"I have a vivid recollection of the instance when I got my transfer. I was at home, engrossed in household chores, when the sound of my phone buzzing reached my ears. I halted what I was doing, read the message, and to my astonishment, discovered that GiveDirectly had deposited money into my account. That particular day promptly transformed into the most felicitous day of my life, as an overwhelming surge of delight and contentment swept over me. Upon my husband's return home, I eagerly imparted the news, and he too was brimming with immense happiness and enthusiasm. Together, we embarked on the task of strategizing and charting out how best to utilize our transfer."

"The lack of a reliable source of income is basically what has made my life so harder at the moment. This is because, being a widow means assuming all the household responsibilities which include paying school fees, and food provision among others. Since I depend on charcoal work, meeting all these needs becomes a challenge because my work is tiresome and less profitable. In a month, I usually make utmost $50 which mostly goes to food leaving my children desperate in school. What a life!"

"I do casual jobs which are tedious and pay little. I make $30 per month which caters for food and school fees and it is not even enough. Lack of reliable source of income has affected my two children education. Sometimes they miss school due to fees problem."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing. I am a house wife with no income generating job and my husband does security job at Mombasa earning approximately $70 per month which caters for school fees and food. The family lives in a one room house which is not spacious. Lack of reliable source of income has made me not be able to build a spacious house to accommodate the family. Some of my children seek shelter from neighbors during night time."

"I felt happy. I even had to wake up and inform my family members in the house"

"My heartfelt prayer of living in a decent house roofed with a unique iron sheet known as versatile was finally answered. Although the roofing is incomplete, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude because the step I've taken toward my dream is commendable. The roof above my head provides shelter and security, shielding me from the harsh elements that I once had to endure. Seeing this imaginable dream unfolding in success, I am filled with hope for a brighter future."

"It was around 4 pm when I received a message on my phone, just as I was on my way back home from a burial at our neighbor's place. Curious, I checked the message, and there it was the promised $550 that had been deposited into my account. My heart leaped with joy and overwhelming thanksgiving. It was my first time receiving such a substantial amount of money at once, and I could hardly believe it was true. The weight of financial burdens that had plagued me for so long was lifted in an instant knowing this was a turning point in my life. The support from GiveDirectly was a beacon of hope, empowering me to envision a brighter future for myself and my family."

"My children and I had been enduring restless nights on broken beds with threadbare bedding for far too long. So, the first thing I did was purchased a standard modern bed and two comfortable mattresses for $190. The joy in my children's eyes, as they settled into their new sleeping arrangements, made all the hardships we endured worthwhile. Finally, we could sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed, ready to face each day with renewed hope. With part of the remaining amount, I swiftly cleared the school fees my child owed. She had been turned away from school due to the unpaid fees, and I couldn't bear to see her dreams of education shattered. It cost $38 to reinstate her, and now she is back in the classroom, eager to learn and build a brighter future. As for my plans to secure a steady income, I decided to invest in poultry farming. With $30, I constructed a poultry house to provide shelter for the chickens I intend to raise. I have always believed in the potential of farming, and with this investment, I hope to secure a source of income for my family's future. I intend to use the rest of the money to purchase the poultry and get the business up and running."

"When I first received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I couldn't believe my luck. It was like a lifeline had been thrown my way. The very first thing I did was rush to the nearest hardware store to buy 30 pieces of iron sheets. My old and rusty roof had been causing us so much trouble during the rainy season, and it was high time we put an end to the leaks. With $330 spent on the renovation, my house was transformed into a safer and more comfortable shelter for my family. Thereafter, I used part of the money to purchase a solar panel on hire-purchase. It required a $30 deposit and a daily installment of $0.6 for 12 months. It was a sacrifice, but having some lighting at home was essential for my children's education. Now, they could comfortably conduct their studies in the evenings, and their faces lit up with joy as they immersed themselves in their books. Thinking ahead, I used $90 to purchase three goats. I knew that these animals would serve as a long-term investment for our family. If they procreate, we could expand our little herd and create a sustainable source of income for the future. The remaining amount from the cash transfer was dedicated to taking care of my family's immediate needs. We bought food, clothes, and other essentials that had been out of reach for so long. I will forever be grateful to GiveDirectly and the support that changed our lives for the better."

"When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it to improve our lives. I spent $70 to repair my son's motorbike, which he used to ferry people and goods for a fee, providing us with a source of income. It was heartwarming to see my son working hard and contributing to the family's financial well-being. With the rest of the money, I made a decision that filled my heart with pride. I decided to save it for my son's college education. As a humble peasant farmer, sending my child to college seemed like an impossible dream. But thanks to the generosity of the organization, that dream was now within reach. This coming September, my son would be able to pursue higher education, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity GiveDirectly provided us with. It was a gift that would change our lives forever, and I was determined to make the most of it."