough to eat for at least a month, even during periods when I couldn't secure work. Secondly, I used $150 to buy new clothes for my family of three, significantly improving our quality of life. Additionally, I allocated $250 towards paying off a piece of land that I had acquired in the past. This land is strategically located near a high school, and I plan to use it to build a rental property. The financial constraints I faced had delayed this project, but the transfer helped me reduce the outstanding balance to a manageable level. I now hope to complete the payment and find the necessary funds to begin the construction, even if it means starting with simple mud houses. Finally, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase four pieces of iron sheets to complete the roofing of my house, which had been left unfinished due to a shortage of materials from a previous purchase."

"I want to express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for the financial assistance they provided, which has had a tremendous impact on my life. Without their support, the positive changes I've experienced would have been impossible. I have been facing challenges in meeting basic needs such as food and clothing for my family. Despite working as a mason and a roofing specialist, I've been struggling to secure consistent employment in these fields. Receiving the financial transfer was a huge relief for me, as it enabled me to afford things that were previously out of reach. Firstly, I spent $100 on purchasing essential food items, ensuring that my family had enough to eat for at least a month, even during periods when I couldn't secure work. Secondly, I used $150 to buy new clothes for my family of three, significantly improving our quality of life. Additionally, I allocated $250 towards paying off a piece of land that I had acquired in the past. This land is strategically located near a high school, and I plan to use it to build a rental property. The financial constraints I faced had delayed this project, but the transfer helped me reduce the outstanding balance to a manageable level. I now hope to complete the payment and find the necessary funds to begin the construction, even if it means starting with simple mud houses. Finally, I utilized the remaining funds to purchase four pieces of iron sheets to complete the roofing of my house, which had been left unfinished due to a shortage of materials from a previous purchase."

"I am currently running a shop business in my local area, which is my sole source of income. Unfortunately, the business has not been making good returns because I didn't have enough capital to purchase a wide variety of products. Initially, I was only selling foodstuffs such as maize flour and sugar. However, when I received my first transfer, I used $300 to purchase a diverse range of goods to restock the shop. I am hopeful that with this new stock, I will be able to increase sales and generate more profits. Thanks to the support, my business is now performing better than before. The profits generated from the business give me hope that taking care of my basic needs, such as food and school fees for my children, will become much easier, thus sustaining us. In addition to restocking the business, I allocated $130 to pay school fees for my nine children, who are enrolled in various levels of education. One is in college, three are in high school, and five are in primary school. This has enabled them to continue their studies without any interruptions due to fees. I also used some of the funds to cover medical expenses amounting to $40 for some of my children who were sick. The remaining amount was used to buy foodstuffs, ensuring that my family had enough to eat."

"I have been living in a one-room mud house with a roof made of palm tree leaves, which are not very durable. They are easily destroyed by termites and need frequent and costly replacement. The roof is currently in poor condition, leaking whenever it rains. Over time, this has weakened the walls, making my house unstable. I had hoped to upgrade to a better house with an iron roof, but I couldn't afford it on my own. However, when GiveDirectly came, my hope was renewed. Upon receiving my transfer, my priority was to build a spacious, iron-roofed house. I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets and building poles, and I am now in the process of building a two-room mud house where I will live peacefully, no longer worried about leaks or having to replace the roof like before. Additionally, iron sheets are durable compared to palm tree leaves, which are easily be destroyed by pests. Once it's complete, I will soon be moving into my new iron-roofed house, and this makes it the biggest difference in my daily life. If it hadn't been for the transfers, it would have taken me years to save enough to build this house, and I am grateful for the assistance."

"I used to live in poor conditions, with a badly damaged house that leaked whenever it rained, causing the whole structure to weaken. The roof was made of palm leaves, which were easily destroyed by termites and required frequent and costly replacement. When I received my first transfer, I decided to upgrade to a more durable iron-roofed house. I had already bought enough building poles for a two-room house, so I used the money to purchase the remaining materials, 20 iron sheets, and nails, costing $210. I'm currently in the process of building the house and can't wait to move in. This will bring me relief as I won't have to worry about rain or endure the cold as I did before. I also made some changes to my sleeping arrangement by buying new bedding and replacing the old, worn-out bedding that was uncomfortable to sleep on. I spent $200 on two beds and two new mattresses, one for myself and one for my daughter who lives with me. I am now enjoying a comfortable sleep on the new bedding. In addition, I paid school fees for my three grandsons, clearing the $30 arrears and ensuring they can continue studying without interruptions. I spent the remaining amount on buying enough food to last us for a while, ensuring that my family has enough to eat."

"I am blessed with 12 wonderful children, with 8 of them still in school three in secondary and five of them in primary. Being a housewife, I have failed to support my husband who works as a caregiver for an elderly man in our neighborhood. However, with his monthly salary of $70, it's been a real struggle to meet all our basic needs, especially when it comes to education. Unfortunately, my children often miss school due to unpaid fees, which has taken a toll on their academic performance. This situation weighs heavily on me."

"I am a widow with six children who are in school. My husband left me at a very young age and I have had to take up the roles of both a father and a mother to my children. It has not been an easy journey since I do not have a stable job. I make charcoal and like any other person in the village does. It is a lucrative and competitive venture and as you know the charcoal making process is a health harzard. I have have been struggling so much to even put food on the table for my kids. Despite the challenge I believe that taking a day at a time will enable me conquer all my problems."

"In the coming year, my main goal is to buy my own piece of land. I currently live on a relative's land, but the situation has led to tension and family disagreements that greatly weigh on my heart. In order to find peace and security, I am committed to saving at least $20 every month. I understand it won't be easy, but I believe that by consistently setting aside this small amount, I can gradually accumulate enough to purchase a plot. Owning a plot will provide me the freedom to farm and support my family without the constant fear of conflict."

"In the upcoming year, my top priority is to renovate my house, which has become old and now looks very weak, posing a safety risk for my family. The walls have cracks, and the roof leaks when it rains, causing us to worry about our safety. To achieve this important goal, I plan to save $20 monthly from each GiveDirectly transfer until I have enough to start the renovations. I understand that it will take time, but I believe that by consistently saving, I can restore our home to a safe and secure place. Safety is the highest priority, and I want my family to feel protected and comfortable in our home. Once the renovations are done, we will finally have peace of mind, knowing that our home is strong and will shelter us for many years to come."

"My main goal for the upcoming year is to start a small kiosk that will provide a steady income for my family. To achieve this, I plan to keep saving diligently with the merry-go-round group, where I contribute $10 each month. Each contribution brings me closer to my goal of accumulating enough capital to open the kiosk. I understand that it will take time and patience, but I am determined to remain committed. By the end of the year, I aim to have saved enough to stock my kiosk with essential goods that the community needs."