"Upon receiving the first transfer amounting to $550, I immediately set out to improve my family's living conditions. The priority was paying $90 in school fees for my two children in primary school. Education is crucial, and I wanted to ensure they continue learning without interruptions. I also decided to build a new two-room mud wall house, which cost me $278. The old house was collapsing, and renovating it would have been more expensive. With the new house, my family has a safer and more stable place to live. In addition to these essential expenses, I spent $67 on food for my family. This was important to ensure we had enough to eat and could focus on other aspects of our lives. Lastly, I bought a new bed and mattress for $115. Before this, I slept on a small traditional bed, which was uncomfortable and left me waking up tired. Now, with a modern standard bed, I sleep well and wake up refreshed, ready to take on the day's challenges. These improvements have greatly enhanced our quality of life, and I am grateful for the support that made them possible."

"Receiving unconditional cash from GiveDirectly has made an incredible difference in our lives. Before, we were struggling to pay off school fees arrears for my children, and it was holding them back from pursuing further education. Now, thanks to the support, I've been able to clear those arrears. It's such a relief to see them finally able to focus on their future; they can now apply to colleges and for courses they're interested in, something that was impossible before without the results slips. This opportunity has opened doors for them that were previously closed, and I am very grateful for that."

"I used $400 to pay off the school fees arrears for my two older children who recently cleared high school. This was crucial because they needed to obtain their result slips to apply for college. Ensuring their education continues is a priority, as it opens doors for their future careers and opportunities. With $30, I purchased a goat, which I see as a valuable long-term asset. Goats can multiply over time, providing a sustainable source of income in case of emergencies. It's a small step towards building a more secure financial future for my family. Furthermore, I used $20 to cover the school fees for my three younger children in primary school, ensuring their education is not interrupted. The remaining $100 has been set aside with a plan to start a small business selling second-hand clothes. This business will serve as a stepping stone, helping me accumulate the funds needed to eventually open a boutique. By doing this, I hope to establish a stable income source that will support my family and allow us to invest in better living conditions and education for my children."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has excelled in its mission to provide direct cash transfers to those in need, ensuring that the aid reaches the beneficiaries without unnecessary intermediaries. The organization has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency and efficiency, which has built trust and made the process straightforward for recipients. From the initial contact to the final transfer, everything was handled smoothly and professionally. The funds arrived promptly, and I appreciated the freedom to use the money as I saw fit, allowing me to prioritize my family's needs. I found no faults in their approach, as every step was carefully planned and executed, ensuring a positive experience."

"Initially, I planned to invest my transfers in paying for a plumbing course that I was eager to take. However, due to the high cost, I decided to pursue a driving course instead, which my brother generously offered to pay for. As a result, I have now shifted my focus away from the plumbing course. In the coming year and beyond, I am planning to set up a shop business. With a wife and one child to provide for, I needed an investment that would last and support my family even after the transfers end. This led me to choose a shop business. To achieve this goal, I am saving $20 every month to ensure I raise enough capital to establish this project. I believe this will be a financial breakthrough once I establish it."

"I am in Form One, and it is through GiveDirectly transfers that I have been able to stay in school, as my parents are peasant farmers. When I started receiving these transfers, I saw the need to support myself, allowing my parents to cover the fees for my younger siblings. Since these transfers have a specific timeline, I decided to invest them in a project that would help me pay my fees even after the transfers end, knowing I still have a long way to go. I initially bought a good number of chickens for my poultry project, with the number almost reaching 50. Unfortunately, when I came home from school, I was told that a disease outbreak had affected the chickens, wiping out all that I had bought. I felt devastated. Therefore, I have changed my plan and now want to invest in livestock, specifically goats, with my GiveDirectly transfers. This is my goal for the coming year and beyond. I am hopeful that this will thrive, as goats multiply very quickly. This will provide me with future financial security and serve as a reminder of the monthly transfers once they come to an end."

"I used $250 from my recent transfers to buy livestock, which included three goats and ten chickens. I practice subsistence farming in my village alongside livestock keeping, and it has been a great investment. I don't have a reliable source of income, but through the livestock, I have been able to sell and educate my children. I consider livestock keeping to be a viable project. When I received the recent transfers, I bought more chickens and goats to add to my existing herd. I plan to grow the herd and eventually sell the animals to meet my financial needs. The transfers also helped me cover my children's education fees and living expenses, totaling $170. It gives me peace of mind to see my children staying in school and pursuing their education goals. I used the remaining amount to buy building materials to construct a suitable structure to house my livestock, ensuring they are in a good place and protected from theft and disease."

"I am a single mother of five, and I rely on small businesses to support my family. Recently, I received $550 from GiveDirectly, and I thoughtfully planned how to use this money to improve our situation. First, I invested $260 to add stock to my small shop. This decision was crucial because it allowed me to serve more customers and increase my income, helping me better provide for my family. The additional stock has not only expanded my business but also brought more stability to our lives. After that, I used $130 to construct a toilet. Having a proper toilet is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing diseases, ensuring a healthier environment for my children. I also spent $120 to buy two doors for our house; a wooden one and a burglary door for security purposes. These doors provide peace of mind, knowing that my family is safe and secure. With the remaining $40, I set it aside for family emergencies, ensuring we have a small cushion for unexpected expenses."

"GiveDirectly's support has been very helpful to me and the people of my village. What stood out for me the most is the humility of their officers. When they came, I was sick in bed and unable to walk, but their humility was unmatched. They were able to enroll me despite my challenges, and for that, I am very grateful. I am a fan of what GiveDirectly is currently doing, and I wish for them to continue in the same way. I do not recommend any changes, but I hope they stick to their current plan."

"GiveDirectly did well by providing direct cash transfers that empower individuals to make their own financial decisions as they did for us. When we received the funds, it was like a breath of fresh air. We were able to pay off burdensome bills, which freed us. This assistance has been life-changing, providing relief and a path toward a more sustainable future for us. However, I suggest that wherever you go next, you should continue this approach. By giving others the same level of autonomy and trust, they can also benefit as we did."