"This coming year, I want to leave this piece of land behind and settle on the new plot, where I plan to build a house and finally call it my own. It’s been a journey getting this far, and I can already imagine how it’ll feel to walk around that land, knowing it’s fully mine. By next year, I hope to have paid the last installment, making that little piece of earth officially mine. It feels like a huge step, but I’m determined to make it happen. To accomplish this, I’ve got a plan. The last transfer I’m set to receive will go directly towards finishing the payment on the plot and starting the build. With that money, I can close the deal on the land and also start construction. I’m relieved to already have some of the materials, especially the iron sheets, which will help things move along more quickly. Bit by bit, with each day and decision, I’m hoping to bring this dream closer, until it’s not just a goal but a reality."

"The floods have made our current home unsafe and moving to higher ground is necessary. I used $250 from the transfer to pay for a piece of land that I have been paying for in instalments. We plan to leave our small plot here for farming, which will help us sustain ourselves. I also used $103 to buy 10 iron sheets to prepare for the new building and another $50 on posts and frames, which are the foundation we’ll need for this new structure. Getting these materials now felt important so we could start construction as soon as possible. I used what was left to buy food for our household. Since the flooding started, feeding everyone has been a daily struggle. Having a stockpile of food now means we can be secure for a while and focus on moving and building, without worrying as much about where our next meal will come from. Every dollar has been carefully spent to get us through this difficult time, and I feel hopeful that soon, we’ll be settled in a safer place, ready to rebuild our lives."

"I want to thank GiveDirectly for the financial support, it has truly helped me support my family without the financial strain I experienced before. I really do not want to return to the level of poverty I was in before GiveDirectly came to our rescue. That's why I want to invest in a business, so that when my transfer comes to an end, I can be financially stable and have a continuous income to support my family. I have started a grocery business and I want to expand it by adding more small fish for my customers who love them. In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest part of my transfer into boosting this business to achieve good returns. I know that if it picks up well and I maintain my customers, I will be in a better position to meet my family's needs with greater ease."

"We have experienced significant change in our community since GiveDirectly arrived in our village. Personally, I plan to invest a portion of my transfer into a profit-generating activity that will continue to provide benefits even after the transfers end. Therefore, I have decided to purchase goats and raise them as a future investment. As a parent of school-going children, I need to plan carefully. In addition to using the income from this investment to pay for school fees, it’s important to be prepared for any financial emergencies that may arise. Rather than relying on friends for help, I will have my own investment to depend on. I’m pleased to share that I have already bought eighteen goats, and I intend to acquire more until I have a substantial number. I believe that, over time, they will also reproduce and increase in number. Furthermore, I want to initiate a poultry project as well. Having both of these ventures will help support me during financially difficult times, as there is a ready market for both poultry and goats in our area. These are my plans for the coming year and beyond."

"GiveDirectly runs its program in a highly commendable way, ensuring transparency and community involvement at every stage. They organized community meetings where we were thoroughly educated about the organization, the cash transfers, and the enrollment process, which was entirely optional. During both the enrollment and follow-up stages, their officers demonstrated genuine care and compassion. I remember during the floods, they would walk through muddy roads, sometimes getting rained on, yet they never let these challenges hinder their work. Honestly, I see no areas for improvement; my only prayer is for God to open more doors for them so they can continue helping more people."

"Our area is prone to floods, and my house, being in a flat area, makes it even more vulnerable. This year was not the first time we were affected, and I knew it would not be the last. When I received my second transfer, I decided to secure half an acre of land, which was going for $400, for which I paid a deposit of $300. I plan to clear the remaining balance with my final transfer and eventually move my current house to this new, safer location. To meet my family’s needs, I rely on crop farming, but with the ongoing climate shocks, farming has become more difficult. To diversify my income and reduce risk, I began keeping goats, as they tend to do well in our area. I initially bought three goats and then added two more with my first transfer. With my second transfer, I was able to add two more goats for $100, while the remaining money went towards food, as we did not have enough after losing our two acres of maize to the floods. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support."

"What stood out to me the most was how respectful and kind the GiveDirectly officers were. They took the time to explain everything in detail and gave me the opportunity to ask for any clarifications I needed. I appreciate how patient they were and how they made sure I understood the process. I have no recommendations for changing their program because I truly like it just as it is. The way they treat people and provide support has been very impressive to me."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I already had a plan for how to use it. I had been deeply affected by recent floods, which swept away my home and left me in a life-threatening situation. As an elderly person who spends most of my time at home, not having a proper place to live was truly distressing. I used $300 to buy construction materials, and I’ve since built a new house in a safer area, far from the risk of floods. Now, I feel secure and can live peacefully again. During this time, I also became ill, likely due to the cold and exposure to mosquitoes during the flooding. My vision and hearing were affected, making daily life difficult. I spent $25 on medication, which has thankfully restored my health, bringing me back to my normal self. The rest of the money went toward buying food, as it’s essential for my well-being. I no longer do casual jobs and generally rely on my children for support, but GiveDirectly’s assistance has allowed me to be less dependent on them. Now, I can afford my own food, which has improved my quality of life and brought greater ease to my family."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I chose to invest in things I didn’t have but truly needed. With $240, I bought four sheep, as I previously had no livestock—drought had wiped out my animals. I have always loved keeping livestock because it provides a steady food supply and generates income. I’m hopeful that these sheep will grow into a larger herd, something I can rely on even after the GiveDirectly program ends. I also used $60 to pay school fees for my grandson, who lives with me. Being able to support his education has been very meaningful to me, as it’s my way of showing love and creating a brighter future for him. Education is one of the best ways I can make a lasting difference in his life. The rest of the money went toward buying food, ensuring we have enough to eat, even though floods destroyed my farm. Having food at home despite the challenges we’ve faced is something I am deeply grateful for."

"What stood out to me the most is GiveDirectly’s commitment and determination to their program. They guide you through every step, from enrollment to follow-up, showing genuine care and support. I truly admire how thorough and involved they are in making sure everything runs smoothly for each recipient. I have no specific recommendations for GiveDirectly because, in my experience, I haven’t seen anything that needs improvement. Their approach has been nothing short of excellent."