"My children were frequently sent home from school because I couldn't pay their fees on time. It was heartbreaking to see their educational dreams at risk due to financial constraints. Receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly was a huge relief because I used $150 to clear my children's fee arrears, allowing them to return to school. I also spent $250 on building materials such as 16 iron sheets, building poles, and nails to continue building a house for my children. I had started building the house but had to stop due to lack of materials, forcing us to live in a cramped space. With the support, I've resumed building the house and I am grateful that my children will soon have a place of their own. The remaining amount was used to buy food, including a bag of maize flour, ensuring that my family had enough to eat, especially since farming didn't yield much this season, which we rely on for sustenance."

"My husband is a farmer, and I sell fish to support our family. We have six children, four of whom are in primary school. When I received my most recent transfer, I decided to use part of it to strengthen my business. I invested $20 into my fish business to increase our earnings, and with the remaining funds, I bought household items like utensils and clothes worth $70. I also purchased foodstuff, including beans and maize, for $60. These purchases were essential for us, but the business boost was a priority because it’s our main source of income. Before receiving this transfer, I was unable to invest in my business due to financial difficulties. We were always struggling to make ends meet, and saving enough to grow the business seemed impossible. Now, with this support, I have been able to lift my business, provide for my family, and bring smiles to their faces. We are truly grateful for this assistance."

"I can honestly say that receiving cash from GiveDirectly has made a huge difference in my life. Before, I used to struggle so much to pay my daughter's school fees. Just last term, I had to sell three sheep to raise the money, and even then, it was a huge struggle to make ends meet. But this term, with the transfer, I didn't have to struggle at all—it boosted me. Not only was I able to cover her fees without any hassle, but I also started a small business that allows me to earn money daily, helping me buy household necessities and sustain my family. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I finally feel secure in my ability to provide for my loved ones."

"In the coming months, my goal is to continue using my subsequent transfers to purchase food. This will ensure that my family has a consistent food supply, and we never miss any meals. Additionally, I want to invest in livestock. The ability of livestock to multiply over time makes them a good investment. Once they reproduce, I can sell some and earn money that I can use to address my family's needs. To achieve this goal, I plan to save a portion of my transfers every month and use the accumulated amount to buy livestock. I am very happy and appreciative of the financial support that has helped my family live a better life despite the challenges we face. This assistance has given us hope and allowed us to maintain a good quality of life even in the face of difficult circumstances."

"My goal in the coming months is to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy food and ensure my family is well-fed. In addition to purchasing food, I want to invest in more livestock. To achieve this, I plan to save part of the transfers, which will eventually allow me to buy additional goats. Livestock is a good investment for me because they have the potential to multiply over time. Once the herd grows, I can sell some of them and use the money to address my family's needs, providing us with a stable source of income. I am very happy and appreciative of the financial support, which has helped me live a better life despite my financial struggles. This support has given me hope and allowed me to plan for a more secure and sustainable future for my family."

"Before receiving the transfer, I always dreamed of having a neat home with good sofas and a table, but I had no furniture to make that possible. Whenever visitors came, I felt ashamed because I had to place their food on the ground since there was no table. It was embarrassing, and I wanted my home to feel welcoming. After receiving the money from GiveDirectly, I was able to buy sofas and a table, which completely changed how my house looks. Now, I’m proud to invite people into my home, and I feel happy seeing how nice it is inside. It’s such a relief and a blessing for me."

"That day, while I was busy doing my house chores, my daughter came over and asked, "Mum, did you hear a message on your phone?" I told her, "Yes, but I haven’t checked it yet." Curious, I handed her my phone, and she said, "People are saying the money has arrived; let me check for you." When she looked, to my surprise, she smiled and told me, "Yes, you’ve received money from GiveDirectly!" I was overjoyed and immediately thanked God for sending blessings to my home. My first thought was to use the money to pay the school fees for my three children, who had been sent home due to unpaid fees. I had been so stressed, not knowing how to get them back to school, and this felt like a huge relief."

"Before receiving the cash transfer, I had no money to start livestock farming, and I felt hopeless after closing my business. I struggled to provide for my family and had to depend on my husband's irregular income. However, after getting the transfer, everything changed for the better. I was able to buy a cow and a sheep, making my dream of farming come true. Now I have a source of income and food for my family, which has reduced my stress. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity that has opened a new door in my life."

"Before receiving the transfer, I had no capital to start farming because all my money went towards enrolling my children in university. I struggled without savings and was constantly worried about how to provide for my family. When GiveDirectly stepped in, it changed everything. With the money, I was able to lease land for farming and ensure we had enough food at home, which reduced a lot of my stress. Now, I’ve even saved some income from my casual jobs and managed to open a small grocery kiosk to help cover daily needs like milk and vegetables. This support has made a big difference in my life, giving me stability and hope for the future. Thanks so much Givedirectly."

"Since I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've seen is in the stability it has brought to my life. So far, since I started my small business, I’ve made a profit of $500, which allowed my family and me to buy a small piece of land, 50 by 100 feet, in a raised area that's safe from floods. This was such a relief, knowing we now have a secure place to live. I'm also expecting a baby in December, and by then, I plan to use the second transfer to build a new house on the land we bought, so my family can have a safe and comfortable home. This support has completely changed our future for the better."