"My goal is to build a new house for myself, as I currently live in a small one-room house that was given to me by my son. I want to upgrade to a two-room house and am happy to report that I have already started the process. I have been purchasing construction materials such as iron roofing sheets and building poles using my transfers. I look forward to using my upcoming transfers to buy more materials and cover additional building costs. Having my own home will restore my dignity and provide much-needed peace of mind. I am pleased with my progress so far and am optimistic about achieving even greater things in the future."

"My goal for this year is to restart my business selling vegetables and omena. It has been unstable for a while due to financial constraints, but I am hopeful that things will get better. Having a business that provides a steady source of income will significantly boost my family's finances. I plan to use my transfers to revive this venture in the near future. I am deeply grateful for the support my family has received so far. Restarting this business will not only improve our financial situation but also provide stability and security. I look forward to a brighter future and the opportunities it will bring for my family."

"First, I paid off the remaining $350 on my motorbike, which I had been making weekly payments of $25 on for the past two years. It had been a significant financial strain, so clearing that debt felt like a huge relief. I then used $170 to get the motorbike serviced, as it was in poor condition and needed repairs to ensure it was safe and reliable for daily use. With the remaining amounts, I focused on my daughter’s education. I paid her school fees for Grade 6, ensuring she could continue her studies without interruption. It was crucial for me to support her education and provide her with the stability she needed to succeed in school. This cash transfer came at a very important moment, allowing me to settle a major financial burden and invest in my daughter’s future. It’s made a significant difference in our lives, relieving stress and providing a sense of security for both my family and me."

"The biggest difference I have seen in my life right now is that I no longer have to pay for the motorbike. The money I used to spend on weekly motorbike payments is now going towards buying iron sheets, and I’ve already managed to buy 10 sheets. With the second transfer, I'll use that money to start building a house. I feel incredibly free and relieved, knowing I have no debts hanging over me, and I’m sleeping soundly at night without any stress. I will forever be grateful to GiveDirectly for what they have done in my life."

"First, I started constructing a new pit latrine at home. The old one was in poor condition and needed replacing, so I’ve already dug the hole and purchased construction stones for $240. The improvement will make a significant difference in sanitation and comfort at home. Additionally, I’ve set aside $160 to build a small kiosk on a different plot I own. Currently, I’m operating the kiosk from my house, which isn’t ideal since it’s located in the children’s bedroom. By moving the kiosk to its own space, I hope to provide a better environment for my family and create a bit more independence. I also used $60 to cover my children’s school fees for both primary and secondary levels. With the remainder of the funds, I plan to pay the mason who’s working on the pit latrine. These investments are crucial for improving our living conditions and supporting my children’s education."

"It was around 4 PM, and I was heading home from fetching water at the nearest water point when I got a message saying I'd received the transfers from GiveDirectly. I was so excited that I practically ran all the way home. As soon as I got there, I started jumping up and down with joy. I called my husband, who works in the nearest town, and he was thrilled too. In that moment, I knew we would finally be able to get a water tank and have tap water in our compound."

"Receiving the unconditional cash transfer was a blessing for my family. With $300, I combined it with our savings to purchase a plot worth $2,000. We have long dreamed of building rental units on this land to secure a steady income. This investment will not only provide financial stability but also ensure a brighter future for our children. Additionally, I used $200 to pay for my daughter's college fees. This payment was crucial for her to sit for her final exams in December. Knowing that her education is secured and she can complete her studies fills me with a lot of relief. The remainder of the money went into boosting my grocery business, where I sell fruits and vegetables. By increasing my stock, I aimed to raise the returns, as our profits had been quite low. The additional inventory allowed me to attract more customers and improve our earnings. This extra income helps us cover daily expenses and contributes to our family's overall well-being."

"The biggest difference I’ve seen since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that I have been able to secure the piece of land I had always wanted. We had been saving for some years, and the transfers were a great boost; without them, I wouldn’t have bought the land yet. It would have taken us almost another year to reach our target. Now, we can start saving for money to begin building on the plot."

"When I received the transfer, I decided to invest in improving my living conditions and securing my future. The first thing I did was buy some stone ballast for $180 because I wanted to upgrade my house. Living in a mud-walled house was starting to feel outdated and less secure. Along with the ballast, I spent $80 on sand delivery to my place. To ensure the construction would go smoothly, I purchased 8 bags of cement for $52. I'm pleased to say that we're on day three of the work, and the progress has been impressive. In addition to the house improvements, I used $114 to buy three goats. I chose goats because they multiply quickly, providing a reliable source of income in case of emergencies. Lastly, I used $20 to buy food items to feed my family especially since my wine-tapping business hasn't been doing well lately. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I've set aside money to pay the mason who is helping repair my house. This careful allocation of funds ensures that not only are immediate needs met, but there's also a plan for future stability and growth."

"When I received the transfer, I decided to invest in improving my living conditions and securing my future. The first thing I did was buy some stone ballast for $180 because I wanted to upgrade my house. Living in a mud-walled house was starting to feel outdated and less secure. Along with the ballast, I spent $80 on sand delivery to my place. To ensure the construction would go smoothly, I purchased 8 bags of cement for $52. I'm pleased to say that we're on day three of the work, and the progress has been impressive. In addition to the house improvements, I used $114 to buy three goats. I chose goats because they multiply quickly, providing a reliable source of income in case of emergencies. Lastly, I used $20 to buy food items to feed my family especially since my wine-tapping business hasn't been doing well lately. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I've set aside money to pay the mason who is helping repair my house. This careful allocation of funds ensures that not only are immediate needs met, but there's also a plan for future stability and growth."