"The iron sheets on my house are in a sorry state, being both old and rusty, and riddled with holes that let rainwater seep inside whenever it pours. By the year's end, I aim to save up a sufficient amount of money to purchase brand new iron sheets and completely overhaul the roof. Alongside repairing the roof, I have another aspiration to support my children's education by using the transfer funds."

"I've been a stay-at-home mother for years, primarily engaging in subsistence farming when we have sufficient rainfall. Unfortunately, I lack a steady source of income to meet my financial needs, like food, and at times, I find it overwhelming to fulfill the various household requirements. Meanwhile, my husband makes a meagre living from his construction job which is frequently insufficient. However, in the coming year and beyond, I intend to open a shop in town where I will sell charcoal and make a profit. To make this happen, I plan to save any extra money, add to my small savings, and save enough money to buy a large stock of charcoal for resale. This opportunity will change my life by allowing me to be self-employed and earn my own money. With this newfound financial stability, I will be able to meet my needs more effectively and comfortably. This goal is extremely important to me, especially now that I have enough food after a successful harvest. I am determined to pursue this opportunity and build a better future for myself and my family."

"Given the financial challenges my family has been facing, my primary objective is to establish a new, reliable source of income that ensures our financial stability. To achieve this, I intend to make significant investments in acquiring livestock. Through diligent livestock rearing, I anticipate their numbers to multiply, enabling me to sell some at a profit. This profit will be instrumental in meeting my family's daily needs, which I currently struggle to provide for. I am optimistic that this venture will lift me out of poverty's grasp."

"In its current state, my house is in a dilapidated condition with weak building poles causing it to lean precariously to one side. This situation is a cause of great concern for me, especially with the safety of my newborn baby at risk. I fear that the house might collapse in the near future, posing a significant threat to both of us. However, I have devised a plan to address this issue. I intend to save enough money from my upcoming transfers to purchase the necessary stones and cement. My goal is to construct sturdy pillars around the house, ensuring its safety and strength."

"With the pressing issue of our living conditions, I knew I had to take action. With seven family members cramped in a small dwelling, privacy and comfort were scarce. Determined to improve our living conditions, I invested $350 in purchasing all the necessary materials to build a new two-bedroom semi-permanent house. This decision brought joy and relief to my children, as they now had their own space to sleep and study without any distractions. The new house not only provided physical comfort but also brought a sense of security and dignity to my family. Another pressing issue I addressed with the cash transfer was my son's education. Despite finishing secondary school, he had been denied his certificate due to accumulated arrears. This setback hindered him from pursuing further education or seeking employment opportunities. To remove this obstacle from his path, I promptly paid off the outstanding fees, allowing him to finally obtain his certificate and take steps towards his dreams and ambitions. As a housewife with my spouse's limited income as a teacher, the unconditional cash transfer not only improved our living conditions but also opened up brighter possibilities for our children's futures."

"Before receiving the transfers, my children faced significant challenges in continuing their studies due to a lack of money. The financial strain was so severe that they were unable to pursue their education, which was a source of great concern and distress for our family. Additionally, we were burdened with a debt of $800, accumulated from school fees and borrowed money for food. The weight of this debt, combined with the constant struggle to secure enough food for the family, added immense pressure to our daily lives. However, after receiving the transfers, our situation began to change. Having enough food on the table brought a sense of relief, knowing that hunger would no longer be a constant worry. Moreover, I could now focus on paying off the debt gradually and responsibly. The burden of the outstanding school fees and borrowed money was gradually lifting as I committed to making steady payments, without allowing it to interfere with my daily responsibilities and chores. The transfers provided a lifeline for our family, enabling us to overcome immediate financial difficulties and stabilize our situation. I am grateful for the assistance that has eased our struggles and allowed us to work towards a better life. The weight that once held us down is slowly lifting, and I am filled with hope that our determination and the support we received will lead to brighter days ahead."

"As the clock struck 3 PM, a message notification brought unexpected joy into my tranquil afternoon. I was home, enjoying a rare moment of solitude. The message was from a source I didn't expect, and as I opened it, my heart skipped a beat. It was about the cash transfers, and in that instant, I knew that things were about to change for the better. For too long, the issue of having enough food had been a constant weight on my mind. The uncertainty of having sufficient meals for my family had been a source of worry, consuming my thoughts every single day. But now, with the promise of cash transfers, the hope of a brighter and more secure future began to take root. The thought of being able to put food on the table without constant worry was a liberating feeling. No longer would I have to count pennies or ration meals to make ends meet. As the excitement filled my heart, I couldn't help but imagine the abundance that lay ahead."

"The first priority was to ensure that my family had enough food on our plates. With $100 from the transfers, I stocked our pantry with nutritious groceries, filling the air with the aroma of delicious meals to come. Gone were the days of worrying about where the next meal would come from – we now had the stability to enjoy nourishing food without fear. Next, investing in education was a non-negotiable goal. With $250, I paid my children's school fees, securing their access to quality education. It was a moment of immense pride and relief as I watched them eagerly embrace the opportunities that education provided. Their bright eyes and eager minds gave me hope for a future filled with promise. But the journey didn't end there. Recognizing the potential of agriculture as a source of sustainability, I decided to invest $100 in purchasing two goats. These adorable creatures would not only provide us with fresh milk but also offer a steady stream of income through breeding and selling their offspring. The goats became beloved members of our family. Their playful antics brought joy to our hearts, and their milk enriched our diet. As they multiplied, so did our financial stability, creating a safety net for the future."

"With $110, I embarked on a mission to ensure that my loved ones never had to endure the pangs of hunger. It was a daunting task, especially when the casual work I depended on proved to be inconsistent, and money was always tight. With careful budgeting and resourcefulness, I managed to purchase enough food to fill our humble pantry. The joy on my family's faces when they saw the stocked shelves made every sacrifice worthwhile. However, I knew that securing our well-being wasn't just about immediate needs. To pave the way for a more stable future, I made a bold decision to invest $240 in a dairy cow. This decision was met with skepticism by some, given our financial constraints, but I believed that this wise investment would yield great returns. In another leap of faith, I used some of the remaining funds to purchase two mattresses, each costing $25. It was a small comfort, but one that made a world of difference to my family. For the first time in a long while, they slept peacefully, knowing that their comfort mattered."

"We are truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their neutral and unbiased enrollment processes. As a community, we feel immensely blessed and fortunate to have been among the selected recipients of their support. The assistance we received from GiveDirectly has made a significant impact on our lives and has been instrumental in helping us address our priorities. With the transfers provided, we have been able to make wise investments in accordance with our individual and community needs. The funds have been utilized in a manner that aligns with our goals, and we are thankful for the flexibility that was given to us in deciding how to use the support. The positive outcomes of this assistance are evident throughout the community. Many of us have discovered and unlocked our potentials, and we are now more motivated than ever to pursue our dreams and aspirations."