"The first thing that came to mind the minute I received the cash transfer was to provide a better home environment for my children. For the longest time, my children have been sleeping on mere remains of mattresses that I bought ages ago, therefore, I intentionally changed this by spending 120 usd on two mattresses and bedding covers. Afterwards I proceeded to spend 148 usd on nutrition. As I had mentioned earlier I am a farmer, but unfortunately due to the terrible climatic conditions, I literally could barely reap anything from the farm last season, which pushed me to spend the above stated amount on feeding for my family and I. With the money, I bought a few sacks of maize, about 30 kilograms of rice, more than half a dozen packets of wheat flour, cooking oil, some vegetables every now and then and lastly a few kilograms of different cereals. Since I preferred creating a form of stability, I decided to spend 150 usd on starting a new business where I sell fruits, and so far it is doing quite well. Five of my children also had tuition arrears, which left them on the verge of almost being kicked out of school, so I paid 62 usd to sort that out. I purposely saved 50 usd in case of a rainy day and spent an extra 18 usd on medication because a couple of my family members not excluding myself had Malaria. Lastly the remaining 20 usd ended up being used mostly on transport."

"I was deeply engrossed in my evening chores when my helper stopped by to inform me that transfers had been sent out and that many villagers were already receiving their payments. Since I couldn’t read any messages on my phone, he offered to help. When he checked for me, he excitedly announced that I, too, had received my transfer. Hearing this filled me with immense happiness. The realization that I could now improve my living conditions brought me even greater joy and a renewed sense of hope."

"I am deeply grateful that the first transfer has significantly improved my living conditions, which were previously in a pitiable state. My home lacked many necessities that I simply couldn’t afford. I didn’t have enough utensils or chairs, and I was sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress. When I received the transfer, I decided to prioritize improving my living conditions. The first thing I did was buy a new mattress for $40 to replace the old one I had been using. I also purchased new chairs, a table, and utensils, which altogether cost $60. In addition, I spent $60 on new clothes for myself and my children. This not only gave my home a fresh and uplifting look but also boosted my children’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Beyond these purchases, I paid $30 in school fees to ensure my children could continue their education. Knowing they can stay in school gives me great peace of mind. I also made a long-term investment by buying a goat for $50, adding to the single goat I already owned. I’m excited about the prospect of this growing into a herd over time, which could provide a sustainable source of income soon. Another important step I’m taking is installing a water tap in my compound. I have already paid $80 for the meter application and will soon lay the pipes. This will make water easily accessible for my family, which is a huge improvement. The remaining transfer went towards purchasing food staples, including bags of maize and other cereals that should last us for several months. This has eased a significant burden, as my work as a casual labourer in a quarry often doesn’t provide enough to fully support my family. With food secured, I can now allocate my earnings to other pressing needs."

"My current house is in very poor condition. It was built a long time ago, and the walls are now very weak, making it prone to collapse at any time. Therefore, I have decided to focus my transfers on purchasing building materials to construct a better and more spacious house. Having a secure home will bring me peace of mind, as I will no longer live in constant fear that the house might harm us. We have no other place to go, so we must persevere until we can build a safer home. Alongside this, I also plan to invest in livestock keeping. This will serve as my future financial security once the transfers come to an end. If my livestock rearing project succeeds, it will also make it easier for me to educate my children. I am deeply grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly."

"I am grateful that I used my transfer to build a beautiful small house for my son. I get emotional when I reflect on where he used to sleep, which is why I prioritized this project. Now, I have started working on building my own house. In the coming year and beyond, I have two priority projects: completing my house and investing in goat rearing. I am saving through our merry-go-round group, intending to use my transfers partly for construction and partly for buying goats. I have already purchased a lorry of building stones, which shows I am on track. I have seven children—six girls and one boy. My current house is a single room and too small to accommodate me and my six daughters. That’s why I am building a two-roomed house to provide us with a more comfortable living space. As a tailor, my income is modest, so I joined a village loan and savings group to support my savings efforts. Once I finish building my house, I will focus on buying goats to secure my future financial stability when the transfers eventually come to an end."

