"Lack of money, schools fees and basic needs for 7 children, no source like planting maize does not yield much. Planting March till September then you have. Sustainability is hard specially 3rd term. Labor is also needed"

"I want to have built a house and relocated."

"At around 3:15 PM, as I was finally taking a moment to relax from my daily chores, I felt my phone buzz with a message notification. With a sense of anticipation, I checked it to find the long-awaited cash transfer from GiveDirectly had arrived. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, I couldn't help but smile. For years, I had endured the misery of a leaky old house that brought both discomfort and stress into my life. As I gazed at the message, the thought of constructing a new home flooded my mind—a place where I and my family could finally find comfort, safety, and peace."

"I spent $400 of my recent unconditional cash transfer on buying bags of cement, bricks, and other construction materials. This was essential for the renovation of our old and deteriorating house. The walls needed plastering, and the floor required proper cementing. Every creak and crack in the house had become a constant source of worry, fearing it might collapse at any time. Thanks to the cash transfer, I was finally able to invest in these renovations, bringing a sense of safety and relief to our family. Now, we can sleep peacefully without the constant fear of our house falling apart. In addition to the home improvements, I used a portion of the money to pay the school fees for my four children in lower grades, totaling $50. Education is crucial, and I was determined not to compromise on their learning. With the remaining $65, I decided to buy a new mattress to replace our old, worn-out one. It might seem like a small thing, but having a comfortable and clean place to sleep has improved our overall well-being. The rest of the money was wisely spent on buying food to ensure that my nine family members had enough to eat. My husband's meager income from casual labor, which is only $80 per month, was hardly sufficient to support our growing family, so this cash transfer has been a lifeline for us."

"I spent $265 of my first transfer to buy 10 bags of cement and bricks, a purchase that was long overdue. My house was in dire need of renovation; the walls needed plastering, and the floor required cementing. Living in a dusty and muddy environment during the rainy season had robbed me of peace of mind. Every time it rained, I dreaded the mess it created. With the renovation, I finally started to see a ray of hope—a cleaner and more comfortable living space for myself and my children. In addition to fixing the house, I used $200 of the money to pay the school fees for my two children, who are in their final years of high school. It's been a constant struggle to keep them in school due to financial constraints, and there were moments when I doubted they'd make it this far. But now, as I watch them prepare for their final exams, I can't be prouder. I'm filled with hope as I think about their future, and I can't wait to see them join universities. With the remaining amount, I bought food to sustain my family of six children. Their father passed away three years ago, and it's been tough, but these funds have given us a new sense of stability and a brighter outlook on life."

"I truly believe that GiveDirectly's focus on targeting households is a fantastic approach. It acknowledges the fact that every family has its distinct needs and preferences, allowing people to make choices that are best suited for their unique situations. From my perspective, I have not come across anything that needs to be changed about GD's approach. It aligns perfectly with the diverse needs of families like mine, and I am grateful for the support they provide."

"It is exciting to see how the environment and lifestyles in our community have evolved. The construction of houses and the acquisition of livestock signify progress and resilience. These changes have not only improved living conditions but have also lessened the strain on our community, particularly during challenging times like droughts. It is a positive transformation that brings a sense of security and stability to our neighborhood, and I am grateful to Givedirectly for the collective efforts that have contributed to this change."

"A few years ago, I was diagnosed with both high blood pressure and diabetes, requiring regular hospital check-ups, which come with a financial cost. My children have been kind enough to assist with these expenses, even though they have their own family responsibilities to handle. When I received the second transfer, I allocated $200 towards my medical bills, easing the burden on my children. Additionally, I used $100 to cover my grandchildren's school fees, and the remaining funds were dedicated to purchasing food, which had become quite expensive due to challenging economic conditions at that time."

"I have had Headache for now 2 year that disturb me so often but been getting some treatment which after I am free from pain and able to work and put food on my table. When I am in pain , I can hardly do any work for myself like digging becomes difficult for because I am not able to bend during such moments."

"The biggest difference in my daily life has been the opportunity to enclose my land, enabling me to cultivate mangoes. This newfound capability allows me to manage other tasks without the constant need for farm surveillance, unlike the current situation where people must watch over their farms all the time. I am genuinely grateful for the support that has brought about such a positive change in our quality of life."