"It was a normal day, and I was attending to customers at my shop when I received a message confirming that I had received $183 from GiveDirectly. Excited by the news, I quickly checked my mother-in-law’s phone to confirm her message as well, and then headed to her house to share the good news with her. We are grateful to GiveDirectly."

"I had long wanted to plant maize but faced a challenge with capital. My husband and I do casual jobs and produce charcoal to meet the daily needs of our family of nine while making small savings. After a month, we finally rented land for planting maize. However, due to the floods, we had to postpone our plan and temporarily relocate. When we returned a month later, the floods had stopped, but we lacked the funds to proceed with planting, worried about losing the money spent on renting the land. Our hope was restored when the chief invited us to a community meeting, where we learned about GiveDirectly and their support. After enrolling, my first transfer went towards cultivating the land. Although I initially planned to plant maize, I chose watermelon instead due to pest issues and waterlogged conditions. I spent $50 on seeds and planted them ourselves to cut costs. The watermelon is growing well, and I expect to harvest in less than two months, potentially earning about $10 if all goes well. I plan to use this money to buy a generator, pipes, and reinvest in agriculture. Additionally, I bought kale seedlings and planted a kitchen garden to help with our daily needs. Since my children’s house was destroyed by floods, I now sleep in one room with all seven of my children while my husband sleeps with a relative. I decided to purchase iron sheets for $50, planning to buy more with my second transfer to build a new house for my children. To ensure we have food, I spent $30 to buy basic ones like maize. We also had only one chair and used old containers, so I bought two more chairs for $13. The remaining funds were used to buy uniforms and books for my children, as their previous ones were swept away by the floods."

"GiveDirectly’s transfer has empowered me in terms of development. With the cash, I was able to buy livestock (sheep and a cow). Although I later sold the cow to raise fees for my nephew, it allowed him to join college. Meanwhile, my sheep will continue to help me as they multiply, providing future financial support. Knowing I am expecting another transfer, I feel hopeful because I plan to advance my agriculture by starting poultry farming, something I’ve always wanted to do. This shift from crop farming, due to the frequent floods, will help me secure a more stable and reliable source of income for my family."

"I had planned to use the proceeds from selling my maize to buy a plot, but unfortunately, I lost all of it due to the floods. However, with the GiveDirectly transfer, I am now hopeful. I plan to use my next transfer to purchase a plot and finally move to a safer area. Right now, the water is dangerously close to my house, just a few meters away, and every time it rains, I worry I’ll be affected again. But with this opportunity, I can make a lasting change and protect my family from the constant threat of flooding."

"I currently work as a motorcycle driver and my main goal is to own my own motorcycle. Right now, I'm using a motorcycle owned by someone else and paying them $4 each time I use it. This leaves me with very little money for myself, let alone for my family. Due to the increasing living standards and a lack of customers, it's becoming a challenge because I have to pay the motorcycle owner daily, making it a very stressful job. However, thanks to GiveDirectly for coming to our rescue. Previously, my children would sleep without eating, but now, with financial support from GiveDirectly, that doesn't happen anymore. I'm hopeful that once I buy my own motorcycle, I'll be able to provide my family with the life they deserve. I plan to save from my income and transfers, and I'm confident that I will buy the motorcycle, ultimately transforming my life and that of my family."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly is owning a proper mattress and finally enjoying good sleep. Before, I slept on a makeshift bedding that left me uncomfortable and tired every morning. Now, with a comfortable mattress, I sleep better, wake up refreshed, and feel energized throughout the day. This simple change has improved not only my physical well-being but also my mood and productivity. I start my day in a better state of mind, which makes me more focused and able to get more done. The impact of having good sleep has been life-changing for me."

"I attended a fundraiser in my village, and while there, I heard people whispering that they had received money from GiveDirectly. I didn’t have my phone with me because I had left it at home to charge. After the event, I was eager to check if I had also received the money. Two friends accompanied me as I rushed back home, filled with excitement. When I finally checked my phone, I was delighted to see that I had received $180 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed, and my first thought was to buy a bed and mattress, as I had been sleeping on a makeshift bedding that was very uncomfortable."

"It was a Sunday evening when my neighbors began receiving notifications from GiveDirectly about their money transfers. I kept checking my phone, hoping for a message. Late in the evening, I finally received a notification confirming that I had been sent $200 from GiveDirectly. I was thrilled and grateful. I shared the good news with my entire family, and we celebrated with a joyful supper filled with laughter and gratitude. Knowing that this money would help cover my child's school fees, which was the most urgent concern, brought me immense relief and satisfaction."

"Since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly, the biggest change in my life has been the addition of two more sheep, bringing my total flock to five. I've always wanted to have more sheep because I believe they will help me when my children go to school. With more sheep, I hope to have the resources needed to pay their school fees without struggling. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly’s timely support. This assistance has made a significant difference in my life, and I will always remember their generosity."

"Recently, when I received a $180 cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I saw it as a chance to transform my life. The floods had devastated my house, and the stagnant water around it was creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. To address this, I decided to use $140 to buy construction materials so I could begin rebuilding my home. With the remaining funds, I plan to complete the house, which will allow me to move away from the stagnant water and live in a better, more permanent home. Additionally, I used $40 to buy food. Living alone but close to my son, I had been struggling because we had been in a camp for a month, and once we returned, it was hard to find food due to my financial situation and the lack of available farms. This money has been a lifesaver, helping me secure a safer living environment and essential nourishment."