"After explaining my plans to the visiting staff, it became clear that erecting a chainlink fence around my compound was a top priority. Once the funds arrived, I wasted no time and promptly acquired two chainlinks for $148. With the remaining $52, I purchased 65 poles, and later supplemented this with some of my own savings to complete the fence. This sturdy barrier not only ensures the security of my farm by keeping off stray livestock but also prevents my own animals from encroaching on neighboring properties.As my current family consists of just the four of us, I heavily rely on livestock farming for sustenance, as other family members have moved out to establish households of their own."

"I've had this plan for a long time, but the lack of funds held me back in the past. By the end of this year, I want to increase my herd of three goats. My goal is to use the next transfers to get more goats and expand the group. As these animals grow, I can sell them to raise money and support our household needs. Being older, I believe that raising livestock is the best way for me to help my family and reduce my dependence on my son."

"Receiving the first payment has brought about a significant change in my daily routine. The most noticeable transformation is in terms of the food situation at home. Previously, due to limited funds, I used to purchase small quantities of food and make frequent trips to the market. However, now I have the ability to buy larger quantities and ensure a steady availability of food. Additionally, I am prepared to build a fence and shelter for goats, which will serve the dual purpose of restricting their movement and protecting them from encroaching on farmland."

"No words can adequately convey the sheer joy that washed over me when I glanced at my phone and discovered a text message informing me of the money I received from GiveDirectly. Resting at home due to a leg injury that limited my mobility, I was unable to venture far. However, this setback was soon overshadowed by the incredible news. A wave of happiness surged through me as I realized that, at long last, we were being acknowledged by a higher power. I shared this uplifting news with my equally elated wife. We both expressed profound gratitude for the assistance that arrived to make a lasting impact and positively transform our lives."

"The biggest difference in my life is the remarkable progress I have achieved within a short span of time. I am immensely grateful that my dreams materialized effortlessly, all thanks to the unconditional transfer I received. One significant accomplishment was the successful fencing of my land, which now allows for seamless ploughing without any interference from my goats and hens. Without the financial support I received, such a task would have been far from easy to accomplish. I am sincerely thankful for the assistance that has significantly elevated my living standards and brought immense joy and fulfillment to our lives."

"My three children are currently enrolled in school, and my goal is to ensure that they all achieve their academic objectives. My main source of income has been burning and selling charcoal, which I hoped would allow me to pay for my children's school fees and food. However, this has not been easy because I could only do this twice a week, earning only $7, which was insufficient to meet the needs of my entire household. Due to a lack of fees, my children were occasionally sent home. I was unable to pay for them on time, and whenever they were sent home, they remained for weeks while I sought financial assistance. My top priority since receiving the transfers is to ensure that my children's school fees are paid on time. This will allow them to stay in school and avoid having their education interrupted."

"The most significant change in my daily life since I received the first payment is the ability to sleep peacefully on a new and comfortable mattress and bed. Prior to this, I had been sleeping on old rags placed on the dusty floor. The upgrade in my sleeping arrangement has brought immense comfort and improved the quality of my rest, making a noticeable difference in my overall well-being."

"My primary goal right now is to ensure the academic success of my two children, one in high school and the other in college. My sons' achievement of that level has not been easy; it has been a struggle. To make ends meet, I usually burn and sell charcoal, which can only be used to feed my family. This leaves some other expenses unmet, such as fees for my two children. As a result, they were sometimes sent home and allowed to stay for several weeks because I was unable to raise their fees on time. I do not want my children's education to be disrupted by fees now that I am certain of receiving a transfer. I want to make certain that I pay for them on time and that they are able to achieve their educational goals in the near future."

"I have been having hearing problems for almost six years now. This has made me unable to interact with people freely. I have no money to go see a specialist."

"Lack of reliable income is the current challenge I am currently facing. I work as a security personnel at Kafitsoni primary. The payment is done after four months where I am supposed to get $200 . Most cases they give me $150 or less . This has really affected me interms of planning. My children have been out of school due to school fees."