"I was forced to stop school due to a lack in finances. I have wanted to purse a tertiary level education and work in the field of mechanical engineering which has been a dream for so long. I am working towards having enough to get into school with the minimum amount on a termly basis. I believe this transfers will play a big role towards building a fund for school"

"My children and I had been living in a makeshift structure that served as our kitchen. Every night, the smoke from the cooking fire would fill the air, making it hard for my kids to sleep. With the $300 of the cash transfer, I decided to change the situation by building a proper house for my children. It may not be grand, but it's a real home, and now they can sleep peacefully without the constant intrusion of smoke. Education has always been a dream for me, and I wanted to ensure my children had the opportunity to learn. So, I used $150 to pay for my eldest child's secondary school fees. It's a small step towards a brighter future for him. Additionally, I used $50 to pay the school fees for my two younger children in primary school. It warms my heart to see them attending school, knowing that they have a chance at a better life through education. With the little that was left, I bought some food for my family. We may not have much, but we have a roof over our heads, my children are in school, and we're no longer struggling to put food on the table. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives are slowly getting better, and we're filled with hope for tomorrow."

"I spent $100 of my second transfer on improving our living conditions. For years, I had endured sleepless nights and discomfort sleeping on traditional beds, so I decided it was time for a change. I purchased a comfortable bed and a quality mattress, and the difference it made in my sleep quality was astounding. No more tossing and turning; no more waking up with aches and pains. It was a small investment in my own well-being that brought me immense relief. But my responsibilities didn't end there. I also allocated a significant portion of the funds towards construction materials. This project was special; it was for my son, who had been seeking shelter at a friend's house. The new house provided him with much-needed privacy and peace of mind. Seeing him enjoy his own space and sleep peacefully under his own roof was a heartwarming moment. Additionally, I used part of the transfer to pay the school fees for my three children, two in primary school and one in secondary school, amounting to $150. As my husband and I were jobless, we relied on our elder children for survival and to meet all our needs. It was a relief to see them back in school after a long and uncertain period at home. The unconditional cash transfer made a world of difference, not just in our comfort but in the future prospects of my family."

"With their unconditional cash transfers, I've been able to ensure that my children receive a quality education by promptly paying their school fees. This has not only relieved a significant financial burden but has also paved the way for my children's brighter future through education. Additionally, I've been able to invest in livestock, which has not only provided a source of income but has also improved our overall well-being. Thanks to GiveDirectly's assistance, my family now has a more secure and promising path ahead, and for that, I am immensely grateful."

"Thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfer, I've experienced a remarkable transformation. Their financial assistance has enabled me to acquire valuable assets that have significantly improved my quality of life. Moreover, my health has seen a remarkable turnaround, thanks to the financial assistance I received. With the funds, I could afford better healthcare and access to medications and treatments that were previously out of reach. GiveDirectly's commitment to providing direct financial support to those in need has not only changed my circumstances but has also restored my hope and well-being."

"Lack of money, schools fees and basic needs for 7 children, no source like planting maize does not yield much. Planting March till September then you have. Sustainability is hard specially 3rd term. Labor is also needed"

"I want to have built a house and relocated."

"Using $475 of my recent unconditional cash transfer, I embarked on a project that had been a long-cherished dream: building a new, sturdy roof for our home. Our old roof used to leak terribly, and with six family members under one roof, it was a constant struggle during the rainy season. Whenever dark clouds gathered, I had to rush to move our belongings to my kind neighbors' houses and seek shelter for my children. It was a stressful routine that I had endured for far too long. Finally, with the funds, I bought iron sheets, building poles, and nails, and we started construction. As I watch the raindrops fall harmlessly outside, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment. Our new home not only provides shelter but also a sense of security and stability for my family. In addition to improving my living conditions, I used a portion of the money to pay the overdue school fees of $40 for my four children. Education is paramount, and their frequent stays at home due to unpaid fees were a source of frustration for them and me. Now, with their fees settled, I see hope in their eyes as they head to school every morning. Lastly, I allocated $35 to ensure we no longer go to bed with empty stomachs. My husband and I have been tirelessly working any job that comes our way to make ends meet, but this cash transfer has provided a much-needed respite. With these improvements, I feel a renewed sense of hope and determination for a better future for my family."

"Since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the most profound change in my life has been the ability to clear the school fees for my children. Their education had been a constant struggle, with my spouse's meager salary making it difficult to keep them in school consistently. The fear that they might have to drop out due to our financial constraints weighed heavily on my heart, and their on-and-off attendance had a detrimental impact on their academic performance. As a mother, there's no greater joy than seeing them back in school, knowing that this will pave the way for them to achieve good grades, graduate, and secure lucrative jobs. This newfound educational stability not only promises to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued my household but also ensures a brighter future not only for them but for generations to come."

"I spent $265 of my first transfer to buy 10 bags of cement and bricks, a purchase that was long overdue. My house was in dire need of renovation; the walls needed plastering, and the floor required cementing. Living in a dusty and muddy environment during the rainy season had robbed me of peace of mind. Every time it rained, I dreaded the mess it created. With the renovation, I finally started to see a ray of hope—a cleaner and more comfortable living space for myself and my children. In addition to fixing the house, I used $200 of the money to pay the school fees for my two children, who are in their final years of high school. It's been a constant struggle to keep them in school due to financial constraints, and there were moments when I doubted they'd make it this far. But now, as I watch them prepare for their final exams, I can't be prouder. I'm filled with hope as I think about their future, and I can't wait to see them join universities. With the remaining amount, I bought food to sustain my family of six children. Their father passed away three years ago, and it's been tough, but these funds have given us a new sense of stability and a brighter outlook on life."