"I was returning from work when I heard my phone ring, indicating a new message. Just then, I overheard my neighbours happily mentioning that they had received their transfers from GiveDirectly. I quickly checked my phone, and to my surprise, I had received mine too. I felt so happy that the promise had been fulfilled, and I couldn't contain my joy. It was then that I knew I would finally be able to build a new house, as my previous one was too small and the current one had collapsed months ago."

"I was returning from work when I heard my phone ring, indicating a new message. Just then, I overheard my neighbours happily mentioning that they had received their transfers from GiveDirectly. I quickly checked my phone, and to my surprise, I had received mine too. I felt so happy that the promise had been fulfilled, and I couldn't contain my joy. It was then that I knew I would finally be able to build a new house, as my previous one was too small and the current one had collapsed months ago."

"I am a mother of three, and together with my husband, we rely on subsistence farming to provide for our family. When I received my first transfer, I knew exactly where to start. Our biggest challenge had been the lack of privacy, as we all shared the same house. So, I decided to build a separate house for my children, giving us more space and comfort. I spent $408 on building materials such as iron sheets, poles, and rafters. Seeing the house almost complete fills me with pride and relief, knowing my children will soon have a place to call their own. After handling the construction, I turned to other important needs. I used $40 to pay for my children's school fees, ensuring they could stay in school without any interruptions. Education is crucial for their future, and I didn't want anything to stand in their way. With the remaining amount, I bought food worth $68 to keep my family well-fed and spent $35 on household goods we had been lacking. These purchases have brought us stability and hope, making me grateful for the support that is helping us build a better future step by step."

"It was around 4 a.m. when I was suddenly awakened by the tone of a message on my phone. Dizzy but curious, I reached for my phone and checked the screen. The message confirmed that I had received my first transfer. At that moment, a wave of happiness rushed through me, and I couldn't go back to sleep. My heart raced excitedly, and my thoughts immediately turned to my children's future. It had been on my mind for so long, and now, with this money, I could finally make progress. I lay there, awake, filled with hope and gratitude, imagining the possibilities ahead."

"My husband passed away recently, leaving me to care for our nine children. I am still in shock from the loss, especially since when I received my first transfer, he was still alive. Life as a widow has been incredibly difficult, but I am trusting God to open a way for us. I rely on farming and casual work to provide for my family, and when I received the most recent transfer, I used $100 to harvest the maize on our farm, covering the costs for the tractor and labor. With the remaining money, I organized a prayer day for my son, who is in his final year of high school, and bought the necessary items for the celebration, spending $50. I also managed to pay $30 in school fees for my daughter, who is in Form Three. I am truly grateful for the support, as it has helped me reach these important goals for my family despite the challenges we are facing."

"The biggest change in my life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is how much it has improved things for me. I have been able to invest more in my farming, which is my main source of income. One of the biggest achievements was being able to afford an irrigation system, something that felt out of reach before. With this system, I can now pump water from the lake, which has made a huge difference in my farming activities. My crops are healthier, and I no longer have to rely on unpredictable rainfall. This support has made my life easier, and I am very grateful."

"The freedom to use my transfer according to my family’s needs has truly empowered our lives. With the support from GiveDirectly, I have been able to achieve goals that once felt like distant dreams. I have improved our home, and bought essential supplies without worrying about where the money would come from. This flexibility has given me a sense of control and confidence in planning for the future, something I didn’t have before. So far, I haven’t encountered anything that was done poorly. Everything has been smooth, from receiving the funds to using them in a way that works best for us. I am deeply grateful for the support, as it has made such a positive impact on our lives."

"Upon receiving my second transfer, I used around $260 to buy iron sheets and other materials to complete my two-room house, which I had started building with the first transfer I received earlier. The main reason for building a new house was that the current one is almost collapsing, and this has been my greatest fear. Additionally, the old house was made of grass, and it would leak terribly during the rainy seasons. It was distressing when it rained because we had no shelter and would get soaked until the rain stopped. I also bought a bed and mattress for $140 to replace the traditional one made of ropes, which I had been using my entire life. I used to experience a lot of pain every night, and I would wish for the day to come, as I dreaded the nights due to this discomfort. Furthermore, I paid school fees for my two children in secondary school, totalling $80. I was tired of always seeing them sent home because of the lack of school fees. It was disheartening, as I knew this affected their performance and was demotivating for them. With the remaining $52, I bought food. As a widow who depends on charcoal and casual jobs, providing daily meals for my two children has been very difficult. As has often been the case, I felt it was wise to buy enough food to ensure we don't run out."

"My main goal is to focus on my studies. I completed high school last year, and fortunately, GiveDirectly enrolled me in their program, which has provided me with a monthly income—a great relief. Since my father's passing, my mother has struggled to raise us. With the support from GiveDirectly, I am confident I will complete my coursework successfully. I plan to save enough from my transfers to ensure I can pay my fees on time, allowing me to concentrate fully and achieve the best possible grades at the end of college. I have a passion for plumbing, and I believe that once I finish college, I will secure a job that will help me support my mother in taking care of my younger siblings. This has always been my prayer. Achieving this will not only improve my own future but also uplift my family’s living standards."

"My primary goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to expand my goat rearing project. I'm happy to share that I have recently purchased four goats using my monthly transfers. I am passionate about raising goats because they multiply quickly and adapt well to our climate, making the project highly promising. Their fast multiplication leads to increased profits within a short period. Once I have a sufficient number of goats, I plan to sell some and eventually invest in buying a cow, which is my secondary priority. Owning a cow will provide several benefits, such as selling milk to support my children's school fees and utilizing cow dung as organic fertilizer, thereby reducing the cost of purchasing fertilizers. As my children are progressing to higher classes, and with my current lack of a reliable income source, I aim to maximize these two projects so that I can continue to sustain myself when my current financial support ends. Moreover, when I have a good number of goats, I can sell some to generate funds for my children's education. This is my primary goal for the near future and beyond."