"As the sun beat down on the maize crops I was guarding against the relentless advances of wild animals, my phone buzzed with a message. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I unlocked the screen only to find the long-awaited news about the first installment of $550 from GiveDirectly had arrived. My heart raced as a rush of emotions overcame me; excitement, disbelief, and gratitude all intertwined. I couldn't contain my joy, and there, amidst the rustling leaves and the distant sounds of nature, I found myself talking aloud, expressing my thanks and hopes for what this financial boost could mean for my family's future. The world around me seemed to glow a little brighter as if the promise of that transfer was infusing even the plants with newfound hope."

"Building a house and starting a business"

"Appreciate that GD is doing so well to help people out of landslides prone areas"

"Am happy, now my children are in school."

"I was at home sleeping. I was very happy. I thought about the fees arrears for my children."

"The primary objective for my second transfer was to enclose my property, so I spent $22.5 on barbed wire and $100 on posts to fence the entire land, creating boundaries to keep my neighbor's livestock and people from trespassing . I used $50 to purchase an additional goat to add to my herd. To ensure we wouldn't run out of provisions, I spent $70 on food supplies that will be enough to sustain us until we receive our last batch of transferes. Lastly, I dedicated $20 towards the dues for my wife's table banking group."

"My suggestion to Give Directly is to contemplate extending the duration of their program. Most beneficiaries are starting from the ground up, and the challenging demographic conditions of this region make sustainability difficult. An extended program could offer more support to those striving to make progress."

"Expanding my tailoring business is a dream that fills me with excitement and determination. With the help of the GiveDirectly transfers, I envision creating a thriving enterprise that not only supports my family but also provides employment opportunities for others in my community. By doing so, I aspire to establish my brand as a reputable and sought-after name in the tailoring industry. As my business flourishes, I am confident that it will bring financial security and prosperity to my family. Gone will be the days of worrying about lacking food or facing financial hardships. The steady income generated from the expanded business will ensure that our basic needs are met and that we have the means to plan for a brighter future. One of my long-term goals is to acquire my land and build a home for my family. Owning a piece of land would provide us with a sense of stability and pride. I am eager to seize every opportunity to achieve these dreams. By investing in my tailoring business, honing my skills, and providing quality services, I am confident that I can make my mark in the industry. The support from GiveDirectly has given me the push I needed to pursue these goals and build a better life for my loved ones."

"Through the transfers I received from GiveDirectly, I achieved a significant milestone in my journey towards financial stability. I was able to pay off the debt that I had taken to start my business. This debt had been a burden on my shoulders, and I felt relieved and empowered to finally clear it off. It provided me with a fresh start and the opportunity to make better financial decisions moving forward. Moreover, the transfers have enabled me to explore new possibilities and invest in the growth of my business. With the burden of debt lifted, I can now focus on building a more secure and stable future for myself and my family. I am grateful for the transfers I received, as it has been instrumental in helping me overcome financial challenges and work towards a brighter future. The journey is still ongoing, but I am filled with hope and determination as I continue to utilize the resources wisely and strive for success. As I take steps towards achieving my goals, I am excited about the positive changes that lie ahead and the opportunities that the future holds."

"Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have achieved three significant improvements that have positively impacted my family's life. Firstly, I now have access to proper sanitation with toilets, which was previously a distant dream. This has greatly improved our hygiene and overall well-being. Secondly, having water pipes installed in our compound has been a game-changer. Access to clean and convenient water has relieved us from the daily struggles of fetching water from afar. Thirdly, the construction of a kitchen has transformed our cooking experience. With a dedicated and functional kitchen, we can now prepare meals more efficiently and hygienically, ensuring the well being of my family. GiveDirectly's support has accelerated these positive changes in our lives. It would have taken us much longer to achieve these improvements on our own, if at all. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am committed to making the most of it. I will continue to seize opportunities and utilize resources wisely to secure a better life for us all."