"Now that I’ve finished building my two-room house with the help of some of the transfers I received a while ago, I have a new goal: to buy more goats and keep them at my homestead. I feel that my financial struggles have partly been due to a lack of dependable assets that I could sell when needed. To achieve this, I’m now planning to save about $20 each month from my transfers, so I can fulfill this dream as soon as possible. Once I reach my goal, I’ll be in a good position to sell some goats and pay my bills on time, especially since I don’t have a permanent job at the moment. Having goats at home will also ease my burden, as I won’t need to borrow money in case of emergencies. Instead, I’ll be able to sell one or two goats and settle any expenses that come up."

"I've always had a desire to pursue poultry farming, particularly raising chickens. Unfortunately, earlier this year, there was an outbreak of chicken disease in my area that wiped out all the poultry. As a result, I've decided to abandon the poultry project and focus on goats instead. I believe that goat farming presents a great business opportunity, as one mature goat can generate significant income. This investment will help me cover my children's school fees and other essential expenses while also providing support for my husband. Furthermore, I'm interested in starting a small fish business to complement the goat rearing project. To achieve these two goals, I plan to use my transfer to invest in them, and these are my objectives for the coming year and beyond."

"GiveDirectly does well in supporting the poor by providing unconditional cash transfers, which have a transformative impact on individuals and communities. Their officers communicated well during our community meeting, clearly explaining the source and purpose of the funds, which helped build trust and transparency. During enrollment, there was no discrimination, as everyone was included without bias. The follow-up process is also commendable, as it allows the organization to assess the program's impact and ensure that the support is making a real difference. I see no areas for improvement; GiveDirectly should continue with the same approach, as it is effective and fair."

"I started by investing $101 to plough two acres of land and set up ridges, which was essential since it’s the planting season for beans. Following that, I spent $100 on quality bean seeds to ensure a good harvest. I know that beans can provide a quick return on investment, so I’m hopeful for a fruitful season. In addition to farming, I also addressed a pressing need at home. I bought a metal bed for $100 because my wooden one had fallen victim to termites and was infested with bedbugs. This small change will help us sleep better and maintain our health. Moreover, I invested $95 in ten pipes for irrigation on my farm, which will enable me to water my beans more effectively, ensuring a robust crop yield. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I purchased fuel for my generator, which I will use to pump water for irrigation. All these investments are aimed at improving our living situation and ensuring a better future for my family."

"I was pleasantly surprised when, after receiving the funds, I got a call from one of their representatives, just as they promised. The communication has been consistent, and I appreciate how they follow through with their commitments. Each step of the process has been clearly outlined, which reassures me that I am part of something organized and trustworthy. Moreover, the officers who have reached out to me have been nothing but friendly and respectful. There’s no hint of harassment or pressure; they seem genuinely interested in my well-being. This experience has felt empowering rather than burdensome, and I find it refreshing to engage with people who treat me with dignity. I truly believe everything is running smoothly as it is; there’s nothing I would change. GiveDirectly has exceeded my expectations, and I’m grateful for their support."

"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future."

"When GiveDirectly came to our village, I was initially unsure of what to expect. But they visited us personally, took time to meet with each of us, and explained the program in a way that was easy to understand. I could see that they genuinely cared about us, about our lives, and about what we might be able to achieve with a little support. By speaking to us one-on-one, they made sure we understood the program on a personal level, addressing our questions and concerns patiently. It felt respectful, like they trusted us to make good decisions. The best part of this program is that the money they send comes directly to me—there are no middlemen involved, so I receive the full amount. And I appreciate that they gave me complete freedom to decide how to spend it. They didn’t try to tell me what I needed; instead, they trusted me to know what’s best for myself and my family."

"I feel so grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has provided. They didn’t just hand over the money and disappear—they stay in touch, making sure that everything is going smoothly for us. Their team checks in regularly, and they've even given us a dedicated phone number so we can reach out anytime we have questions or issues. One thing that stood out was how they took the time to advise us on protecting our mobile money PIN. They reminded us not to share it with anyone and gave tips on how to keep it secure. That guidance was very helpful, especially for those of us who hadn’t used mobile money much before. Honestly, I wouldn’t want them to change a thing about this program—it’s been a lifeline, and the way it’s been structured is just right. If anything, I only wish they could extend more funds our way, as it would enable us to do even more to improve our lives."

"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves."

"The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the cash from GiveDirectly is that I've started farming, something I had never done before in my life. Just yesterday, I sold my very first harvest and made $500! I feel like the happiest person alive because, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I held that much money in my hands. Before this, I used to earn just $16 every two weeks from burning charcoal, a difficult and exhausting job. I never realized farming could be this profitable, and now I see a future where I can keep growing, both in my skills and my earnings. GiveDirectly has truly changed my life."