"Before the transfers, our lives were ruined by constant worry and disruption. The persistent visits from my children in secondary school seeking school fees arrears, disrupted our peace and financial stability. There were times when we had to endure hunger, making the daily grind even more challenging. With the arrival of the transfers, a palpable shift occurred. The burden of immediate financial obligations eased, granting us peace of mind and allowing for strategic planning. Currently, I am looking at cultivating an acre of land to grow vegetables. This venture is not a means of sustenance but a strategic move towards financial stability. I plan to supply the Marigat market and local shops, creating a steady income stream that contributes to a more secure and predictable future. The impact of this intervention extends beyond the immediate relief, fostering a sense of stability and hope in our lives. We are grateful to GiveDirectly for ushering in this positive transformation."

"I allocated $100 for school fees of my child in form three. As a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teacher, my income is relatively small, necessitating additional support from farming. However, the unpredictability of rainfall poses challenges to successful farming ventures. I dedicated $50 to purchasing food to meet the nutritional needs of my six children. Balancing the budget for a family of this size is an ongoing challenge. finally, I used $50 to buy clothes, ensuring that my children were adequately dressed and comfortable. This allocation serves as an essential component in managing the family's basic needs. Navigating the responsibilities of teaching, farming, and parenting requires careful financial planning, and the assistance from GiveDirectly contributes significantly to addressing immediate concerns and maintaining stability within my family."

"While I was in Marigat, deeply engaged in caring for my daughter-in-law and the newborn, the arrival of the GiveDirectly transfers infused my heart with unparalleled joy. This joy emanated from a stark reality back home — the constant struggle to put even one meal on the table. There were days when a single meal was a luxury, and sometimes even that was uncertain. The significance of the transfers, for me, lay in the newfound ability to provide an ample supply of food for my children, alleviating the perpetual concern of going to bed hungry."

"In a thoughtful allocation of the received funds, I directed $30 towards securing food for my household. This seemingly simple act brought an immense sense of relief, alleviating a persistent concern that had lingered in the recesses of my mind in case I did not find a job and there would be no income. Remarkably, I managed to settle my children's school fees, a stunt achieved without the burden of arrears for the first time since I undertook the responsibility of caring for these three youngsters. This newfound financial stability infused me with a sense of encouragement, envisioning a brighter future for my household. Anticipating a secure and comfortable living space, I allocated $110 to purchase posts, a crucial step in the preparation for the construction of my home. This investment signaled a tangible step toward a better living environment and a symbolic move toward stability and permanence. Recognizing the importance of diversifying income sources, I used $20 to expand my fruit-selling venture, this strategic decision aimed to enhance our financial standing. In acknowledgment of life's uncertainties, $20 was set aside in savings, designated for emergencies such as unexpected illnesses. This foresighted approach was motivated by a desire to shield my family from the financial strains that often accompany unforeseen challenges."

"Positive transformations have permeated various aspects of my life since receiving assistance from GiveDirectly. Primarily, my business has experienced a significant boost, creating a more robust and sustainable source of income. Equally impactful is the newfound abundance of food in my home. This shift has alleviated the pressure on my business to solely provide sustenance, allowing me to diversify my sources of nutrition. Consequently, this has contributed to a healthier and more stable lifestyle for my family. One of the most noteworthy changes lies in my capacity to save. Unlike the past, when saving seemed like a distant possibility, I now find myself in position to set aside funds for future needs and opportunities. This financial prudence marks a substantial improvement in my economic outlook and provides a buffer against unforeseen challenges. These changes collectively form the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for myself and my family."

"GiveDirectly has been a beacon of positive change in our lives, extending far beyond the simple provision of enough food for our households. The ripple effects of this support are profound. The consistent attendance of our grandchildren in school, free from the constraints of frequent fundraisers, marks a transformative shift toward a brighter and more secure future. The financial relief not only eases our present circumstances but also opens up avenues for educational opportunities that were once distant dreams. This assistance has become a catalyst for self-discovery, revealing our inherent capabilities and motivating us to strive for even better and more sustainable lives. As we navigate the complexities of life, we do so with a newfound understanding of our resilience and capacity to shape a positive trajectory. The journey continues, and with the right resources and mindset, we remain committed to building a future that transcends the challenges of our past."

"I have a goal to build a new two-room house. Right now, my wife, six children, and I all share a cramped two-room space. As the kids grow, they need separate rooms for boys and girls, which our current house cannot provide. It is also a challenge when we have guests because there is no separate space for them. Having another two-room house would ensure everyone has enough space. The children could stay in the current structure, while my wife and visitors could use the new one. To do this, I estimated that I would need at least $600 for a mud-walled house with an iron sheet roof and concrete skirting. Depending on my motorcycle taxi business might make it a challenge to get that money all at once, especially with rising fuel prices and fewer customers due to higher prices. However, I believe that with the cash transfers and my income combined, I can make this happen."

"Right now, my priority is supporting my children's education. When they get sent home from school, nowadays I am confident enough to persuade the teachers to let them stay with a promise to pay when I receive the cash transfers. I am happy that the cash transfers have been crucial in keeping them in school. I know that my job as a herdsman would never be enough to cover the school fees for all five of them, let alone provide daily meals. So, making sure they stay in school is my main focus because I don't want to see them stay at home with me due to a lack of tuition money. I hope the cash transfers continue supporting me in this."

"I am currently engaged in selling chicken, and my ultimate life goal is to witness my children successfully complete their studies and flourish in life. Ensuring they have a brighter future and can support me in the future is my top priority. I am dedicated to saving both from my business earnings and my transfers to guarantee that my children's education remains uninterrupted."

"I currently have one goat that I purchased with the transfer, and it brings me immense joy. I'm eagerly waiting for it to give birth and multiply so that I can expand my herd. My plan is to invest in buying more goats, as they hold the potential for future growth and prosperity."