"In my opinion GD does well by giving cash to us. This gives us an opportunity to spend the money in a way that pleases us. I can now plan ahead. I now have a double house and can have visitors anytime"

"I WAS WASHING DISHES, THEN I HEARD THE MESSAGE POP IN, THE FIRST THING THAT RAN THROUGH MY MIND RAN TO A HOUSE AM GOING TO OWN"

"I am so happy and grateful for what GiveDirectly money has been able to do in my life. I honestly feel that I would not have dared to do the things that I have done because I normally rely entirely on livestock keeping to make ends meet. I used $20 from my recent transfer to improve my house by buying cement and other building materials and cementing the floor of my house. It is now complete and free from dust that would always be problematic to us. I also bought chairs and mattress which costed me a total of $56. From the amount that remained I bought one goat worth $50 and the remainder has mainly been used to buy food for my family. I have enjoyed every coin that I received from GiveDirectly. My grandchild who stays with me has equally been happy about this."

"After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I allocated $200 to purchase a wire mesh to fence my farm. This decision was motivated by the need for security, aiming to enhance the protection of my land and anticipate increased productivity during harvesting. The secure environment is crucial for ensuring a steady food supply. I plan to redirect proceeds from surplus harvests to cover school fees for my kids. The remaining $250 were utilized to buy two goats. I am genuinely happy and grateful to GiveDirectly for facilitating these improvements in my life."

"I have in the past two years been living in a small house that is not presentable at all. I could not even dare dream of building a better house because I am living on borrowed land. After I paid for the land recently, I now have plans of building a better house in it. With the recent transfer, I was able to buy pieces of iron sheets and only waiting to receive the second transfer before I can start the construction work. I will be most grateful and happy once this project is complete."

"Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly. I spent $320 on purchasing a water tank, eliminating the need to travel 7 kilometers for water. This was especially challenging since my grandchildren, who used to help, are now attending school. The joy of being able to harvest rainwater at home is immense. The remaining $80 was used to buy food for my family, ensuring that both I and my grandchildren have enough to eat. I am now content knowing that our basic needs for water and food are met, bringing happiness to our home."

"Having a tap in my own compound is a game-changer – no more exhausting trips to fetch water from far away. It's a relief! Seeing my children so happy is another huge difference. Now, I'm thinking of starting a business right here at home, serving clients even late at night. And the best part? I now have my own solar setup, bringing light to my home. Thanks to GiveDirectly, these changes make each day a lot brighter for me and my family."

"One of my key plans is to establish a dairy cow farm, which I believe will not only serve as a source of income but also provide essential proteins for my family. Additionally, I am counting on the goats I have recently purchased to play an important role in my strategy; as they multiply, I intend to sell or exchange them for cows, further expanding my agricultural pursuits. Despite the financial challenges I've faced, I am determined to rely on my modest income to achieve these goals. In the past, my limited resources were primarily directed towards addressing the immediate needs of my family, making it difficult to invest in ventures with long-term benefits. However, I am optimistic that with careful planning and dedication, I can overcome these obstacles and work towards realizing my aspirations."

"My four grown boys have been seeking shelter at my neighbours' homes for the longest time since my financial constraints could not allow me to construct a separate structure for them. Our cultural norms make it uncomfortable for them to share sleeping spaces with me. Asking our neighbours for accommodations has been embarrassing, as I felt we were intruding on their children's privacy. However, with $100 from the transfer, I was able to make a significant change. I used it to build a modest one-room home for my boys, complete with mud-smeared walls and an iron sheet roof. This not only provides them with a place to stay but also brings a sense of dignity and allows them to do their evening studies. Additionally, I leased an acre of land near the river for $100 open for cultivating maize to feed our family of 12, ensuring that they do not lack food for consumption. Furthermore, I invested $100 in two goats as a way of securing my children's education through the potential sales of goats, given their rapid reproduction in our area. With eight of them still in school, these goats play a crucial role in supporting their educational needs. I used $100 to buy clothes, ensuring that each family member had at least one decent outfit, bringing a touch of normalcy and pride. The remaining funds are spent on buying food for my family's sustainability."

"In my perspective, GD has truly excelled by providing us with unconditional cash transfers. This generous support has granted us the flexibility to address our diverse needs. I am particularly grateful that, with the assistance of the transfer, I have acquired a water tank, alleviating the constant worry about this vital resource. Thank you, GD, for making a significant impact and offering us the means to improve our lives."