"As a retired teacher with limited resources, pushing my seven children through university, secondary, and primary schools was an uphill battle. I directed a significant portion of the funds, approximately $320, towards settling school fees for my kids. This ensured that they could continue their education without disruption, allowing me to fulfill my role as the breadwinner for our family of nine. The relief was immense; knowing that I could support my children's academic journeys and witness them pursue nursing careers filled me with pride. Realizing the need for diversification, I allocated $60 to revive my struggling retail shop business. Initially on the verge of collapse, the injection of funds breathed new life into the venture. With careful management, I have managed to turn the business around, generating a profit of $2 where none existed before. This additional income has brought a sense of stability to our household. The remaining cash was wisely used to purchase sufficient food supplies, ensuring that my family's basic needs were met for an extended period of time. The unconditional cash transfer has not only eased the financial burden but has also given us a chance at a more secure and hopeful future."

"Four years into my marriage, I had only known hardship, with a dilapidated roof over our heads and a cramped living space that cast a shadow over what should have been the joyful union of marriage. The rainy seasons were particularly trying, forcing us to seek shelter from neighbors and relatives, an ordeal further compounded by the risk of theft. My husband, the sole breadwinner earning a meager $130 a month, struggled to meet our basic needs, let alone dream of a more comfortable dwelling. His responsibilities extended beyond our nuclear family, involving the financial burden of educating his siblings in high school. Therefore, our aspirations for a better life seemed like a distant mirage. Privacy was a luxury, and the anticipation of owning a decent home—a place where my growing family of three could flourish—became the beacon of hope that kept me going. The unconditional cash transfers not only alleviated the financial strain but also fueled the realization of my dream. The prospect of having a house—a sanctuary we could call our own—not only brings joy to my heart but also symbolizes the triumph over the adversities that once defined our marriage. The newfound sense of security and stability has not only transformed our living conditions but has also rekindled the optimism and happiness that every married individual yearns for, which brings the biggest difference in my life."

"My primary goal is to complete my studies and pursue a career in either medicine or engineering. I aim to achieve not only personal success but also to uplift my family from the challenges we currently face. I hope to provide assistance to my parents, creating a positive change and breaking the cycle of our financial struggle. In the end, I aspire to contribute to the holistic development of the village, fostering a brighter future for everyone. I am happy and feel empowered through the assistance that GiveDirectly has provided me."

"In the upcoming year, my focus is on improving our family's self-sufficiency by venturing into kitchen gardening. I aim to sow fruits on our 1-acre compound, and to ensure the success of this endeavor, I plan to allocate $500 to fence the entire area. This fencing will not only protect the crops but also create a secure space for my family of six. To achieve this task, I will depend on the support of my children, who have yet to secure employment. Since my husband passed away when they were too young, they have grown into capable individuals who can contribute to the family's well-being. The kitchen gardening project holds the promise of providing fresh and nutritious produce for my family, contributing to our overall food security. The fence will act as a protective barrier against external threats, ensuring a successful and sustainable venture. I am grateful for the support and assistance from my children, who have grown into pillars of strength. The dream of a thriving kitchen garden represents not just a source of sustenance but a symbol of resilience and hope for the future."

"Receiving those transfers brought a wave of excitement into my life. It allowed me to address various needs and provide a sense of joy and comfort for my family of five. I allocated $50 for a goat, a valuable asset that not only signifies sustainability but also holds the potential for future income. Understanding the importance of food, I spent $50 on a bag of maize, ensuring that our kitchen remained well-stocked. The festive season brought the desire to make it special, so I allocated $130 for clothing for my children. It was a heartwarming Christmas, filled with smiles and new outfits. Prioritizing the education of my child in grade 12, I dedicated $50 to clearing the arrears for school fees. An additional $10 went towards school requirements, while $100 was wisely spent on utensils to enhance our daily lives. Recognizing the need for communication, $50 was allocated for a phone, and $10 was saved for future needs. With these thoughtful allocations, I could temporarily step away from the demanding nature of casual jobs like firewood picking and farming. As an elderly individual, this relief has been a blessing, allowing me to rest and enjoy the sense of financial stability that the transfers provided. I am grateful for the support that has brought both tangible and intangible benefits to my family, making a significant impact on our quality of life."

"In the approaching months, my primary objective is to provide financial support to my wife by covering her school fees. The culmination of her two-year course holds the promise of substantial benefits for our family. I eagerly anticipate witnessing her undertake her examinations and acquire the essential certifications to enhance her employment prospects. I express profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated my college completion but also enabled me to procure sustenance for my young family and invest in the acquisition of two cows."

"Looking ahead, my primary focus in the upcoming months is to expand my investment in acquiring livestock. As the herd expands, it will generate income through future sales. Concurrently, I aim to finalize the construction of my house, having completed the walls and now progressing to the remaining task of roofing. Subsequently, I intend to utilize my forthcoming transfers to procure the necessary iron sheets and complete the construction. I am grateful for the support provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated the purchase of food during the drought but also has enabled us to prepare our land as we embrace the arrival of rainfall."

"Life has become so tougher because of the lack of a reliable source of income. Imagine with a family of 7, I have for a long period of time depending on charcoal work. This job is very tiresome and its income is usually low, mostly $40 per month. Considering the many needs of my family, it has never been easy to take care of them. Sometimes, my children are sent home due to lack of fees while at home we forfeit meals or survive on one in a day. Looking at my house is also another reason to shed tears because it's grass-thatched and during the rainy season, I always change my bed position. What a life of worries!"

"Having separated from my husband for 7 months now is something that has left me desperately taking care of my 2 children single-handedly. Since I do not have a job to depend on, I have survived at the mercy of my parents. Casual jobs and some farm work are what I am actively engaged in, activities that can not earn me cash. This has affected my children because they are yet to join school despite being of age. This has devoured my mind as a mother, a situation that has made me unhappy. Hence, the lack of a reliable job is basically what has made my life harder."

"EATING FOOD REGULARLY AND TAKING IS SOMETHING THAT HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. WE ARE ALL HAPPY AND EATING WELL"