"What particularly caught my attention was the unconditional nature of the transfer. It has empowered both the young and the entire community, ensuring that everyone's needs are addressed. A notable example is the construction of latrines by many in my village, addressing a basic necessity and significantly enhancing our way of life. In contrast to the past when most people would use the bushes for such purposes, this positive change has brought about improvements. As of now, I haven't identified any aspects that require correction."

"Looking ahead to the next two years, my ambitions are centered on expanding my current charcoal business into a thriving enterprise. I envision dealing in larger quantities and scaling up operations to meet the demands of a broader market. Simultaneously, I plan to venture into a new business realm selling plastic utensils, a venture I believe will bring additional stability and prosperity to my family. The seed capital for these ventures will be sourced from my current means of income, a motorcycle hustle that has sustained me thus far. With determination and strategic planning, I am confident that in two years, I'll be celebrating the realization of these aspirations, marking a significant step toward providing a better life for my family through successful and diversified business ventures."

"I WAS AT HOME COOKING, I FELT SO HAPPY AND GRATEFUL WHEN I SAW A MESSAGE, THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WAS GETTING A SAFER PLACE FOR MY FAMILY"

"I WAS AT HOME AND WHEN I SAW THE MESSAGE I FELT SO HAPPY AND OVER JOYED.. THE FIRST THING THAT CAME IN MY MIND WAS MAKING THE BEST USE OF MY TRANSFER"

"The impending exams scheduled for May will require a total of $110 for registration. To prepare for this expense, I have already initiated savings, setting aside $30 as a preliminary contribution towards covering the exam fees. My paramount objective is to successfully pay for and take the exams. To accomplish this, I am committed to allocating a substantial portion of my transfers specifically for the purpose of exam payment. Additionally, I aim to allocate funds to cover the accommodation costs for my three-month duration at school. The financial assistance provided through the transfers has been pivotal in enabling me to sustain my education, and for this, I am immensely appreciative."

"GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers have proven to be a catalyst for positive change, opening up people's minds and empowering them to make meaningful decisions. The follow-up calls from the organization have played a crucial role in fostering responsibility among recipients, leading to a noticeable reduction in the poverty index within the community. On a personal level, I have experienced tangible benefits from acquiring assets through the transfers I received. This not only improves my immediate living conditions but also contributes to a more stable and secure future for myself and my family of six. While appreciating the positive impact, I share a wish for GiveDirectly to consider in-house follow-up visits. Such visits would further ensure that the transfers are effectively utilized, providing valuable insights into the true impact on the community. This proactive approach can help maintain transparency, dispel any misinformation, and encourage a sense of accountability within the community. Overall, I am grateful for the assistance received and hopeful that ongoing efforts will continue to uplift and empower communities through thoughtful and effective interventions."

"Since receiving the transfers, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before, I had only two goats, but with the assistance provided, I was able to add two more to my livestock. This seemingly simple act holds great significance for me and my family of six. The additional goats not only represent an increase in our assets but also a new avenue for generating income. I plan to sell their produce to secure a steady income that will contribute to providing for the needs of my family. This newfound financial stability is a source of great relief and optimism for the future. I am truly grateful for the support I received, as it has empowered me to make tangible improvements in my life. The ability to expand my livestock not only enhances my economic prospects but also ensures a more secure and stable environment for my family. The positive changes brought about by the transfers have instilled a sense of hope and resilience in me, and I am eager to continue building on these improvements for a better future."

"Running my tailoring shop has been my sole means of livelihood. Thanks to monthly financial support, I've successfully stocked it with ample textile materials, and it's thriving. While I can cater to a large clientele, the sewing machines currently in use are not as effective and efficient as I would like. At times, I find it necessary to rent machines from other tailors who have more advanced equipment. My aim is to accumulate sufficient funds to invest in a superior overlock sewing machine, surpassing the capabilities of my current ones. This upgrade will enable me to better serve my clients and elevate the overall efficiency of my tailoring business. Not only will it reduce dependence on others' machines, but it will also cut down on the expenses associated with renting."

"I am currently managing a small shop where I stock vegetables, fruits, and sardines, and it serves as my sole source of income. Fortunately, I do not incur rent expenses as the shop is situated on my own piece of land. Despite its small size, I have been unable to expand it to a larger space due to financial constraints. I initiated the expansion process, but unfortunately, I had to pause it due to insufficient funds. My goal is to complete the construction and transform it into a larger business premise. This would not only provide ample space for my current shop but also allow me to rent out additional rooms. Completing this project holds the potential to significantly enhance my business and generate additional income through rental arrangements. I am planning to save enough funds to purchase the necessary building materials and finalize the construction, realizing the dream of having a more spacious business space."

"For over seven years, post-divorce, my family of five had been struggling, residing in my father's compound, and facing the constant challenges of financial instability. The absence of a steady job meant that I grasped at any opportunity for employment, leaving me vulnerable to the ridicule of my village peers. The weight of providing for my family was immense, and the laughter echoing around me seemed to amplify my sense of hopelessness. As my children entered their teenage years, the lack of a stable and suitable living environment added to my frustrations. It seemed like an insurmountable task to break free from this cycle of struggle. However, the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly acted as a beacon of hope. The organization not only provided financial assistance but also restored my sense of dignity. With this support, I am on the path to acquiring my own compound and a new home where I can provide a stable and nurturing environment for my family. The gratitude I feel towards the organization is immeasurable. Their assistance has not only changed my life but has also sown the seeds for a fresh start. I am now a happy mother, and I look forward to a future I once thought was beyond reach. I extend my deepest thanks to GiveDirectly, hoping that their generosity continues to bless others as it has blessed me."