"Being confined to my home due to my age, a spark of inspiration ignited within me as I anticipated the GiveDirectly transfers. With unwavering determination, I envisioned the future I longed for; a future where I would transform my life by starting a shop business where I would sell foodstuff items and personal effects. This endeavor, born out of necessity and nurtured by aspiration, promised more than just financial relief. It holds the key to unlock doors that had remained closed for far too long. With the shop's success, I could finally seize the chance to engage in those activities that had that have been out of my reach due to the lack of finances. With each passing day, my anticipation grows, not just for the GiveDirectly transfers, but for the realization of a future brimming with potential and enriched by the satisfaction of achieving a goal long held in my heart."

"By giving us the option to decide how to use the funds, GiveDirectly performed well in my opinion. It has pleased me to have the freedom to choose how I want to use the money, and I am appreciative of the organization. My level of contentment and happiness may not have reached this high if I had not been given the flexibility to decide how to spend the money. Sincerely, there was nothing that GiveDirectly performed poorly that I could detect."

"Financial constraints are the greatest challenge. When my husband passed on, I was left raising my two children alone. I do farming to earn a living but the proceeds are not consistent due to the unavailability of water. This has made it difficult to pay school fees for my children and provide other basic needs like food and medication."

"For the past three years, I have not had sufficient food for my family due to prolonged drought. With old age, my wife and I can no longer tend to farms or even do casual jobs hence relying on our children for support. It is tasking knowing that they too have their own needs to cater to forcing us to eat the little that we get and is not enough for our health and well being."

"My main goal currently is to continue supporting my son, Baraka, through his college education. The cash transfers played a pivotal role in making his admission to the school a reality. As a widow, the income generated from charcoal production, which amounts to $15 per month, can barely cover the basic needs of my family, let alone cover Baraka's school fees. As he will be in college for the next two years, and the tuition cost is projected to be $1000. I hope that with the combined income from the cash transfers and the wealth I intend to accumulate through goat rearing, I will be able to secure the funds required for his education. Ultimately, upon completing his training, am confident that he will obtain employment and be able to contribute to support his three younger siblings, which will alleviate some of the financial burdens I face."

"The high cost of living coupled with the elongated drought period has made life hard. We buy most of our household consumables due to the lack of rain. The last time I planted and made a good harvest was three years ago. Drought has led to food insecurity. We now depend mainly on livestock sales. Selling our stock has almost depleted it. This means it's hard putting food on the table. We're also forced to travel further to get casual jobs. The pay is about $3 per day. It's hardly enough to support a family. Our children can do casual jobs since we're older with my husband."

"My goal is to settle the remaining balance of my school fee debt that is owed to the institution. I am currently experiencing a sense of satisfaction as I have successfully diminished the substantial debt that I previously owed to my school. Beyond addressing my tuition obligations, I am also strategically aiming to make substantial investments in acquiring livestock. This forward-thinking decision holds immense potential as a future investment, considering the advantageous prospect of capitalizing on their multiplication for financial gain."

"Looking ahead into this year and beyond, my most significant achievement is centered around a substantial investment in the acquisition of goats. This investment holds profound foresight, as goats possess the inherent ability to multiply, presenting a reliable fallback in case financial exigencies arise. Beyond my livestock ventures, there is a concrete plan to ensure my children's education through the consistent payment of their school fees. The invaluable financial assistance I've received through the transfers fills me with profound gratitude."

"I used to admire my neighbour's successful mango farming and wished to have a similar venture of my own. It seemed that mangoes flourish in arid regions like ours and bring substantial profits during harvest season. However, financial limitations, brought on by my job as a public transport driver with a monthly income of just $150, hindered the realization of my aspiration. Nonetheless, when GiveDirectly provided the transfer opportunity, I saw a chance to turn my dream into reality. I used the entire amount towards my farming project. To begin, I utilized $50 to complete the construction of a permanent fence around my three-acre land by purchasing two pieces of chain-link mesh and covering labour costs. Although I had started the fencing with the second transfer, I couldn't complete it at the time. I'm delighted to announce that my land is now properly enclosed, effectively preventing animals from causing harm to my crops. Further, I invested $320 in acquiring a 5000-litre water storage tank, a pivotal addition to my farm. Additionally, I dedicated $50 to purchasing water pipes that enable me to draw water from a nearby river for irrigation purposes. The remaining $50 was utilized to purchase and plant 50 mango seedlings. I'm thrilled to share that the mango trees are thriving, and I attribute this progress to the water tank, which has greatly facilitated efficient irrigation."

"The impact of the transfers I received has been deeply personal and far-reaching. These funds have enabled me to accomplish several significant milestones that have transformed both my individual circumstances and the community around me. Personally, I was able to fulfill cultural and family obligations by paying dowry. This step solidified important relationships within my family and community. Additionally, I used the transfers to build a home, providing a safe and comfortable space for my family. This achievement represents a substantial improvement in our living conditions and overall well-being. Education, too, became more accessible as I used the transfers to pay school fees. Ensuring that my children have access to education is a priority, and the transfers have lightened the financial burden, enabling me to invest in their future. Beyond my individual experiences, the impact of the transfers has reverberated throughout my community. A notable change has occurred in the struggle for access to clean water. People in the community, have utilized their funds to purchase water pipes, eliminating the arduous task of traveling long distances to fetch water. This improvement in basic infrastructure has reduced the physical burden and positively impacted the health and overall quality of life for everyone involved, the transfers have created a positive ripple effect, resulting in improved living conditions, enhanced opportunities for us and the entire community."