"Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my daughter's school fees was a major source of stress for me. I struggled to gather enough money, relying on casual jobs and selling groceries, which often wasn’t enough. My daughter was frequently sent home from school for unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see her miss out on her education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay her school fees in full without any worry. Now, she attends school regularly and can focus on her studies like other children. This change has brought me immense peace of mind, knowing that she is learning and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, as it has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing us to prioritize her education without the constant fear of being sent home."

"When the officers came to my home, they were very friendly and did their work with a loving heart. They gave me good advice on how to use the money wisely, which I really appreciated. I have not noticed anything bad about the GiveDirectly officers; they have been very supportive and helpful. Their positive attitude made me feel comfortable and valued. I am very happy with the good things they have done for us, as it has made a big difference in our lives. I hope they continue to help families like mine and maybe find ways to reach even more people in need."

"In the coming years, I am determined to establish a steady business, selling both clothes and groceries, as I’ve always been passionate about business. Although I tried before and it didn’t succeed, I am more focused now and ready to make it work. Running this business will provide a reliable income for my family, which is especially important as a single mother without a husband to share the responsibilities. I know that supporting my children solely on casual jobs is challenging, so having a stable source of income will bring us security. With this business, I’ll be able to provide for their needs consistently. My goal is to create a brighter future where I can raise my children comfortably and confidently."

"Building a safe home for my family has been a top priority, especially after floods damaged our previous shelter. I used my entire second cash transfer of $450 to construct two rooms with iron sheets: one room to replace our damaged house and another specifically for my children. Our previous home was unstable and nearly collapsing, and the room where my children stayed was made of grass and mud, which the floods swept away completely. This support from GiveDirectly gave us a chance to rebuild and create a more secure environment for my family.My husband and I face many challenges as we work to provide for our five children. Although he does his best with farming, he has a disability from an accident ten years ago that prevents him from doing heavy labor. This makes it difficult to earn enough on our own to cover all our needs, and we often had to live day-to-day without knowing if we could make improvements to our lives. With this transfer, however, I was able to ensure we have a safer home for everyone, giving us much-needed peace of mind. Additionally, I work by selling vegetables and fruits at the local center, but life was hard before receiving this support, as the income from my small business was not enough for such a big need like housing. Now, our lives feel more stable, and I can focus on growing my business instead of worrying about the safety of our shelter. The cash transfer has truly made a positive difference, allowing us to recover and plan for a better future."

"Building a proper home has been a long-standing goal for me, especially given our difficult living conditions. Before, we lived in a small house made of mud walls and a grass roof that leaked whenever it rained. Sometimes, parts of it would even fall apart during storms, which was both stressful and unsafe. So, when I received my second cash transfer, I spent $43 on building materials to construct a two-room house made of iron sheets. Now, our family finally has a secure and sturdy home, which gives us so much peace of mind. With the remaining $20 from the transfer, I paid for school fees for my three children. Education is very important to us, but it has always been challenging to cover fees. My husband and I rely on casual jobs to support our family, but the work isn’t always steady. Often, there are days when we can't find any labor, leaving us worried about meeting our children's needs. This transfer helped ensure they can stay in school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Life was much harder before this support. At times, we felt defeated, especially when there was no work and nothing left to depend on. Now, though, our new house and the chance to keep our children in school have brought us a renewed sense of hope. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it has helped my family move forward in ways we couldn’t have managed alone."

"My spouse and I are fortunate to have three children of whom two are in school, while the youngest is still small. To support our family, my spouse takes on casual jobs, while I manage our livestock. Life was quite challenging before we received assistance from GiveDirectly; earning a consistent income was difficult, and the little we had was often insufficient for basic needs like school fees and food. There were times when we went to bed hungry, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, we can plan better and no longer face those hardships. With my most recent transfer, I spent $102 to purchase three goats. I aim to invest in goat rearing, so once the transfers conclude, I’ll have a reliable source of support for my family. As the goats breed and their numbers increase, I plan to sell some of them to pay for my children's education and purchase food."

"After getting attacked by a crocodile while fishing my life has been difficult because I'm unable to provide for my family because of my injuries."

"A few months ago, strong winds tore off the roof of my house, which had weakened over time. The old and dilapidated iron sheets couldn’t withstand the pressure. I had plans to renovate the entire roof with new iron sheets and timber for added stability, but financial constraints made it impossible to get the materials right away. Thankfully, after receiving my first transfer, I can finally make this goal a reality. I’m now able to buy new iron sheets, nails, and timber for the roofing. Additionally, I plan to purchase a truckload of stones, sand, and cement to reinforce the entire structure, as the original mud walls feel temporary to me. My ultimate aim is to rebuild and ensure it lasts, putting an end to my constant worries about shelter, especially during heavy rains."

"The last time we spoke, I mentioned my plans to buy animals, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve made significant progress toward that goal. I now own 5 goats, 3 sheep, and 15 chickens, which feels like a big step forward. Selling some of the chickens has helped me provide food for my family and support my child's education. I’m motivated to continue expanding by adding more animals with the help of my GiveDirectly transfers, allowing them to keep reproducing and increasing in number. This way, I’ll have a sustainable resource to sell from whenever needed. My long-term vision is to purchase my own piece of land and build a house for myself. Right now, I’m staying with my mother, but I’m diligently saving to turn this dream into reality. I also work in tailoring, though only occasionally, which helps contribute to my overall goals."

"The process was clear from start to finish—everything was well explained, and I didn’t have to pay a single shilling to be part of it. The best part was the freedom we were given to spend the money however we wanted. Whether it was buying food, repairing a roof, or starting a small business, the decision was entirely ours. That flexibility meant we could address our most urgent needs instead of being told what was best for us. Honestly, I don't think anything needs to be changed about the program. The way GiveDirectly treats us—with dignity and trust—has empowered many in my community. I hope they keep things exactly the way they are because it works. People here now believe they have a chance at building something better for themselves, and that’s priceless."