"I was deep in the woods, gathering firewood to cook our evening meal when my phone buzzed. I wiped my hands on my dress and reached for it. My heart raced as I read the message since it was the day I'd been eagerly waiting for, the day GiveDirectly would send the first cash transfer into my account. I couldn't believe it when I saw the notification confirming the deposit. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that for the first time in my life, I had a significant sum of money in my name. The weight of financial worry that had burdened my family for so long lifted at that moment, and a profound sense of gratitude and hope washed over me. With this newfound opportunity, I knew I could change our lives for the better."

"Life used to be incredibly tough for me. I struggled to make ends meet, working long hours in low-paying casual labor jobs just to put food on the table for my family. But then, something incredible happened that changed our lives forever. I received a cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With that money, I was able to start my own small boutique business, something I had always dreamed of but never had the means to pursue. It wasn't easy, but with determination and hard work, my business began to thrive. Now, I can say that I no longer have to worry about where our next meal will come from. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have the means to provide for my family, and we are happier and more secure than ever before."

"It was around 4 p.m. when I had gone to see the village elder seeking advice, as I often did. She, knowing my struggles with reading and writing, asked me if I had received my first GiveDirectly transfer. I replied that I would have to ask my helper to check for me since I couldn't check myself. When I returned home, my helper checked, and there it was, the money had been deposited into my account. I couldn't contain my joy; I felt like a miracle had happened. I thanked God over and over for this incredible blessing."

"I finished form four but I did not go for higher education. I would want to join college and study as a laboratory technician. My hope is to be able to save $400 at the beginning to start me off while buying animals which I believe will reproduce and I can sell their offsprings to raise subsequent school fees. I want to eventually become a professional laboratory technician and make a good salary to take care of my siblings and parents."

"As I said I do not make much and so I cannot plan for things that are beyond our daily needs such as food. My house, though it has three rooms accommodates 7 members. I have older children who I feel need their own place to stay. I am working on building another house which they can live in separate from me and my husband which will ensure their is some sort of privacy."

"It was 3:10 PM, and I was knee-deep in a pile of laundry, washing my children's clothes. The sun was beating down, and my tired hands were aching. Suddenly, the familiar message tone on my phone chimed. Since I do not know how to read, I told my daughter who was around to read and interpret the message for me. Her eyes widened as she read and jovially she said that we had received our first GiveDirectly cash transfer. At that moment, a profound sense of relief washed over me, knowing that this money was a beacon of hope amidst our financial struggles. It was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the darkest clouds, and I couldn't help but smile, tears of joy mixing with the sweat on my face."

"I was sitting in our small, dimly lit living room, breastfeeding my twins at around 3 p.m. when my phone buzzed with a message. The excitement welled up inside me, but I knew I had to wait for my son, who was still in school, to come home in the evening so he could read and interpret it for me. The hours dragged on, but when he finally arrived and read the message, a wave of joy washed over me. I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, the promised money we so desperately needed. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and hope, knowing that this significant amount would help us build a better future for our family."

"As a casual laborer, life was a constant struggle. I remember the days when I had to live in a makeshift kitchen after my old house collapsed, the rain leaking through was terrible during rainy days and nights. But then, something incredible happened. I became a recipient of GiveDirectly, and it changed everything. With the cash transfer, I was finally able to pay off the accumulated school fees for my son. The smile on his face when he put on that school uniform again is something I'll never forget. And that's not all, I used part of the money to build a safe house for us. No more worries about leaks, no more nights of uncertainty. Now, we have a secure roof over our heads, and my son is getting the education he deserves. GiveDirectly didn't just change my life; it transformed our future. I'm filled with gratitude for the chance they gave us to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better life."

"Life used to be a constant struggle. I was running an animal vending business, but the money I earned barely covered our basic needs, let alone the dream of building a secure house for my family. So, I made the tough choice to invest everything I had into sending my five children to school, hoping it would create a brighter future. Then, like a ray of sunshine on a stormy day, GiveDirectly entered our lives. The cash transfer they provided was a lifeline. With it, I finally had the means to build a safe and comfortable home for my family. It's hard to put into words how much this has changed our lives. We will no longer worry about the rain leaking through the roof or the cold wind chilling our nights. My children will study comfortably now, and I will sleep peacefully, knowing they have a secure home. GiveDirectly didn't just give us money; they gave us hope, dignity, and a chance at a better life. For that, we are eternally grateful."

"I'm a housewife, and my family used to struggle to make ends meet, relying on my husband's sporadic work as a laborer. Our children often went to school without proper supplies or even enough food. With that money, we were able to buy school uniforms, books, and some meals for our kids. They now go to school with smiles on their faces, eager to learn. This cash transfer didn't just change our situation; it changed our entire outlook on life. We're no longer trapped in a cycle of poverty, and my children have a chance at a brighter future. For the first time in a long time, we feel truly blessed."