"Having faced financial constraints, I used to buy food in small quantities, resulting in high costs. However, upon receiving the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, ensuring an adequate food supply for my family of five became my top priority. I allocated $105 to essential food items, such as a 90-kg bag of dry maize grains, 10 kg of beans, cooking oil, tea leaves, wheat flour, and 5kg of sugar. Transporting these provisions home cost me $1 for a motorcycle service. Additionally, I spent $5 on toiletries and $29 on school uniforms for my son. Moreover, I took him to the hospital for a check-up, using $15 to cover the examination fees and medication. To secure additional income and ensure a sustainable future, I invested $9 in acquiring three chickens, which I am currently raising and plan to expand. Furthermore, I settled a $20 debt with a nearby shop, where I had obtained food on credit, expressing my gratitude for their patience. To weed my millet farm, I hired five workers, paying them a total of $15 for their diligent efforts. The generous support from GiveDirectly has significantly relieved my daily struggles and improved access to essential resources."

"Despite the challenges I face in meeting the payment of school fees for my five children who are currently attending school, I am determined to continue and intensify my farming practices. Looking ahead to the coming year, my goal is to expand my farming operations to a larger area, enabling me to achieve better harvests and subsequently increase my income. By doing so, I aim to not only fulfill my responsibilities in paying for my children's education but also save towards the future purchase of a piece of land. Through this endeavor, I hope to secure a brighter future for my family and create a stable foundation for their well-being."

"It helped people to leave from their poverty. Everything that GD has done is good"

"After obtaining a motorcycle on credit with a $200 deposit prior to receiving the first transfer, the arrival of the first transfer proved invaluable in repaying the loan. I was pleased that the second transfer further facilitated the repayment, as I made an additional deposit of $10. Utilizing the motorcycle, I began offering transport services to the nearby communities, which became a consistent source of income for managing other household expenses. Additionally, I had plans to relocate my house away from the roadside to a quieter and safer area. To achieve this, I spent $116 towards the purchase of construction materials, including 15 building poles and 16 frames, which are already at the construction site. I eagerly anticipate the move to a more secure location, where I can avoid disruptions from stray livestock and human intrusions. To support my son's education, who is currently in junior secondary school, I cleared a $20 arrear, ensuring he can attend classes undisturbed. Following my separation from my wife some years ago, as she moved on and remarried, I became the sole caretaker of my firstborn son. As a family of two, we used $40 for new clothing and $120 for food supplies, including a sack of maize and other household goods. With $54 remaining, I have been using it for fueling the motorcycle and managing various household needs and expenses."

"I had been running a small business, selling several household goods and foodtuffs as our primary source of income, and expanding it became a top priority. To achieve this, I spent $150 to reconstruct the stall by building an extension on the veranda. This extension served the purpose of creating shade to shield my products, including honey, utensils, and groceries, from direct sunlight. It not only enhanced the freshness of the groceries but also maintained the original appearance of the plastic products. I am pleased with the outcome, as the premises now look great and provide ample space for customer displays. During this time, I received the transfer while pregnant, and currently, I have been in the hospital for the past three days under close monitoring by my doctor. To ensure my well-being and cover medical expenses, my family of three decided to save the remaining $50 from the transfer."

"My primary goal for utilizing my transfers in the coming year and beyond will be to acquire goats. As an elderly person, my primary source of income from house construction is not financially rewarding. Concerned about the limitations of physical labor as I age, I see goat keeping as a worthwhile investment. Goats are low-maintenance animals, which makes their care easier for me. Furthermore, their ability to be sold provides a potential source of income during difficult economic times. I will diligently save a portion of my monthly earnings to achieve this goal."

"Receiving the transfers brought hope to my family of six, who had experienced a food shortage, even resulting in skipped meals due to a lack of finance to cater for the food since I normally get very low income from the irregular casual work I do in the village. Swiftly addressing our immediate needs, I purchased $100 in essential dry cereals, which include 1 sack of maize and 10 kg of beans. Recognizing the urgency to accommodate our fast growing family, I embarked on a new plan to build a spacious two-room semi-permanent house. The current one we are living in is just a one-room house. I used $160 to acquire 15 iron sheets as the starting point for this crucial construction. Taking responsibility for outstanding debts, I used $60 to clear our food debt I owed at a nearby shop, relieving me from the shame of being reminded about it every day by the owner. With a focus of ensuring food security for my family, I invested $50 in renting an acre of land close to a river, enabling irrigation for our agricultural pursuits. I also used the remaining amount to purchase farm input,maize seeds and cover essential expenses for tilling and labor during planting of this land."

"In my opinion, GD has proven itself by fulfilling its promise of alleviating poverty through cash transfers. These transfers have allowed me to pursue a dream that once seemed unattainable. As of now, I'm delighted to say that I have around 10 sheep and a growing poultry farming. With confidence, I believe these livestock will multiply and become a substantial source of income in the near future"

"After receiving the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I wasted no time in improving the living conditions for my family. With approximately $210, I purchased building materials to construct a new house, replacing our dilapidated one. The sight of my three children, who had to sleep at my younger brother's house during school breaks, was disheartening. The new house would provide them with a comfortable and safe place, protecting them from diseases like malaria and the cold nights. Additionally, I invested around $145 in three goats, as they reproduce quickly and will offer a sustainable source of income in the near future. Part of the cash transfer, about $100, went towards paying off my children's school fee arrears, ensuring they receive a quality education. I also bought them new clothes and shoes, wanting them to look decent despite the challenges we've faced since their mother and I divorced seven years ago. With the remaining funds, I purchased food for my family, recognizing the importance of sustenance for our overall well-being. Currently, I am engaged in charcoal burning to supplement our income. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family's pressing needs have been addressed, providing a safe and comfortable environment for my children and laying the foundation for a better future."

"Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly has truly transformed my life. Previously, my family and I struggled to find enough food to eat, often going hungry for days. Despite my efforts in the charcoal business, I couldn't generate sufficient income to meet our needs. However, since receiving the transfers, I have noticed a significant change in our well-being. The improved diet has resulted in me gaining some weight, a clear indicator of better nutrition. Moreover, the abundance of food has lifted the spirits of my family, relieving them from the burden of depression. Furthermore, the transfers allowed me to settle a longstanding fee arrear bill that I had struggled with for so long. Overall, the impact of GiveDirectly's assistance has been remarkable, providing us with newfound stability and hope for a brighter future."