"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."

"In my opinion, GD has done well by giving us unconditional transfers and allowing us to address our individual needs. I am genuinely thankful that, through these transfers, I could settle longstanding school fee arrears that had accumulated over an extended period. The burden of unpaid fees had been a source of distress, leading to my children missing a significant portion of their school days last year. The support from GD has brought relief and gratitude, as it played a crucial role in ensuring my children's education is no longer disrupted."

"The outlook for this year appears promising, as we have commenced with rainfall, instilling hope for favorable conditions for farming. With this positive start, I am determined to channel my best efforts into cultivating my two acres of land. My plan is to cultivate maize and beans, both for commercial and domestic purposes. To guarantee high productivity, I am committed to executing all farm activities in a timely manner and ensuring that I have all the necessary inputs. The income generated from this farming venture will play a crucial role in supporting the education of our five children, who are at different educational levels. This strategic approach not only aligns with my farming goals but also serves as a means to secure a brighter future for our family by investing in the education of our children."

"In the coming year, I will embark on an extensive maize farming venture to secure both income and food for my family of two. The goal is to reduce our dependence on casual jobs, creating a more sustainable and self-reliant source of livelihood. I plan to allocate $300 for this initiative, strategically investing in high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials to optimize the maize crop yield. To ensure the success of the farming venture, I will actively engage in casual jobs to supplement my income and fund the agricultural project. This dual approach will not only provide financial support but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the endeavor. With careful planning and hard work, I am hopeful that the maize farming initiative will thrive, providing a consistent source of income and nourishment for my family. This future-oriented strategy aims to foster greater financial independence and stability, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future."

"Givedirectly has been a transformative force in uplifting lives through its direct transfers. Personally, I have harnessed the opportunity to put my hairdressing skills into practice by establishing a successful salon business with the financial support I have received. The impact of these transfers has been substantial, allowing me to not only pursue my passion but also contribute meaningfully to my family's livelihood. From my perspective, the current approach and workings of GiveDirectly have been more than satisfactory; nothing needs to change. The direct and impactful support they provide has created a positive ripple effect, empowering individuals to turn their aspirations into reality."

"In the coming year, I am excited about venturing into maize farming on my 2-acre piece of land. To fund this agricultural endeavor, I will allocate a capital of $200, and I am prepared to work various casual jobs to raise this amount. The primary aim is to ensure a steady and sustainable food source for my family of four. With meticulous planning and dedication, I intend to use the capital to acquire essential resources such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs necessary for successful maize cultivation. The prospect of transforming the barren land into a productive maize field brings a sense of hope and purpose. Despite the challenges that may arise, I am determined to overcome them through hard work and resilience. This venture is not only about meeting immediate nutritional needs but also about laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and secure future. I am optimistic that the fruits of my labor will not only nourish my family of four but also contribute to an improved livelihood. The vision is to see the land flourish, yielding a bountiful harvest that sustains us and fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency."

"My wife and I depend on farming for our livelihood, and we have one child. Upon learning that we would be receiving funds from GiveDirectly, we anticipated a significant transformation in our lives. We carefully planned how to make the most of the money. We decided to spend $46 towards fencing our land to protect it from goat invasions, which had been damaging our crops. Subsequently, we invested $50 in purchasing fertilizers to enhance the yields on our farm. An additional $20 was spent on fuel for the generator used to pump water on the farm. To ensure food security, especially during drought seasons, I used $50 to buy a sack of maize. The remaining amount was utilized for clothing and transportation. Due to prolonged drought affecting our farms, we had struggled to obtain sufficient yields to meet all our needs, and fencing the land had been a challenge. I am deeply grateful for the support that has elevated our lives to a higher level."

"I have witnessed the remarkable impact that GiveDirectly has had on families, and I must say, it is truly uplifting. The unconditionality of their support is a game-changer, allowing individuals like myself to make informed decisions about where the funds are best allocated based on our specific needs. This flexibility empowers us to take charge of our circumstances. What impresses me even more is the follow-up process. The fact that they stay engaged and maintain a connection beyond the initial support shows a genuine commitment to ensuring that their assistance is effective and meaningful. This level of care and attention makes a significant difference. From my perspective, nothing should change in their approach. The unconditionality and the follow-up efforts have been crucial in bringing about positive outcomes for families like mine. The current approach is working well, and I am truly appreciative of the direct and impactful support that GiveDirectly provides."

"The transformative impact of GiveDirectly's approach is evident in the positive changes it brings to individuals and families. The unconditionality of the transfers provides recipients with the autonomy to decide how to allocate the funds, allowing for a tailored approach that addresses specific needs and challenges. This flexibility contributes to uplifting lives in meaningful ways. As for my own experience, everything has been fine, and the assistance from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in boosting my salary from the cooking job. The additional financial support has not only alleviated immediate burdens but has also provided a foundation for greater financial stability for my family of three. The approach of GiveDirectly, with its focus on direct and unconditional support, stands out as an effective way to empower individuals to make decisions that best suit their unique circumstances. The positive impact on my financial situation is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, and I am grateful for the support that has contributed to improving the quality of life for myself and my family."

"Receiving the transfers was a timely and transformative event for my family of five. Recognizing the pressing needs, I allocated $25 to purchase maize, and another $25 went towards household goods, including sugar and milk, enhancing the overall quality of our daily lives and food security. I also spent the rest of the transfers on the construction of a one-room house for my husband. Our previous dwelling had been ravaged by termites and was on the brink of collapse. The transfers came in handy, providing the means to address this urgent housing need and create a safer and more stable living environment. Farming, which my family heavily depends on, has been adversely affected by climatic changes, leading to almost no harvests. The support from GiveDirectly has become a lifeline during these challenging times, offering relief and stability when our traditional sources of income are under strain. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the positive impact it has had on my life and the lives of my family members. With our basic needs met and a new, secure dwelling, I no longer have to engage in strenuous casual jobs to make ends meet. The upliftment provided by GiveDirectly has brought a sense of stability and joy, and for that, I am truly happy and thankful."