"When I received the first transfer, the first thing I did was buy seven iron sheets to fix our rundown house. Spending $67 on those sheets might seem small, but it meant a lot to us. It was about satisfaction and a secure roof over our heads. After that, I bought two mattresses. My three children and I had been sleeping on the hard floor for too long, and it took a toll on us. I spending $100 on the mattresses. The relief of finally having a good night's sleep was priceless. With another $100, I managed to clear some food bills and other expenses we had borrowed. I also saw it fit to spend $60 on a sack of maize to keep us fed and $80 on a second-hand bicycle. This bike was our ticket to easier water access during the dry season because the water points seemed too far away. As for the remaining amount, I saved it, knowing it would be our safety net in case of emergencies."

"It was a regular evening, just preparing dinner for my family when my phone buzzed with a message. I couldn't believe it when I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me the promised $550. My heart swelled with joy and relief. That sum was huge for us! I could finally make real the dream of building an extra room for my kids, somewhere safe and comfortable for them to sleep. The excitement was like a fire in my chest, igniting hope and possibilities. This was a chance to make a lasting change for my family's future. I felt renewed with optimism, knowing our dreams were no longer just dreams; they were on their way to becoming real."

"When the cash transfer arrived, it was like a lifeline for my family. First things first, with $173, I rushed to get 15 iron sheets to fix the leaky roof that used to keep us up at night. Seeing those sheets covering our home, my heart feels lighter, and my family's smiles are brighter. No more worrying about the rain pouring in; we can finally relax and sleep peacefully. Another $102 went into buying two mattresses. One for me and one for my children. It's incredible how something as simple as a good night's sleep changed everything. We used to wake up achy and tired from sleeping on torn mats, but now, we wake up refreshed and ready for the day. The comfort these mattresses bring is priceless, bringing us closer and making our home feel more comfortable. With $52, I bought a sack of maize, ensuring there's always enough food at home, easing the burden on my husband who works as a casual laborer. As of now, we're living with a newfound sense of fulfillment. Thereafter, I used $75 to buy a table and five chairs; no more logs for our guests to sit on! And finally, using $50, I settled the school fee balances for my kids and got them some clothes for $50. It feels amazing to see them go to school without worry and with clothes that fit them well."

"Life was tough, sleeping on the hard floor every night due to poverty. But when that GiveDirectly transfer came, it changed everything. The first thing I did was buy a bed and a mattress for $110. Oh, the joy of sleeping comfortably! It was like a dream come true. No more waking up with aches; just peaceful nights of rest. But that wasn't all. I couldn't stand the lack of privacy in our one-room house, with my three children. So, I used $100 to get 10 iron sheets and built a second room. Now, my kids have their space, and we all have some privacy. I feel comfortable. Apart from that, I used $300 to clear all the school fees arrears for my three kids in secondary school. The relief I felt knowing they could continue their education without any worries was inexpressible. GiveDirectly didn't just give me money; it gave me a bed, a home, and the chance for my children to have a brighter future."

"Life used to be hard for us. Our house leaked when it rained, and sometimes we didn't have enough food to eat. But everything changed when we received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. We fixed our leaky house and made it comfortable and safe. Now, when it rains, we stay dry and warm. Again, we never go hungry anymore. We can afford to buy food without worrying. I feel so happy and relieved knowing that my family doesn't have to struggle like we used to. This money has made our lives so much better, and it feels like a new beginning filled with hope."

"My family's safety meant everything to me, especially when our old house was on the verge of collapsing during heavy rains. With the cash from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in our security. I spent $48 on building poles and $252 on 24 pieces of iron sheets to strengthen our home. Another $30 went into purchasing essential rafters, ensuring the structural integrity of our house. Hiring a skilled contractor required $60, but it was worth it for the renovations. With the remaining funds, I allocated $70 to buy food for my family. As my husband and I worked as casual laborers, it was often challenging to make ends meet for our three children. This assistance lightened the burden and put food on our table during tough times. Additionally, I used $25 to purchase a goat, an investment for our future sustenance. Now, we live in a safer and more secure home, protected from the dangers of a crumbling structure during storms. The relief and peace of mind that come with knowing my family is safe are priceless, and I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for making this transformation possible."

"One sunny afternoon, after working hard in the field, getting my land ready for planting, I heard my neighbor talking excitedly about receiving their first transfers from GiveDirectly. Hope flashed in me, so I asked my son to check for me too. When he confirmed that the cash transfer had indeed arrived, I couldn't contain my happiness. The relief washed over me because, to be honest, I wasn't completely sure if the money would come. It was like a dream turning into reality, a moment when hope and joy met, and I felt a renewed energy knowing that this support could make a big difference in our lives."

"My son was facing a hurdle with his education due to unpaid university fees. Without hesitation, I used $100 to clear his fee arrears, ensuring he could take his semester exams. Seeing him sitting for those exams brought immense relief and joy to my heart. With part of the remaining money, I invested $70 in two goats, seeing them as a step towards securing our future. These goats are investments that could grow and provide for us down the line. Knowing the importance of keeping my family nourished, I used $20 to buy essential food supplies for the three of us. But the biggest dream I'm working towards is setting up my own tailoring business. With careful planning, I've saved the rest of the money to buy a plot where I can build a structure for my sewing work. As a tailor without a dedicated space, this opportunity means everything to me. It's a chance to turn my skills into a sustainable business that can support my family's needs and pave the way for a better future."

"In my upcoming transfers, I intend to proceed with my initial plan of investing in livestock. My improving health each day gives me hope of realizing my dream of owning livestock. This endeavor will ensure that I have a sustainable source of income even after the expiration of the transfer period. I am grateful for the financial assistance from the transfers, which has contributed to improving my quality of life."

"My health has been the primary obstacle in reaching my established objectives. I intend to invest in acquiring more hens, which will serve as a wise income-generating venture for the future. Alongside acquiring hens, I aspire to construct a new house, as the current one is in a state of disrepair. Achieving a new house has long been a cherished goal of mine, and it would signify a significant accomplishment. I am grateful for the financial backing provided by GiveDirectly."