"Receiving the confirmation message about the first GiveDirectly transfer brought immense joy during a time of worry. With pending school fees for two of my children, the fear of them missing exams was looming large. I was in my home garden, planting vegetables, when the Mpesa message arrived. The sheer relief and gratitude washed over me as I thanked God for the timely intervention. My husband, who was away doing casual farm work, was unaware of the news until he returned home in the evening. Sharing the incredible news with him brought a sense of relief and hope. The following morning, I went to the nearby shopping center to withdraw the money. In that moment, gratitude and optimism filled my heart as I envisioned a brighter future for our family."

"It was around 4:00 pm, and I was diligently tilling my kitchen garden when I received a call from my spouse, who had gone to our nearest shopping center. He informed me about the news spreading throughout the center, where people were celebrating the arrival of the GD transfer. I had not noticed it earlier, being absorbed in my work and not hearing the SMS notification. Feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity, I quickly checked my phone and, to my delight, found the confirmation of the received money. I was overwhelmed with joy. Hastily, I called my spouse back to share the incredible news. This unexpected financial support signaled the beginning of a brighter chapter for my family, promising a better future ahead since we intended to utilize it well."

"The monthly transfers have played a crucial role in maintaining my stable health. I primarily allocate the funds for medication and ensuring I maintain a balanced diet. As an elderly individual, these transfers are my sole source of hope, as I have no other income to rely on. I'm pleased that these transfers enable me to receive timely and quality treatment, particularly for my heart problems. My main goal revolves around improving my health, as relying solely on my son's support, who is engaged in subsistence farming, would have caused delays in my treatment."

"My house unfortunately collapsed several years ago, and since then, I have struggled to gather the funds needed for a new one. Throughout these years, I have relied on the kindness of neighbors for shelter at night. When I started receiving these transfers, I made a firm decision to save the money for purchasing essential building materials, including iron sheets and building poles. I am working towards acquiring a total of 13 iron sheets, and I am pleased to report that I have already purchased seven. My ultimate goal is to have a home with a sturdy iron roof, freeing me from the challenges of depending on the hospitality of neighbors for shelter."

"For years, I've resided in my mother's house, even though I have my own family and grandchildren. I've consistently tried to save funds to realize my dream of constructing my own home, but my efforts have not borne fruit. The transfers have rekindled my hope of owning a house where I can comfortably live with my children and grandchildren. To make this dream a reality, I'm strategizing to purchase the essential building materials like iron sheets and building poles. In the coming year and beyond, I aspire to achieve the goal of having my own house, thanks to the ongoing support of these transfers."

"Unfortunately, the recent rains in August brought both blessings and challenges. The heavy downpour caused the mud walls of my house to collapse, leaving behind large holes that I have temporarily covered with old clothes and polythene bags. However, I plan to utilize my next transfer to repair the house, allowing me to live in a more comfortable environment away from the chilly night weather. I am immensely grateful for the financial support I have received as it has been of tremendous help to me."

"My mother's health has not improved, and her condition has left us without a breadwinner to support us both. In collaboration with my sister, I intend to utilize my subsequent transfers to purchase food for the family. This financial assistance will greatly aid us until my mother recovers and is capable of working again. I am sincerely appreciative of the ongoing financial support that I am receiving, as it has been instrumental in helping us navigate this challenging period."

"Looking ahead, my primary goal for the upcoming year is to ensure the education of my grandchildren. Earlier this year, my son, who also serves as the father of the children, lost his job. He has been struggling to secure another well-paying position, which has subsequently affected his ability to pay for their school fees. I am delighted to provide assistance so that my grandchildren can receive the education they deserve and have a brighter future."

"Once the construction of my house is completed next month, I intend to invest my future transfers in acquiring livestock. With three children currently attending primary school, this livestock investment will provide a valuable opportunity for me to generate income in the future. If circumstances arise where I am unable to afford their school fees, I can sell some of the livestock to cover the expenses. The possibility of ensuring my children's education fills me with immense happiness and gratitude for the financial support I have received."

"Considering the positive impact of the financial transfers, I have decided to allocate more of my future funds toward purchasing livestock. By doing so, I anticipate that the livestock will multiply over the next year, providing a safety net in case of emergencies. If needed, I can sell some of the livestock to meet my needs. I am overjoyed that I am now able to afford medical checkups and receive the necessary assistance thanks to the financial support I have received."