"It was around 1 pm, and I was fetching water when my phone buzzed with a message notification. Curious, I quickly checked it, and to my surprise, it was a notification that the first transfer of $550 had been deposited into my account. A wave of relief and joy washed over me. The first thought that crossed my mind was the school fees arrears my kids had. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, knowing that I could finally catch up and give them a better chance at their education."

"Ever since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly, my life has changed in a way I never thought possible. As a single mother of three, working at the quarry was tough, and feeding my family was a constant struggle. Now, my children have enough to eat, and for the first time in a long while, I don't worry about them going to bed hungry. Our old, collapsing house felt like a danger waiting to happen, but now we're looking forward to having a safe and good home soon. It's a relief and a joy to see these changes, and I feel a sense of hope I haven't felt in years."

"Receiving unconditional cash from GiveDirectly has made an incredible difference in our lives. Before, we were struggling to pay off school fees arrears for my children, and it was holding them back from pursuing further education. Now, thanks to the support, I've been able to clear those arrears. It's such a relief to see them finally able to focus on their future; they can now apply to colleges and for courses they're interested in, something that was impossible before without the results slips. This opportunity has opened doors for them that were previously closed, and I am very grateful for that."

"It was Sunday, the 14th, and I had left my phone charging at home while I went to church. Upon returning, I switched on my phone, and almost immediately, I saw a new message showing the GiveDirectly transfers. I was overwhelmed with excitement and couldn't wait to share the news with my son, who had completed high school last year. I told him right away, filled with joy at the thought of paying off his school fees arrears to get his certificate, covering the fees for my daughter who was about to join college, and enrolling my son in driving school."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has excelled in its mission to provide direct cash transfers to those in need, ensuring that the aid reaches the beneficiaries without unnecessary intermediaries. The organization has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency and efficiency, which has built trust and made the process straightforward for recipients. From the initial contact to the final transfer, everything was handled smoothly and professionally. The funds arrived promptly, and I appreciated the freedom to use the money as I saw fit, allowing me to prioritize my family's needs. I found no faults in their approach, as every step was carefully planned and executed, ensuring a positive experience."

"Initially, I planned to invest my transfers in paying for a plumbing course that I was eager to take. However, due to the high cost, I decided to pursue a driving course instead, which my brother generously offered to pay for. As a result, I have now shifted my focus away from the plumbing course. In the coming year and beyond, I am planning to set up a shop business. With a wife and one child to provide for, I needed an investment that would last and support my family even after the transfers end. This led me to choose a shop business. To achieve this goal, I am saving $20 every month to ensure I raise enough capital to establish this project. I believe this will be a financial breakthrough once I establish it."

"I am in Form One, and it is through GiveDirectly transfers that I have been able to stay in school, as my parents are peasant farmers. When I started receiving these transfers, I saw the need to support myself, allowing my parents to cover the fees for my younger siblings. Since these transfers have a specific timeline, I decided to invest them in a project that would help me pay my fees even after the transfers end, knowing I still have a long way to go. I initially bought a good number of chickens for my poultry project, with the number almost reaching 50. Unfortunately, when I came home from school, I was told that a disease outbreak had affected the chickens, wiping out all that I had bought. I felt devastated. Therefore, I have changed my plan and now want to invest in livestock, specifically goats, with my GiveDirectly transfers. This is my goal for the coming year and beyond. I am hopeful that this will thrive, as goats multiply very quickly. This will provide me with future financial security and serve as a reminder of the monthly transfers once they come to an end."

"I took my goats to the forest in the evening to graze, and I left my phone at home. On my way back, a neighbor asked me if I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. Since I didn't have my phone with me, I couldn't confirm this, but I was curious and wanted to check. I went straight home, grabbed my phone, and checked my notifications. To my delight, it was indeed true that I had received mine as well. I felt happy upon seeing this and smiled as I returned to my livestock."

"In the coming year, my foremost goal is to focus on educating my children, ensuring they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become independent and successful in the future. I believe that investing in their education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and securing a brighter future for them. I plan to set aside time and resources to support their learning, whether it's through buying books or finding additional resources and opportunities for them. As they grow, I hope that the education they receive will empower them to pursue their dreams and build their paths to success. In the years beyond, I envision them using their education to create better lives for themselves and contribute positively to our community, making all the effort and sacrifices worth it."

"GiveDirectly's support has been very helpful to me and the people of my village. What stood out for me the most is the humility of their officers. When they came, I was sick in bed and unable to walk, but their humility was unmatched. They were able to enroll me despite my challenges, and for that, I am very grateful. I am a fan of what GiveDirectly is currently doing, and I wish for them to continue in the same way. I do not recommend any changes, but I hope they stick to their current plan."