"With my most recent transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I made strategic decisions to address pressing needs and create sustainable income. First, I allocated $10 to purchase maize, aiming to alleviate the hunger problem faced by my family. This immediate relief was crucial, especially considering my current unemployment status. In a forward-thinking move, I decided to invest in a poultry farm. Using $350, I acquired 30 mature chickens. The goal is to start selling approximately 20 eggs daily, generating around $2 per day. This poultry venture not only ensures a steady income but also contributes to the sustainability of my family's needs. The decision to engage in poultry farming is driven by the desire to create a reliable source of income. With three kids, the income generated will not only support our daily needs but will also enable me to pay for their school fees, ensuring they have access to education. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a thoughtful use of the transfer funds to address immediate concerns and build a sustainable future for my family."

"Upon receiving my recent transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt a great sense of joy. Recognizing the need for improved living conditions, I wisely allocated $400 towards building a two-bedroom house for my family. With three kids, our previous single-bedroom arrangement was insufficient. This new home provides us with the space and comfort we deserve. I allocated $50 of the transfer to purchase food. Prior to this, our family was facing food scarcity, and this allocation helped address our immediate nutritional needs. Now, not only do we have a more suitable living space, but we also have improved food security, contributing significantly to the well-being of my family. The impact of this transfer has brought positive changes to our living conditions and alleviated the challenges we faced."

"Our financial situation, my husband's and mine, is currently challenging, and we have two children attending school. While my husband operates a tuk-tuk for taxi services in town, I sustain our income by vending foodstuffs. To enhance our financial stability and ensure a secure future for our children, I've ventured into livestock keeping, focusing on goats and chickens. Presently, I own two goats and 18 chickens, with the intention of expanding this livestock venture. These animals serve as valuable assets that can be readily sold to meet the financial demands of our children's education. By growing our livestock, I aim to create a reliable source of funds, enabling us to cover educational expenses when the time comes for our children to advance in their studies."

"I was in the garden with my wife digging, we felt so happy together, and we got the energy to complete the portion that was in plan to finish that day. The first thought was to buy a piece of land, and yes, we paid it though not completed."

"GiveDirectly is performing exceptionally. Without their assistance, my child would still be at home, unable to obtain his certificate for further studies. The approach of addressing diverse needs from a central perspective by providing cash has proven to be a fantastic strategy. I sincerely hope they continue their current approach without making any changes."

"With the recent $200 transfer from GiveDirectly, I focused on making meaningful changes to improve my family's life. Firstly, I addressed our immediate food needs by spending $42 on essential groceries, ensuring that my family had enough to eat. Recognizing the limited space for my six kids to sleep comfortably, I allocated $40 to purchase a bed and $12 for a mattress. This decision aimed to enhance our living conditions, providing a more comfortable and restful environment for my children. To promote sustainability and address long-term food security, I invested $80 in cultivating maize. This not only tackles our immediate needs but also creates an opportunity for surplus income by selling the extra produce. The additional funds will be crucial in supporting the education of my three kids who are currently attending school."

"I am immensely thankful for the support from GiveDirectly. With their assistance, I purchased three goats for $170, a token of remembrance and a long-term investment for my family. Additionally, I spent $15 on deworming the goats to ensure their health and productivity. Food security being a priority, I allocated $95 for buying maize. Crucial as my previous attempt at farming maize, alongside beans, yielded poor results. My family's sustenance largely relies on small-scale farming, which is challenging given our dependence on a seasonal river for irrigation. My husband and I also undertake casual jobs to support our family of seven. I am an Early Childhood Development teacher by profession, and my husband, a plant operator, facing employment challenges. The timing of the GiveDirectly transfer was perfect, coinciding with the Christmas holiday. I used $60 of the funds to buy clothes for my children, a festive gesture that brought them immense joy. Education remains a priority for us. Thus, I invested $10 in books for my three school-going children and paid $20 towards their fee arrears. I used $70 on constructing a toilet, a much-needed facility in our home, ending our dependence on neighbors’ amenities. which brought us great relief and happiness. The remaining $10 addressed transport costs. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support, which has s improved our living conditions and brought hope and stability to our lives."

"My focus is on cultivating maize and beans. Fortuitously, my father owns a three-quarter piece of land that lies fallow. With his permission, I plan to utilize this land for my agricultural endeavors. This opportunity is particularly timely, as I am navigating life as a single mother to three children after separation. My strategy involves harnessing irrigation farming, which promises a consistent and reliable yield regardless of seasonal changes. By doing so, I aim to produce enough food to sustain my family and generate a surplus. Selling this excess produce will provide a vital source of income. This agricultural venture is more than just a means of livelihood; it's a step towards my family's stability. It represents hope and resilience. As we embark on this journey, the land, once idle, will become a testament to our perseverance and determination to build a brighter future."

"I received $450 from GiveDirectly, a much-needed relief since being the sole provider for my three children after losing my husband five years ago. Food scarcity was our immediate challenge, so I spent $50 to address this challenge. Recognizing the support of my grandmother, I stayed in her land after being displaced by floods and facing unsupportive in-laws and allocated $20 as a gesture of gratitude. Healthcare was another pressing need, as two of my children were battling the flu, and my third child had both flu and typhoid. I used $30 for their medical expenses, ensuring they received the necessary treatment. Aiming for self-sufficiency, I rented half an acre of land for $50, investing another $50 in its preparation. I am awaiting the rains to start planting maize, which promises a step towards food security. I am without a permanent home, moving between different places for shelter. However, there is a glimmer of hope. I managed to save $250 of the funds, with plans to purchase my own land. And with the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I will fulfill this plan. It will be easy to settle since I own a movable house. It is not just about acquiring land; it’s about securing peace and stability for my family."

"I wanted to have a cow for a long time, especially for milk and breeding. I am genuinely grateful that the transfer enabled me to realize this dream, and I invested $150 to purchase the cow. The modest earnings from my work on my neighbour's farm, typically around $2 per day, made it challenging to save up for such a significant purchase. However, the transfer made it possible, bringing happiness as I now own a cow with the hope of milk production. Beyond domestic use, the cow holds the potential for additional income through the sale of offspring. This income will be crucial for supporting the education of my three children—two in secondary school and one in university. I used an additional $200 to make partial payments towards their school fee arrears. While the fees are not fully cleared, this contribution ensures that my children can continue their education without disruption, with plans to settle the remaining balance with the next transfer. Anticipating an improvement in living conditions, I allocated $60 to purchase five iron sheets. The goal is to construct a two-roomed iron sheet house to replace the small and outdated hut I currently reside in. Construction plans are set to commence upon receiving the third transfer. I used the remaining funds to secure food for my family, ensuring their immediate needs were met"