"I completed my secondary school education in 2021. Since my parents are casual laborers, they cannot afford my college fees, which is why I haven’t joined college yet. However, I am optimistic that with the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will save enough money to pursue my dream of studying hospitality. I had hoped to start college this year, but the money I saved wasn’t enough. Therefore, I plan to continue saving and investing in poultry and goat rearing projects. I am confident that if these projects succeed, I will raise the funds needed to begin my college education. I aspire to study ICT, inspired by my uncle, who has been successful in this field. With my savings and income from my goat investment, I believe I can afford my school fees and fully focus on my studies. My goal is to excel academically, earn good grades, and eventually start my own business after graduation to secure a better future."

"Our house is very small, it cannot comfortably accommodate my growing family, and this has been a constant challenge for us. My dream has always been to add another room to our home, creating the space and comfort we so deeply need. To turn this vision into reality, I have been saving a portion of my transfers in our local savings group. Once these savings mature, I plan to use them to kickstart the house-building project. I know the funds will not be enough to complete the construction all at once, but I am determined. I plan to continue setting aside a portion of my future transfers to gradually work toward finishing the house. Right now, my husband is unable to contribute to the project as he is still paying off the debt for the motorcycle we acquired to give him a source of income. Although it has been a difficult journey, I am proud of the steps we have taken together to improve our situation. I look forward to the day when our house is complete. Having the space and comfort we have always longed for will mean so much to my family and me. I am incredibly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, as it has given me the means to dream bigger and work toward this goal."

"I am currently in college pursuing a certificate course in Cosmetology. As I continue pursuing my studies with the goal of completing my course in 2026, I am steadfast in my determination to see this journey through. My plan is to use a portion of my transfers to pay for my school fees, ensuring I remain on track to achieve my dream. Once I graduate, my vision is to open a vibrant cosmetics store where I will sell beauty products and provide professional services. This store will be my source of income, a platform to further enhance my skills, and a stepping stone to building a fulfilling career. I am eager to create a space that reflects my passion and allows me to share it with others. Alongside my studies, I plan to invest in a small poultry venture by using another portion of my transfers to purchase chickens. My hope is that they will multiply, increasing both in number and value. The proceeds from selling them will serve as an additional source of income to support my education and future goals. I am filled with hope for a brighter future. Each step I take brings me closer to creating a life filled with opportunity, growth, and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the support that has made all this possible, and I am ready to make the most of it."

"Joining a driving school has always been a dream of mine, as I know the skills that I am going to gain will be invaluable for my future because I believe that they will open opportunities for me. To bring this dream to life, I have been diligently saving a portion of my transfers, with the hope of enrolling early next year. My initial plan was to join this year, but life had other plans. I fell ill and had to prioritize my health, using the money I had saved to cover my hospital bills. Although it was a setback, I am deeply thankful to have regained my health, and I am now more determined than ever to pursue this goal. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement at the thought of finally enrolling in driving school next year. Once I complete the course, I plan to continue saving a portion of my transfers to start a small kiosk selling fast-moving consumer goods. This business will provide a means to support my family while I seek opportunities to put my new skills to use. I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received, as it has not only helped me through challenging times but also reignited my hope for a brighter future. This assistance is truly a stepping stone toward a better life, and I am committed to making the most of it."

"The biggest change in my daily life has been the comfort of a good night's sleep, something I never thought would be possible before receiving financial support. For years, I had been sleeping on a traditional bed with old, worn-out mats that offered no comfort. I would wake up feeling restless and sore, unable to rest properly. Thanks to the transfer I received, I was able to replace those old mats with new, comfortable bedding. Now, every night, I look forward to resting peacefully—something I once thought was out of reach. If it weren’t for this support, I would still be struggling with my old bedding, and saving up for new ones would have taken years. I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for making this dream a reality, and for giving me the comfort and peace I so deeply needed."