"The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the fact that I now have a place to call home—a piece of land with a house that shelters my three children and me. No longer are my precious little ones the subjects of ridicule in our village; the cramped dwelling we once shared within my father's compound has become a source of embarrassment and stress for me and my children alike. But today, as a single parent, I am overwhelmed with happiness, for I have not only provided my family with a secure and peaceful abode but also restored their sense of joy and contentment. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my children can now truly thrive, free from the burden of insecurity and humiliation that once weighed on their hearts."

"It was exactly 3 PM when I was doing laundry for my children when I heard my phone ringing so loudly. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, and my heart skipped a beat. I felt an overwhelming rush of happiness and immediately rushed to inform my husband, who was working in the garden. As I clutched my phone tightly, a wave of hope washed over me. At that moment, I knew that with this unconditional cash transfer, I had the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality. My mind raced with possibilities, and I envisioned the retail shop business I had always dreamed of, where I could provide for my family and secure a brighter future."

"In the coming years, my aspiration is to witness significant growth and success in my hotel and retail shop businesses. My primary motivation behind this endeavor is to secure a stable financial future for my family, particularly to provide my children with access to higher levels of education through the profits generated. This dream serves as a powerful motivator, propelling me to work tirelessly towards the realization of these goals, knowing that they hold the key to a brighter and more fulfilling future for my loved ones."

"I am eager to venture into goat farming, starting from scratch without any goats at the moment. My plan is to gradually invest in these animals, with the flexibility to sell them when needed to generate income."

"Givedirectly performed exceptionally well, and their willingness to provide us with financial assistance underscores their effectiveness in empowering us to make our own choices with the money. However, I would recommend that we explore enrolling every member of the village to ensure that even those who were not present during the initial enrollment are considered. This would help include all community members in the program."

"My goal for the future is to acquire two bulls, which would be immensely helpful for plowing services. During the planting season, I often need to hire bulls from others to prepare my land, which can become quite expensive. I aspire to have the means to access these services, even if I lack the funds to rent an ox-plow. Additionally, owning my ox-plow would enable me to offer plowing services to others, generating additional income. To achieve this goal, I plan to continue saving a portion of the cash transfers through a self-help group until I can afford to purchase the bulls."

"My goal at the moment is to prepare for my son Onesmus's high school admission, which is scheduled for next year. He will soon be graduating from the eighth grade towards the end of this year. I anticipate that the admission procedure will be costly, so I intend to start saving a portion of the cash transfers to accumulate the necessary funds. Furthermore, I aspire to expand my herd of goats and cows to generate more wealth, which can continue to support my son's high school education even after his admission."

"I decided to allocate $330 of the transfers towards building a new house for my family. Our previous living conditions were far from ideal. We resided in a cramped, one-roomed house constructed from mud and grass thatched walls. It was inadequate for our family of five, and the constant leaks and discomfort made us yearn for a better living space. The transfers came as a ray of hope. We started constructing a new house, one that would provide us with the comfort, space, and security we had always wished for. The new house, with proper roofing and spacious rooms, has been a significant improvement in our lives. It's a place where we can all sleep soundly, free from the worries of rain or discomfort. In addition to improving our living conditions, I also used $200 of the transfers to invest in goats. Goats, known for their ability to multiply, seemed a wise choice. My goal is to allow this small herd to grow in numbers over time. When the time comes to pay school fees for my children, I can sell some of these goats to cover the educational expenses. This strategy not only ensures that my children have access to education but also provides a reliable source of income for other financial responsibilities. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we are gradually moving towards a more stable and secure future."

"The direct transfers provided by GiveDirectly have had a profound impact on our community. They have given people the opportunity to explore their potentials in various ways. What's particularly noteworthy is that these transfers come without any stringent conditions, allowing individuals to decide how best to utilize the funds. However, this doesn't mean that there's no accountability. GiveDirectly follows up to ensure that the money is spent wisely. This accountability mechanism encourages people to plan and budget effectively, promoting responsible financial management. As a result, our community has experienced a positive transformation. People have embarked on diverse projects and investments, and there's a newfound sense of financial stability and empowerment. We have collectively learned valuable lessons in financial management, and these skills are helping us shape a brighter future for ourselves and our families."

"GiveDirectly's cash transfers have been an incredible blessing for our community, leading to swift and meaningful changes in our lives. The lump sum cash we received has brought about a remarkable transformation that has improved our living conditions and bolstered our self-reliance. With the funds, we've managed to invest in essential areas like housing, farming, and education. Many of us have constructed better homes, protected our farms from intruders, and ensured our children's access to quality education. These changes have not only enhanced our daily lives but have also instilled a sense of hope and optimism. In addition to the tangible improvements, GiveDirectly's approach has provided us with vital financial skills. We've learned how to manage money wisely, save for the future, and make informed financial decisions. This knowledge has shielded us from scams and has also empowered us to seize opportunities that come our way. Beyond individual impact, our entire community has been inspired to strive for a brighter future. More people are engaging in productive activities, launching small businesses, and investing in their homes and farms. This collective effort has elevated our community's well-being and fostered a spirit of unity and shared goals."