"I am grateful that the cash transfers enabled me to secure a motorbike on credit, which I now use for my taxi business. This opportunity has allowed me to support my family, a task that was challenging before the cash transfers. My goal is to fully pay for the motorcycle by May next year. Beyond that, I plan to replace my current mud-walled structure with a brick house. Brick walls are stronger and not susceptible to destruction by rain, providing a more secure and durable home for my family."

"We were struggling with hunger when I received the first transfer, and our unreliable source of income made it challenging to meet household demands. As soon as I collected the money from the shopping center, I prioritized buying essential food items, spending $65 on maize, beans, and sugar for my family of three. Addressing immediate concerns, I paid $30 in school fees for my grandchild to prevent accumulating arrears. Working as a school chef, my modest salary and charcoal production, despite facing restrictions, have been crucial for sustaining my family and covering school fees. I was happy when I spent $38 on a more comfortable bed, replacing the old one we used to share with my grandkids, bringing more comfort to our nights. Transporting the purchased goods home costs $18. Additionally, I settled a $4 hospital bill for my grandchild, who had been in a fire accident, and cleared a $3 mobile money debt. The remaining amount were used to acquire other necessary household goods. This support from GiveDirectly has not only eased immediate challenges but has also brought tangible improvements to our daily lives, enhancing our overall well-being."

"When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was by myself at home, around 4:00 pm, and got the confirmation message. Reading through it, I instantly recognized it as GiveDirectly's money. At that moment, my family members weren't around to share the joy with me. Later, when my spouse returned home that evening, I shared the news, and we both shared the same excitement. While I was alone when I initially received the message, being able to share the excitement with my spouse added a sense of shared happiness and anticipation for the positive changes this support would bring to our lives."

"One of my biggest priorities was to ensure my children could pursue their education without interruptions. Therefore, I allocated $300 to pay the fees for my son in his final year studying education, as well as for my two other children in secondary school. It brought immense joy to my heart knowing that they could continue their studies uninterrupted and have the opportunity to build promising futures. Previously, they were frequently sent home due to unpaid fees, which not only affected their education but also their morale. Being able to send them back to school was a weight lifted off my shoulders, as I envisioned them growing into responsible individuals through education. Moreover, I used a portion of the funds to clear a long-standing debt of $30 to a friend. That debt had been a constant source of stress and unease, as I couldn't find a way to settle it. The relief I felt once it was resolved was indescribable. Additionally, I invested part of the transfer into purchasing food for my six family members. Ensuring they had enough to eat was a struggle. My spouse and I primarily rely on temporary farming activities, earning around $2.5 a day, which is hardly enough to cover all our expenses. The unconditional cash transfer was a blessing that not only supported our children's education but also eased our financial burdens, bringing a sense of relief and hope for a better future."

"My primary objective is to grow and expand my fruit-selling business. Currently operating on a smaller scale, I envision having larger, more prominent stalls that not only showcase a wider variety of fruits but also attract a broader customer base. This expansion is not just about increasing profits; it's a testament to my dedication to providing quality produce and excellent service. I hope to create a welcoming space where customers can explore a diverse range of fresh fruits in a convenient and enjoyable manner. By investing time, effort, and resources into expanding my business, I aim to contribute not only to my own success but also to the community by offering a vibrant and diverse marketplace for everyone to enjoy."

"GiveDirectly has truly changed my life. I was once in a place of hopelessness, struggling to make ends meet. The unconditional money they provided became a lifeline, bringing joy and happiness back into my life. With their support, I could address immediate needs and envision a more secure future. The financial assistance not only relieved the immediate pressures but also allowed me to invest in things that matter, like securing a stable place to live. I can now say with a grateful heart that I have a home because of the transformative power of GiveDirectly's support. They have done more than provide funds; they've given me a renewed sense of hope and the chance to build a happier and more secure life for myself."

"GiveDirectly has truly excelled in transforming my life completely. The unconditional money they provided not only alleviated immediate financial stress but, more importantly, granted me the freedom to decide how to use it. This autonomy has been empowering, allowing me to make choices that best suit the unique needs of my situation. Whether it's investing in education, improving living conditions, or addressing pressing family needs, the flexibility GiveDirectly has afforded me has been instrumental. The impact is not just monetary; it's about restoring agency and dignity. I am now witnessing positive changes in my life that extend far beyond the initial financial support, and for that, I am profoundly grateful to GiveDirectly."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing me with unconditional cash support. The impact on my life has been profound; I now own valuable assets, including cows and a motorcycle. The freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has allowed me to invest in income-generating ventures, significantly improving my financial standing. The acquisition of livestock and a motorbike not only represents tangible wealth but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable income. GiveDirectly's approach of trusting recipients to make decisions based on their unique needs has proven to be effective, empowering me to create a more secure and prosperous future for my family."

"I allocated a substantial part of the recent unconditional cash transfer, approximately $250, to pay the school fees for my two children, one in secondary school and the other pursuing a fashion and design course in college. Education has always been a priority, and ensuring my children have access to quality learning opportunities is something I cherish deeply. The remaining amount was carefully divided to address various needs. I purchased essential household items like soap, sugar, and foodstuffs amounting to $30, ensuring our daily necessities were adequately met. One significant investment I made was leasing a farm and utilizing $95 to prepare it for planting. The persistent drought had made farming an arduous task, but with the arrival of rain, I seized the opportunity to plant drought-resistant crops like beans. I'm optimistic about the yield; it's not just for sustenance but also a beacon of hope for a bountiful harvest that can support us through these challenging times. The remaining $75 was dedicated to buying clothing for my spouse and children. Witnessing their smiles and the way their faces lit up when they tried on their new clothes filled my heart with joy. Despite our hard work as farmers, our earnings have been insufficient to cover all our needs. But with this support, I feel a renewed sense of optimism, knowing that we've managed to address immediate needs and make crucial investments in our children's education and our farming future."

"Looking ahead, my plan is to utilize my subsequent transfers to complete the construction of my house. This includes installing a door and ensuring the safety of my property. Words cannot adequately express the immense gratitude I feel towards the support I have received from the transfers, as it has significantly improved the quality of my life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to achieve my dreams and for the positive impact it has had on me."