"It was in the evening at around 4 pm while I was fetching some firewood. Deliberately I had left my phone at home fearing it might be lost in the bushes. On returning home, My daughter told me that she heard a message tone from my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I asked her to check what kind of information was in that message. Upon checking, she informed me that I had received $550 from GiveDirectly. It was an unimaginable moment as if a dream had come true. My heart raced with excitement as I thought about the possibilities that awaited my family. I couldn't contain my joy, and tears of gratitude streamed down my face."

"While attending to my customers at my grocery store, a message popped into my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I kept the phone till evening when I returned home for my son to read and interpret the message for me. My heart raced with anticipation as my son read the message aloud, telling me about the unexpected blessing that had arrived in the form of a transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with gratitude, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the boundaries between joy and disbelief. It felt like a dream come true, a lifeline amidst the struggles that had consumed our lives for so long. With this unexpected support, a glimmer of hope was ignited within me, promising a brighter future for my family. As I hugged my son tightly, I whispered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, knowing that this act of kindness would forever change our lives."

"Upon receiving a transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly how I wanted to invest it to improve my family's life. The first thing I did was purchase a cow for $170. I saw it as a long-term investment in milk production for sale. With the cow, I could provide my family with a sustainable source of income. It was a great feeling knowing that we would have a steady stream of income to rely on. Thereafter, I decided to address the dire sleeping conditions we had been enduring for far too long. I spent $140 on two modern standard beds and an additional $120 on two mattresses. My children and I had been sleeping on the floor using empty sacks due to poverty, which was not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. Now, thanks to the cash transfer, we could sleep well and comfortably. The transformation was remarkable, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. Additionally, I allocated $70 to pay for my children's school fees. Education is important to me, and I wanted to ensure that my children had access to the opportunities it could bring. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy some food for my family. It was a relief not having to rely solely on casual work, which often left us exhausted. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I was able to provide for my family's immediate needs and invest in a better future for us all."

"Receiving the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly was a life-changing moment for me. With the money, I decided to invest in the future by purchasing four high-breed goats for $180. It was a smart move, as these goats have already started reproducing, promising a steady source of income for my family. Along with securing our financial stability, I also prioritized my children's education. I used $60 to pay their school fees, ensuring they could continue their studies without interruption. Being a peasant farmer, I understood the importance of food security. So, I invested a portion of the cash transfer in buying a sack of maize. This decision brought a sense of relief and comfort, knowing that my family would have enough for a good period. However, the most significant change was the construction of a new house. My previous dwelling was small and congested, causing inconvenience whenever we had visitors. But now, with a spacious and welcoming home, I no longer have to rely on my neighbor's hospitality. I can comfortably offer a nice place for guests to sleep something that is providing me with peace of mind and a renewed sense of happiness."

"I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions as I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was knee-deep in the fields, tending to my crops when my phone buzzed. Exhausted and curious, with my limited literacy skills I entrusted my helper to read the message for me, hoping it was the long-awaited confirmation. When she confirmed that the promised cash had indeed arrived, a surge of joy flooded through me. It was an overwhelming feeling, knowing that I had received a substantial amount of money all at once. It brought hope and possibilities, igniting a spark of optimism within me for a brighter future."

"I remember the day when I received the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a lifeline for me and my family. The first thing I did was invest in renovating our house. Termites had destroyed the poles, leaving them unsafe and vulnerable. I bought 10 bags of cement for $70 and building blocks for $140, to make the structure firm and secure once again. Hiring a contractor cost me $120, but it was worth it to ensure the safety of my loved ones. With some of the remaining money, I paid off a debt of $25 at a local shop. They had been kind enough to extend credit to me when times were tough, and I was grateful to settle the debt to maintain my trustworthiness. The rest of the money went towards buying food for my family. We had been struggling due to the prolonged drought, and this support allowed us to have regular meals and ease our worries about where the next meal would come from. Currently, I am thinking about using a portion of the remaining funds to start a small investment that could generate additional income for us in the future. It is time to think beyond being solely reliant on farming, especially when unpredictable weather patterns made it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The cash transfer had given me a glimpse of hope and the opportunity to create a more stable future for my family."

"I was lying in bed, feeling unwell when I heard the familiar sound of a message notification on my phone. Unable to read or write, I called upon my helper to assist me in deciphering the message. As she translated the words, I discovered that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly a generous sum of $550. Relief and joy washed over me, dispelling the doubts that had lingered in my mind. Now, like the others who had received assistance before me, I could dare to dream and hope for a brighter future."

"My ambition was to own some livestock, such as goats, but I could not afford to buy them myself. Furthermore, I was unable to use the transfer to purchase goats because even purchasing food has been difficult in my household in recent years. As a result, my transfer was primarily for food. I recently managed to cultivate my acreage since the weather was favourable, and I expect a good harvest. This will solve the problem of food scarcity and allow me to redirect the transfer to the purchase of goats. Because I am not working, I can rely on the goats for financial assistance, such as raising school fees for my children. Owning goats is the most important goal that I hope to accomplish in the coming year and beyond."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband does casual jobs and I am just a house wife. He earns approximately $40 which caters for food and school fees. He sometimes miss job and that result to the family going without food."

"Housing is the problem I am currently facing in life. I divorced my husband ten years ago and took the burden of raising my four children. I do casual jobs earning $20 per month which caters for food and school fees. I lack the capacity to build a spacious house for the family."