"Being a widow means raising my children single-handedly, a responsibility that has become so challenging to me. Although I managed to take my elder son to secondary school, he has never joined college. At home, my young son had to drop out of school when he was in standard seven due to financial instability. This has hindered us from living a decent life since I spent everything I had saved. As a mother, I feel so painful to desperately watch my children hanging around without any formal job. This situation has devoured my joy since I have a fear of them being involved in some vices that can ruin them. Hence, I consider financial constraints as what has made my life harder."

"With the recent $450 transfer from GiveDirectly, I made a thoughtful investment in my future. I used the funds to purchase four goats and build a safe enclosure for them. This decision holds promise for both the present and the future. Not only will these goats provide me with valuable resources such as milk, meat, and offspring, but as they multiply, they will also increase my financial security. By ensuring their safety and well-being in a secure enclosure, I am laying the foundation for a sustainable source of income that will help meet my needs both now and in the years to come."

"I don't have any specific feedback about GiveDirectly programs, but I want to express my gratitude with a simple "THANK YOU." Their support has meant a lot to me, and I appreciate everything they've done."

"This year holds a special goal for me: completing the construction of my home. Though it's not yet finished, I am determined to see it through to completion in the coming months. Every brick laid and every beam placed brings me closer to fulfilling this dream. As I envision the final touches being added, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. Finishing my home means more than just completing a building; it signifies creating a sanctuary for my family, a place where we can find comfort, security, and belonging. With determination and perseverance, I am confident that by the end of this year, my home will stand as a testament to hard work and dedication."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the current challenge I am facing in life. I do subsistence farming and my husband does casual jobs earning very little income which caters for food and school fees. I have three children schooling at primary level but due to lack of school fees they have been out of school for four days now. This has affected to their performances.The community is dry and the family depends on food from shop and due to the little income the family has been going without food."

"I'm planning to get myself a cow, as I don't currently have one. Having a cow would be transformative for my family. It means we could have a steady supply of milk for our tea and for the children, something we've only been able to enjoy once in a while, buying milk on days when we could afford it. With the small piece of land I have, I plan to manage this cow well. Not only would the cow provide milk for our daily needs, but it also opens up an opportunity to sell any surplus milk. This extra income could make a significant difference for us. As the cow multiplies and we have more milk to sell, I dream of using the income to pay for my children's school fees, especially when they reach high school. This cow represents hope for my family's future, offering us a way to become more self-sufficient and secure a better education for my children."

"GiveDirectly has been incredibly helpful in our daily lives, and its impact has been evident as everyone has been able to pursue initiatives that have flourished. The financial challenges we faced were numerous, but receiving the unconditional transfer allowed us to make informed decisions that eased our burdens. The program's transparency and fairness, without requiring any bribes or trickery for enrollment, are commendable, and we appreciate the organization for this. The entire process has been positive, and I hope that GiveDirectly continues with the same approach in future villages."

"Despite our heavy reliance on livestock farming, purchasing food has become increasingly challenging due to soaring prices caused by scarcity and the monopolization of the market by a few successful producers. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my priority is to reduce our dependence on purchased food items for my family of three by intensifying our focus on farming, particularly with the onset of rain after periods of drought. As I age, my primary objective is to ensure an ample supply of food for my grandchildren, who rely on me for sustenance. Despite owning a piece of land, the detrimental effects of drought have made harvesting increasingly difficult. Nonetheless, I remain determined to overcome these challenges and enhance our food security through improved farming practices which include irrigation, and timely planting."

"Before receiving the transfers, many village members lacked decent housing, and some did not own any livestock. With the promise of support from GiveDirectly, everyone eagerly anticipated its arrival, and we were all thrilled and grateful when it finally came through. We used the funds to fulfill our long-held aspirations, and we have no complaints about the process. However, we hope for a scale-up that would accommodate the few people within our village whom we feel may have been unfairly left out. We are simply grateful that everything went so smoothly, and we express our heartfelt thanks."

"This year, my main goal is to expand my goat herd. I believe that by buying more goats, I can secure a sustainable source of income even after the GiveDirectly transfers stop. Goats are resilient animals that thrive in various conditions, and they provide milk, meat, and offspring that can be sold or used for breeding. By investing in goats, I aim to create a stable foundation for my future, ensuring that I can continue to support myself and my family independently. With careful planning and dedication, I am confident that this goal will lead to long-term prosperity and self-reliance."