"When I received the cash transfer, I immediately put $300 towards buying 30 bags of cement. I’ve been building a three-room house, and the floor was just sand, which gets dusty and messy when it rains. With the cement, I plan to give the floor a solid finish and also raise the entrance a little to prevent water from getting in during heavy rains. It’s a small improvement, but it makes the home feel more stable and comfortable for all of us. I also used $80 to plough two acres of land to plant beans. Farming has always been a crucial part of our family’s income, and beans are a reliable crop that does well in our area. Lastly, I set aside $20 to buy some clothes for my 4-year-old daughter and myself. It felt nice to treat us a little and have something new to wear. I used the remaining money to stock up on household food items to ensure we’re food secure as I continue working as a teacher and supporting my husband, who also helps with the farm."

"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future."

"When I received the cash transfer, I saw an opportunity to improve our living situation. I decided to buy a piece of land in Eldume where flooding is less severe. Land in that area is not cheap—a half-acre goes for about $550—but I spoke with the owner and they agreed to let me make a deposit of $300 from the transfer. Where we currently live, flooding is a constant worry, and I have been wanting to move my family to higher ground for a while. In addition, I used $100 to plough half an acre and plant tomatoes. My husband had already bought tomato seedlings, but we didn’t have the funds to prepare the land. This cash came at just the right time, allowing us to get the field ready for planting. Tomatoes mature faster and can sell at a good price, so we’re hopeful that this crop will bring in a steady income to support our household. Lastly, I used the remainder of the money to buy household food items. Ensuring that we are food secure is important, especially as we embark on this new farming venture. With food stocked and a new land investment underway, I feel that we’re on the path to a better future. This cash transfer has truly been a blessing, giving us the boost we needed to improve our lives."

"When I received the cash transfer, I knew right away that I had to use part of it to settle an outstanding payment on a plot I had bought in Lororok. I took out $400 to complete the purchase, securing half an acre for my family. This land means a lot to us, as we plan to build a house there. The place where we currently live floods heavily whenever it rains, making life difficult and unpredictable. Once we move to the new plot, the current land will remain available for farming, which will also help us in the long run. With the remaining funds, I bought household food items to restock our supplies. The flooding earlier in the season had swept away what we had planted, leaving us with very little to eat. Being able to purchase food gave me peace of mind, knowing my family would have enough to get through the tough times."

"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves."

"I spent $30 on irrigation pipes for my farm, as it was planting season, and I've been wanting to move away from depending on charcoal burning. With the irrigation setup, I’ll be able to keep my crops alive during the dry season, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. I also used $55 to buy cabbage seeds, hoping to try my hand at farming. Cabbages mature fairly quickly and sell well, so I see this as a good investment. Along with that, I bought a bag of maize for $40 to ensure we have food security while I focus on farming. To protect my crops, I spent another $20 on pesticides specifically for the cabbage farm, which should help reduce losses and improve the yield. With a little left over, I decided to spend $15 on clothes for my children, so they would look presentable. The remaining amount, I set aside for emergencies, knowing that unexpected expenses can come up. Overall, I feel that this cash transfer has given me the opportunity to start fresh and make choices that I hope will improve our future stability."

"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed."

"At 5 a.m., I was woken up by the ding of a message notification, and I couldn’t help but wonder who could possibly be texting me at such an hour. When I checked my phone, I was stunned to see it was an alert—it was the money we’d been hoping for from GiveDirectly! I felt a rush of excitement and couldn’t wait to share the news. By 6 a.m., I was on the phone with my husband, who works away, and as soon as I told him, he was just as thrilled. We’d been planning to pay my daughter’s school fees, and now, finally, we could go ahead with it."

"I was up at 4 a.m. checking on my six-month-old baby when I heard a message notification on my phone. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but a few minutes later, I picked up my phone to check. When I saw it was money from GiveDirectly, I felt a surge of joy! I couldn’t go back to sleep after that; I was just too excited. I went about my usual morning routine, but my mind was buzzing with plans. As soon as my sister woke up, I shared the news, and she was thrilled too. I’d already decided that I’d use the money to buy clothes for us and help with my brother’s school fees. It felt like such a blessing."

"I currently have a few pieces of iron sheets that I bought with transfers some time ago. My goal now is to build a new house, as my current one has become too small to accommodate me and my grandchildren. I am saving a portion of the transfers I receive each month to construct a one-room house, where I will move once it’s finished, leaving the old house for my grandchildren, who can comfortably live there. I trust that by next year, my savings will allow me to purchase the remaining materials needed to start construction on my new house. This will restore my dignity and provide me with the privacy I need, as well as that of my family members. I believe this will earn me the respect I desire."