"I am truly grateful to God and GiveDirectly for the generous support I received upon enrollment. The entire village shares in this gratitude, as the support has not only granted us a new lease on life but also the autonomy to make our own choices, different from traditional aid programs where donors predetermine how the aid were used. We have witnessed remarkable transformation in our village, and we hope that GiveDirectly will extend this support to other communities, thereby fostering positive change in more lives. However, one area for improvement could be providing educational or vocational resources to help us maximize the long-term benefits of the support we receive."

"To address ongoing issues with my neighbors' livestock, particularly goats, encroaching on my farm and damaging crops, I spent $188 on wire mesh to enclose the field, boosting my confidence in preparing the land for planting and anticipating better yields now that I have successfully blocked off livestock intrusion. I also spent $80 on food supplies, including maize, beans, and sugar, to sustain my family of 12. My previous reliance on subsistence farming occasionally forced me to sell one of my livestock to purchase food when crops failed. Additionally, I invested $2 in toiletries and saved the remaining $180, which has been instrumental in covering my monthly hospital check-ups for my epileptic condition. I am appreciative of GiveDirectly's support and eagerly await the next transfer."

"With $550 in hand, I immediately set out to address some long-standing issues. First and foremost, my husband and I were tired of living on his grandfather's land, constantly fearing eviction. We decided to invest $16,000 in purchasing building materials—iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails—to construct our own house on a piece of land we bought for $150 as a down payment. The thought of having a place to call our own filled us with pride and a sense of security we had never known. Finally, we could create a stable and comfortable home for our growing family. With the house construction underway, I also utilized $70 of the money to buy goats, which I saw as a long-term investment. These goats would serve as a financial safety net, allowing us to sell them in case of any unexpected financial constraints. Additionally, I used $120 of the cash to buy a comfortable bed and mattress, replacing the traditional bedding that had caused us discomfort for so long. I no longer woke up tired every morning, and it was a small but significant improvement in our quality of life. Lastly, with the remaining funds, I ensured that my family of four had enough food on the table. My husband, as a casual laborer with an inconsistent income of $5, needed all the support he could get, and this cash transfer was a lifeline that allowed us to build a better future for our family."

"After receiving the first cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was keen to make some changes, especially, on the priority list that we had drafted with my family. I spent $100 to purchase two sacks of maize, which would serve as food for my family of five. With my children on a holiday break, I decided to save $90 to ensure I could cover their school fees on the opening date. The remaining $10 came in handy for acquiring other household goods that were missing from my house. My main source of income has been selling herbal medicines harvested from the indigenous forest in our area. Even though we have been grappling with a severe drought, farming has been a viable alternative. During good seasons, it allows me to earn a decent income, especially when I can set aside some of the surplus produce for food."

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly is doing a great job not only in our village but also in other communities they are visiting. The generous financial support we received was timely and has made a significant impact, as many challenges can be addressed with money. The freedom to spend the funds on what we saw fit was also a great advantage, as it allowed us to meet our diverse needs effectively. I am truly grateful for GiveDirectly's efforts and hope that they will continue their commendable work in other villages. However, one area for potential improvement could be to offer financial literacy or skills training alongside the transfers to help us make the most of the support we receive in the long run."

"My wife and I depend on farming to sustain our livelihood. We have been blessed with one child. Upon receiving my transfer, we made the decision to establish a goat rearing project. We spent $200 to purchase the goats and invested an additional $60 in constructing a goat pen. The challenging factors of high inflation rates and harsh weather conditions had previously hindered us from realizing this goal and obtaining a good yield. Finally, the remaining funds were used to purchase essential food items. I am overjoyed that my long-standing dream of owning a goat pen has now become a reality."

"My goal is to provide my growing sons with separate sleeping spaces by building a one-roomed house for them. With a family of 7 children; 1 girl and 6 boys and only a two-roomed house, the current living arrangement has become messy, and it's essential to ensure their comfort and privacy as they transition into adulthood. To achieve this goal, I'm committed to saving at least $10 from my monthly transfers and plan to commence construction by the end of this year, ensuring that my sons have a more spacious and suitable living environment."

"My primary goal is to establish a small eatery business by the end of this year. Despite completing my elementary education, my health issues prevented me from pursuing further studies, and I no longer wish to burden my parents by fully relying on their support. Instead, I aim to become financially independent and contribute to my family's well-being. To realize this dream, I plan to be saving a portion of my monthly transfers and use the savings to start my eatery venture, which will not only provide me with a source of income but also support my parents and six siblings."

"With GD support, he has managed to buy onion seeds and bull, he hopes to harvest big from these investments and buy more land and relocate there"

"I am a retired teacher with a family of 11 members. Seven of my children are still schooling and this has put a lot of pressure on me. Imagine in a term, I am expected to raise around $400 as school fees because I have a son who is in college. Since I receive $100 as a pension, this amount can not sustain my burden, and I am forced to sell my livestock to support them. I used to have a herd of cattle but currently, I have remained with 9 cows. Since the burden of school fees is still on me, I am worried this will completely take away my investment. Hence, the financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge."