"The simplicity and directness of GiveDirectly's approach have been remarkable; receiving the unconditional money wasn't just financial assistance but a powerful statement of trust and empowerment. It allowed me the autonomy to address my family's most pressing needs, whether it was investing in my children's education, securing a stable home, or ensuring there was enough on the table each day. in my opinion what the Organisation can change is increasing the amount of the cash tarnsfers so that we can be able to the big dream we have."

"In the coming years and beyond, my aspiration is to launch a local milk bar in my village. Having keenly observed the current scenario, it is evident that there is a significant demand for milk. Many individuals in the community are compelled to travel considerable distances to town for this essential commodity, incurring both cost and time. My goal is to bridge this gap by conveniently providing milk to the local community while simultaneously generating income for myself. I am excited about the potential impact this venture can have on both the local economy and the lives of those around me."

"What stood out the most was the exceptional courtesy and accommodation displayed by their staff, particularly those in the field. The genuine warmth and respect they extended during the process made me feel valued and understood, eliminating any apprehensions I may have had. I feel there is nothing that GiveDirectly should change but keep up the good work."

"Receiving the unconditional monthly cash transfer was a lifeline for me and my family. I used a larger portion of the money, to complete the construction of our 2-bedroom house. We had been living in a cramped one-bedroom space with my last-born, partitioned only by a curtain, enduring leaks during rainy nights. The children are excited and actively joined in the construction, turning it into a family project. Pili, my youngest, couldn't contain her joy at the prospect of having her own room. Gone are the days when I stood in the rain, waiting for it to pass, as my bedding got soaked. Another significant part of the cash transfer went towards my husband's medical expenses; he has been unwell since May. Previously, I worked as a farm laborer, earning a mere $2 a day, barely enough for food. Now, with the financial support from GiveDirectly, I am relieved that I can finally focus on my husband's health and witness the dream of a secure, rain-free home come true. I find myself telling the rain to pour down on me for the last time, knowing it will never catch me unprotected again. The unconditional cash transfer has not only improved our living conditions but has brought a renewed sense of hope and happiness to our family."

"Receiving $200 from GiveDirectly brought a wind of change into our lives. With this support, the first thing I did was address the pressing need for food. Spending $35 on food was a relief—food had been a constant challenge for us. My wife lacks a stable job, and my own employment as a seasonal tractor driver, earning $30 per acre, offers no guarantees, particularly in our area where farming opportunities are scarce. The next purchase was a significant one—a sofa seat for $105. Our makeshift chairs were fragile and prone to breaking, prompting the need for something more sustainable. This addition would transform our living space, offering the comfort and durability we had longed for. Allocating $37.4 towards purchasing three iron sheets served to extend our home. Our current dwelling, a single-roomed house, posed numerous challenges. During the dry season, outdoor cooking was a necessity, while during rains, we crowded into the same room for cooking, dining, and sleeping. The lack of space not only hindered our comfort but also limited our ability to host visitors or even provide privacy for ourselves. I dedicated the remaining $22.6 to purchasing clothes for my family of three and anticipating the needs of our expected child. Each allocation was a step towards securing a better life for our growing family.GiveDirectly's support brought transformative change, addressing immediate needs and offering us hope for a more stable and comfortable future."

"While I was at home, having a relaxing moment with my three children, a message came through. Upon confirming, it was a receipt of $200 from GiveDirectly. My heart soared with joy. Later that day, my husband returned from our farm where he had been busy fencing. Excitedly, I shared the news with him, and his face lit up with happiness, mirroring my own. Our first collective thought was to construct a much-needed latrine. For too long, we had been sharing with our neighbor. Additionally, we envisioned attending to other pressing needs that had lingered unfulfilled. We felt a profound sense of gratitude towards GiveDirectly for enabling us to embark on these essential endeavors."

"Feeding our family of four has been an enduring challenge. Relying solely on my husband's intermittent casual jobs as the sole provider made sustaining us an uphill battle. However, since we received financial assistance from GiveDirectly, our circumstances have taken a turn. We secured enough food to provide sustenance for a longer stretch. This newfound stability means my husband no longer has to seek day jobs to put food on our table. Instead, he's found purpose and productivity in cultivating our own land. Witnessing him tend to our farm has been a transformative sight—a shift from dependence to self-reliance. The impact of this assistance is profound. It's not merely about the immediate relief of having food on our plates; it's about the fundamental change in our lifestyle. We've moved from constant uncertainty to a place of assurance and empowerment. Now, our future is not just about surviving but thriving. Thank you, GiveDirectly, Your support has not only relieved our immediate hunger but has also empowered us to create a sustainable future for our family."

"On receiving the money, my first thought was feeding my family of six children and my husband. Our hustles had not given us anything on that day. I do charcoal burning for sale while my husband has a small shop where he sells household items. I therefore spent $60 of the transfer to buy food for my children. Of the six children, one is in secondary school and had a fee balance of $200, which I also cleared using part of the transfer. Our house was very tiny and we were all sleeping in it, and this was very inappropriate. I went ahead and spent $200 to build a house so that we could sleep separately from the grown kids."

"We can now sleep peacefully without the fear of our house collapsing on us because we managed to fix it with the help of GiveDirectly. My family is happy and excited to be in a decent house. My husband and I can now work, earn, and focus our earnings on developmental projects like starting a vegetable vendor business, which will help with family upkeep instead of focusing on repairing the house."

"As I said I started saving to build a new house in April. I now have enough money to buy iron sheets which is about $120. I am now saving for the building poles I need to finish with the construction. I had married but my wife left due to a disagreement hence I am left alone. I am building a one roomed house which will be made out of mud and iron sheets. I know this will be a big upgrade from my paper roof house and will withstand the harsh weather conditions that we have been experiencing lately."