"First and foremost, I used $180 to clear a debt I owed to a friend. This had been a source of constant worry and stress, but now I could finally breathe freely and regain my peace of mind. With the weight of debt lifted off my shoulders, I could focus on building a brighter future for my family. The next step was investing in a dairy cow, spending around $150 on it. This decision promised a steady supply of milk for domestic use and the potential for commercial purposes. As my dairy business grew, it would offer a reliable income stream and contribute to a stable livelihood for my family. Additionally, I repaired my motorcycle, which had broken down earlier and had been my primary source of income. With it back in working order, I could resume my transportation services and provide for my family's needs. Lastly, I made sure to buy clothes and food for my three family members. Seeing them well-fed and clothed filled my heart with happiness and gratitude."

"With the educational future of my children hanging in the balance due to accumulated school fee arrears, I prioritized their education first. I used a portion of the transfer to pay off the fees, ensuring my son in Form Two and my five children in primary school could return to their studies after being forced to stay home for close to two weeks. The sight of their frustration and demoralization had been weighing heavily on my heart, but now, with their fees settled, I could see hope rekindled in their eyes. With the remaining funds, I made a crucial investment in our family's future. I bought an acre of land for $230, providing my children with something to inherit and securing their future. Previously, we had lived on family-owned land, limiting our freedom and opportunities. But now, with our own piece of land, we could plan and build for generations to come. Additionally, with the remaining amount, I bought enough food to sustain my family of nine. Though our hustle of burning and selling charcoal had its challenges, bringing in an average of $30 per month, the unconditional cash transfer gave us a much-needed boost and renewed hope for a better life ahead."

"As I look forward to the coming year and beyond, my key focus remains on my farming activities. Tending to the land and nurturing my crops has always been my passion, and I believe it holds the key to a fulfilling and sustainable future. With dedication and hard work, I hope to not only improve the productivity of my farm but also explore innovative techniques to make it more environmentally friendly. Beyond the immediate future, I envision my farm becoming a source of prosperity not only for myself but also for the community around me."

"Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have a house to call my own. With their support, I was able to purchase building materials and finally construct a sturdy and comfortable home. No longer do I have to worry about being exposed to the elements or the safety of my family. GiveDirectly's initiative has truly transformed my life and provided me with a sense of security and stability that I never thought possible. I am immensely grateful for what they have done."

"To be Frank, give directly is the best in helping the vulnerable they promise and give directly to the very person. Please continue with the same process"

"Give directly has done well and appreciated so much... same process of doing things should be taken up for the next project elsewhere."

"No additiona and no subtractions .Give directly has done an excellent job in my village and the entire elgon region ."

"Receiving the cash was a blessing that transformed my family's living conditions from misery to hope. With the pressing need to escape the perilous state of our small and crumbling house, I wisely allocated around $350 to purchase essential building materials. Iron sheets, poles, timber, and nails became the foundation of a new and sturdy house that would not only shelter us from the elements but also provide a safe space for cooking and storing grains. The new house brought a sense of privacy, dignity, and joy back to our lives, allowing my family of four to live with renewed hope for a better future. In addition to the home improvements, I used a portion of the cash transfer to purchase household items such as sufuiras and basins, easing the burden of borrowing from neighbors for basic necessities. This newfound self-reliance filled us with a sense of empowerment and independence. With the remaining cash, I prioritized securing our nutritional needs by buying enough food to sustain us for a month. My spouse, who had been earning a meager income as a herdsman, felt the relief of not having to worry about food scarcity anymore. With the ability to enjoy at least two meals a day, our health improved, and we gained the strength to face life's challenges with renewed resilience."

"Receiving the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly proved to be a turning point for my family's future. Sensing the urgency to save my struggling clothing business, I wisely invested part of the funds, approximately $100, to revamp and boost the venture. The results were astounding, as my profits skyrocketed from a mere $2 to an impressive $15. This newfound success not only provided financial stability but also instilled a sense of hope and determination in me to pursue further growth and prosperity. Moreover, recognizing the need for a secure and spacious home for my expanding family, I took the opportunity to invest in a piece of land one acre for $200. This purchase granted us the precious gift of privacy and freedom, allowing my children to grow and thrive in a safe environment. Additionally, I prioritized the education of my five children, ensuring they received consistent learning opportunities by paying the school fees for my three children in grade 5 and two in grade 2. No longer facing disruptions in their education due to financial constraints, my children could now embrace their studies with unwavering focus and determination. Lastly, with my spouse's uncertain income as a casual laborer, I used a portion of the cash transfer to provide the family with new clothes, ensuring their well-being and dignity were maintained."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing exceptionally well in our community. Their project has been the most beneficial initiative since I arrived here. The enrollment process was efficient and well-organized, and there were no complaints due to the clear communication channels established. The direct transfers were received promptly, and people showed their appreciation by calling back to express gratitude. One of the significant strengths of GiveDirectly's approach is its focus on empowering local community members to work on their projects without the need for external intervention. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency. However, one area that could be improved is providing additional support or resources to help individuals maximize the impact of their projects, especially those involving agriculture or other income-generating activities. Such support could further enhance the long-term sustainability and success of the beneficiaries' ventures."