"I utilized the second transfer to enhance my maize milling business, based in the nearby shopping center. Investing $215, I purchased five sacks of maize to replenish my stock, which had been depleted by daily household expenses and my children's school fees. Managing a family of 10, the funds brought relief as I boosted my main source of income. I allocated $28 to buy additional food supplies, easing the burden of our household expenses. Allocating $45, I acquired a goat to expand my existing herd. Though I desired more, the urgency of paying school fees for my two children in secondary school took precedence. I dedicated the remainder to settling their fee arrears, ensuring an uninterrupted term, and they will start the next semester without financial hindrance in January. Relying on the posho mill business and farming, which can be unreliable due to weather conditions, this support has been instrumental, and I'm grateful for the positive changes it brought to our lives."

"Thanks to the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, my life and my family have experienced transformative changes we never thought possible. I appreciate the organization's concern, as they ensure everything is going well on our end through calls and occasional household visits. Enrolling all native households in the village made us feel valued, and there haven't been any complaints since. As I anticipate the final bit of support, I am hopeful to achieve my plans, and I wish GiveDirectly continued success as they extend their support to other villages."

"GiveDirectly is doing something remarkable by providing us with unconditional cash, a novel experience for me. This support has allowed me to plan and accomplish various tasks, and I am committed to working hard with the remaining funds to further transform my household. I value the organization's follow-up to ensure that everyone receives and utilizes the money wisely, motivating us to stay focused on our plans without unnecessary expenditures. I have no complaints but instead express gratitude for the generous support. My hope is that similar support reaches other communities grappling with poverty, bringing about positive changes just as it has for us."

"After receiving both the first and second transfers from GiveDirectly, providing for my family of nine has become much more manageable. The initial transfer allowed me to purchase essential items, and the second one came in handy. With a detailed list in hand, I prioritized spending $118 on food, ensuring a steady supply of maize and beans for my family. This has brought me a sense of peace, as I no longer need to rely solely on casual labor for our daily bread. Additionally, I invested $20 in a water container to facilitate storage during the rainy season, and $5 as a deposit for a rechargeable solar lighting system, replacing the kerosene lamp. I used $12 for clothes, providing new attire for my two daughters who were struggling with old and tattered clothing, and $65 for various household goods, including toiletries and kitchenware. I am delighted with the improved appearance of our home and the availability of these essential items, which were previously bought in small quantities or missed when funds were scarce. I saved the remaining $230, intending to use it to construct a pit latrine. This project aims to enhance our living standards by promoting better hygiene and proper waste disposal, avoiding contamination of the environment, especially after rainfall."

"As the clock struck 2 PM, I returned from a hearty lunch, and to my surprise, I discovered that my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly had arrived. Excitement bubbled within me as I handed my phone to my helper, eagerly anticipating the news of the generous sender. As my helper read aloud the message, a wave of relief and gratitude washed over me. The realization that I now possessed the means to afford comfortable bedding and fulfill a long-cherished dream of owning goats filled me with an indescribable joy. In that moment, the weight of financial uncertainty lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of security and the prospect of building a better future."

"One sunny afternoon, after a day of relentless hustling, I found a moment to catch my breath and relax. As I lounged, a message notification chimed on my phone, and to my surprise, it was an Mpesa message notifying me of an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A rush of emotions swept over me—gratitude, disbelief, and a profound sense of relief. I realized that this unexpected financial boost meant more than just money; it was the key to starting my own charcoal-selling business in town. The prospect of a new venture not only promised economic stability but also offered me a chance to rest and rejuvenate, breaking the cycle of relentless toil. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement for the future, as the unconditional cash transfer opened a door to a brighter and more sustainable path ahead."

"Moving forward, I intend to utilize my subsequent transfer to continue prioritizing my health. Currently, I rely on my son for financial support, but he is facing financial struggles and finds it burdensome to care for his own family of five children, as well as me. The additional funds will help alleviate some of this burden from my son's shoulders. I am extremely happy and appreciative of the financial assistance I have received, as it has made a significant difference in my life."

"Having built a new house with the assistance of the transferred funds, I am overjoyed to have a roof over my head. The fear of homelessness no longer plagues me. My next objective is to install a door, which will enhance both my personal safety and the security of my belongings within the house. I am immensely thankful for the financial transfers that have provided me with such invaluable support."

"Moving forward, my goal is to utilize my subsequent transfers to seek better medical care and work towards restoring my eyes to their normal functionality. Once I have regained my health, I will be able to engage in farming, which serves as my primary source of income. I intend to use the funds to purchase livestock, specifically goats, so that I can have valuable assets to rely on even after the financial aid comes to an end."

"The transformation in my daily life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is nothing short of remarkable. The infusion of funds allowed me to bolster my clothing business, and the impact has been tangible, elevating my profits from $3 to a steady $5. This newfound financial stability has enabled me to play a more active role in supporting my spouse in the crucial task of caring for our family. The challenges we faced in ensuring our children attended school regularly, had enough to eat, and, most importantly, slept in a decent shelter were daunting before this assistance. I'm now elated that I can actively contribute to these aspects of our family life. Gone are the days when my children would miss classes, go hungry, or endure nights in poor living conditions. The positive changes in our circumstances are a testament to the impact of GiveDirectly, and I find myself unable to express enough gratitude for the transformative support they've provided."