"In the coming year and beyond, my primary focus is on my children's education because I want them to become independent and successful in the future. To ensure this, I plan to start saving little by little to buy sheep and goats. These animals will be a valuable investment that I can sell when needed to cover their education costs. By building up my livestock, I will create a steady source of income that will stand in for my children’s school fees and other needs, helping me secure their bright futures."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to expand my livestock by purchasing more goats, as I currently have nine. This is a crucial step toward securing my family's future. I plan to save at least $10 each month from the GiveDirectly transfers to gradually build my savings for this investment. Having more goats will enable me to sell them when necessary, providing a steady source of income to cover my family's needs. Although it's a long-term plan, I am determined to achieve it and ensure financial stability for all of us."

"When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I immediately gave thanks. My initial plan was to buy a plot of land away from the devastating floods, but I realized the money wouldn't be enough to purchase land. However, I had already identified a place I would go for using the next transfer. Thanks to the flexibility of the unconditional cash transfer, I changed my plan. I decided to use $100 to buy two sheep, which is a long-term investment that will help me meet my needs even after this support ends, as the sheep will reproduce and grow into a large flock. After that, I turned my attention to housing. I have three children, and we all live in one room. I wanted to give my family privacy and dignity, so I used $94 to buy construction materials to add an extra room. This addition has been enough for my household, providing comfort and improving our quality of life."

"My plan for this year and beyond is to permanently protect my family from future floods. I aim to begin by paying off the remaining balance to secure a new piece of land in a safer area and building a home there. With a safe, permanent home, my family will have security and peace of mind. Once this is accomplished, I will continue farming on our current land, with a focus on generating income. This income will enable me to support my family by ensuring my children get a good education and that we always have food on the table."

"What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is the professionalism of their officers. They explained everything in a clear and transparent manner, making sure I fully understood each step of the process. This openness built my trust and made me feel genuinely valued. I really appreciate the structure of the current program and feel it works well. Because of this, I have no specific recommendations for changes. The support I’ve received has been impactful, and I’m grateful for how well the program is managed."

"When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I felt a deep sense of relief and happiness, as this money arrived at a very difficult time. I was unwell and unable to provide for my family, so this support was a true blessing. I used $45 to buy food, ensuring that my family had enough to eat, which brought us comfort and energy. I then used $120 to buy essential household furniture, including a bed, mattress, and plastic chairs. This addition not only brought comfort to our home but also improved our overall well-being as a family. Having a comfortable bed and mattress has been especially helpful for my healing. I used the remaining money to pay for my medication, and now I am feeling stronger each day. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for this support, which has made a positive difference in our lives."

"Going forward, after addressing the housing issue and adding the extra room, my primary goal is to return to farming. I plan to grow maize and beans, and this time, I aim to do even better than before. I will be farming on 3.5 acres of land, compared to the 1.5 acres I had previously. With the support from GiveDirectly, I now have more capital to invest in my farm, which will result in more income. The thought of getting back to farming after the devastating effects of the floods fills my heart with gratitude and hope for the future. I am excited about the possibilities and the chance to rebuild my life through farming."

"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt happy and grateful, seeing it as a chance to address my most pressing needs. I have two children—one daughter in secondary school and a son in university. Covering their school fees has been a heavy burden, and I often rely on their older siblings for help, though they don’t have stable jobs either. So, I used $310 to pay for their school fees, which has brought me a huge relief, as I no longer feel the stress and pressure of unpaid fees. With that settled, I used $80 to buy two beds—one for my daughter and one for myself. Previously, we only had mattresses and were sleeping on the floor, but now we sleep comfortably, and it has also improved our privacy at home. Finally, I spent the remaining amount on food to meet our immediate needs, as it’s a constant struggle to provide food, often relying on casual labor to get by. This support from GiveDirectly has made a tremendous difference in easing my worries and improving our quality of life."

"GiveDirectly has done an amazing job. What stands out to me most is their unconditional cash, which has allowed me to address my unique needs and speed up my recovery process after the floods. This flexibility has been invaluable, allowing me to focus on what’s most important for my family’s well-being. As for recommendations, I have none because I am completely satisfied with the current program. The support they provide has truly made a positive impact on our lives, and I wouldn’t change a thing."

"Upon receiving the $200 from GiveDirectly, my husband and I sat down to carefully plan how best to use the money. We decided to focus this first transfer primarily on our children’s well-being. First, I used $90 to buy new clothing for everyone in the family. This has brought so much joy to our home – my children are happier, and they feel supported and cared for. Next, we spent $50 to buy a new mattress for one of my sons, who had been sleeping on a torn, old mattress. This change has significantly improved his sleep quality and well-being, giving him better rest and comfort each night. Finally, we decided to use $50 to buy a goat. This goat holds special meaning for us as a reminder of GiveDirectly’s support. It also serves as a sustainable food source by providing milk and, as it multiplies, could generate future income for our family."