"I'm faced with many challenges in my life currently, however, the biggest challenge that is most felt is the lack of money for school fees and other basic needs. Since we depend on farming for money, it has been very challenging since there have been prolonged droughts in our area which has led to low productivity. I have 3 children; Vinny, Faith, and Alonso who are in secondary school and it is very difficult to get their tuition fees. This stresses me up so much especially when they are sent home."

"The moment I received my transfer, I can distinctly remember that I was at home, busy with the house chores, when my son shared remarkable news with me. He joyfully informed me that the long-awaited transfer from GiveDirectly had finally arrived. It was indeed the happiest day of my life, and I was filled with overwhelming joy and gratitude. The excitement was beyond measure, realizing that this transfer marked the beginning of my long-held dream to build a respectable home for myself. The arrival of the funds brought immense happiness into our lives, and we will forever grateful."

"Upon receiving our transfer, our immediate focus was on enhancing our living conditions. We spent $170 to purchase iron sheets for renovating our aging house, ensuring a more comfortable living space. Simultaneously, we invested in building materials and barbed wire, spending $170 to improve the overall security and appearance of our property. Allocating $100, we acquired two goats, adding to our household assets. Furthermore, we secured our food supply by purchasing maize. In a prudent move towards the future, I saved the remaining $170. Our family, comprised of my daughter and me, has experienced a remarkable improvement in our lives, all thanks to the invaluable support provided by GiveDirectly."

"Despite being a trained accountant and currently unemployed, I have chosen to sustain my livelihood by engaging in motorcycle taxi services. Meanwhile, my wife is pursuing her education in college. We are a married couple blessed with two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I concurred on prioritizing the allocation of funds to pay her college tuition. This was a significant goal for us. Subsequently, I invested $15,000 in repairing my motorcycle. The remaining amount was utilized to acquire a water drum for storing clean water. I am elated by the notable achievements accomplished in a short time, which were challenging before. Hence, I am genuinely grateful for the positive changes."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my aspiration is to reintegrate my daughter into secondary school, as she had to discontinue her education due to early pregnancy. Additionally, I aim to pursue training in tailoring. To realize these dreams, I intend to utilize the funds generated from our enhanced butchery business, which has been boosted by the transfer we received."

"Living with my family of six in a single room has posed a long-standing challenge due to limited space. It has been our prayer to find a solution that would enable us to construct a new house. With the second transfer, I took a significant step towards this goal by purchasing 18 iron sheets valued at $239, 18 building poles for $54, and roofing frames costing $100. The additional room will not only provide more living space but also allow us to have a separate kitchen, bringing more order to our living arrangements. I spent $11 for food, including 16kg of maize and 5kg of beans, which we are still using to date. Another $20 went towards household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our comfort and maintain a high level of hygiene in our living space. Previously, I had been reliant on charcoal burning and occasional casual labor, which, though hard to come by, helped in acquiring essential household needs. During tougher times, I had to sell part of my goat herd and use the proceeds to purchase food and other necessities."

"Before GiveDirectly, I relied on sporadic casual labor, which was hard to come by as many people were out seeking daily income. While I could manage my daily food while living alone, pursuing other projects to enhance my growth seemed impossible, as my survival was hand-to-mouth. GiveDirectly has brought about a positive change in the past few months, and I am pleased to have added five more goats, valued at $250, to the two I already had. My plan is to breed them and gradually increase the herd to contribute to future household bill payments and my children's school fees through the sale of the offspring. I also allocated $50 to purchase food for my current family of two after getting married, making my living situation less lonely. Welcoming my wife home, I covered her $5 transport cost and invested $25 in a new mattress, bringing comfort to our nights compared to the past when I slept on old rags and hides spread on the floor. Additionally, I settled a $100 debt at the nearby shop where I used to obtain food on credit. On a more personal note, I spent $25 on a memorial ceremony for my parents, who passed away years ago, contributing alongside my sibling and other family members. It's heartening to see positive changes and be able to contribute to meaningful events in my life."

"Cash support has proven to be the most impactful assistance one could receive, turning our goals into reality. GiveDirectly has facilitated this for the first time in my lifetime, significantly contributing to the success of our plans. Despite initial trust issues that some had upon enrollment, the organization not only delivered as promised but also granted us the freedom to spend the funds as we saw fit. The surprise and satisfaction within the community were palpable. I sincerely hope that GiveDirectly continues its commendable work in other communities, employing the same effective approach they used for us. The inclusive enrollment process, coupled with clear communication from the visiting staff, minimized complaints and ensured that everyone had a fair chance to benefit from this transformative initiative. My prayer is for GiveDirectly to extend its positive impact to more communities, bringing about positive change just as it did for us."

"GiveDirectly's support to our community has been helpful and impactful, in my opinion. Since their arrival in our village, they have executed their work seamlessly, adhering consistently to their criteria. The program has garnered widespread satisfaction, and the community, including myself, is elated to be part of this program, which has significantly contributed to improving our living standards. The financial support received has been a game-changer, enabling me to expedite the construction of a house, a goal that would have taken a considerably longer time to achieve through the inconsistent proceeds from my motorcycle taxi business. The unconditional cash support has allowed me to accomplish a great deal within a short timeframe, and I remain optimistic about completing all the ongoing projects before utilizing the entirety of the promised amount. The impact of GiveDirectly's support is tangible and holds the promise of a brighter future for individuals and the entire community."

"In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to enhance my farming practices. Given the accessibility of water resources and the existing irrigation equipment, I aim to achieve a more bountiful harvest by the season's end. This endeavor is driven by a desire to fulfill the diverse needs of my family of eight, ensuring an ample supply of essentials, and securing the means to cover my children's school fees. The prospect of an improved yield holds significance not only for sustenance but also for the overall well-being and educational pursuits of my family."