"I have a desire to construct a new house, as my current one is in poor condition. The tin roof has corroded over time, resulting in water leakage during rainy days. Additionally, the house is made of mud, making it less stable and more prone to damage. I aim to build a new two-room house with a more durable structure, that is made of bricks instead of mud. However, financial constraints have made it difficult to pursue this goal, but if I can find a breakthrough or opportunity, I will build the house. I am determined to invest the cash transfers I receive into building the house. Besides, having a tangible outcome like a new house would provide a clear and meaningful purpose for the funds I receive."

"I plan to construct a separate house for my goats, as I currently have four of them. They currently sleep in one of the rooms in my two-room house, which is quite inconvenient and unhygienic. Once the ongoing farm work is completed, I intend to start assembling materials like iron sheets towards building a stable shelter for my goats. This will provide them with a suitable and comfortable living environment, while also allowing my family to have more space in our own living space."

"I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous impact they have had on our lives. Receiving the first transfer has brought about a remarkable difference in our daily lives. The freedom to make our own spending decisions has empowered us in ways we never thought possible. We no longer feel constrained by poverty, and the fairness of the program has filled our hearts with immense gratitude. We can only hope that this transformative initiative reaches and continues to uplift many more villages, just as it has done for us."

"The most significant change in my daily life has been the addition of a much-needed mattress. After giving birth, my husband had been sleeping on spread-out boxes on the floor, as we had beds but no mattresses for our family of four. It was a challenging situation, but thanks to the first transfer, we were able to invest in a comfortable mattress that has made a world of difference. Now, both my husband and I can enjoy a restful night's sleep, waking up refreshed and ready to face each day with renewed energy. This simple yet transformative improvement has greatly enhanced our overall well-being and created a cozy haven for our family."

"Receiving the news from a friend that the transfers from GiveDirectly had arrived filled me with immense happiness. Despite my phone being switched off and not having seen the confirmation message yet, I remained confident and thrilled, knowing that I too must have received it. At approximately 3:00 pm, I powered on my phone, and as anticipated, I received a confirming message. Filled with excitement, I immediately called my spouse to share the good news, and she suggested that I purchase the missing household items on my way home, as I was already in the shopping center. With the following day being a market day, my wife and I went together to collect the money and made the rest of our planned purchases."

"I made the most of my second transfer by investing in a significant upgrade for my farming activities. I purchased a large sprayer valued at $240 that had long been a necessity for my 2-acre plot of land. Previously, I had to bear the expenses of renting one, including operator fees and chemical costs, which always amounted to at least $20 at an interval of two weeks over a span of four months. Now, I am delighted that people in the community can lease the sprayer at an affordable rate of $5 per acre, becoming a valuable source of income for my family of five. The delays in receiving my transfers compelled me to borrow money from a friend to pay for my children's school fees. As soon as the second transfer arrived, I promptly repaid the debt, which amounted to $120. To sustain my family and fulfill our obligations, we relied on both goat farming and subsistence agriculture. Unfortunately, unfavorable weather conditions hindered our progress in several instances. In addition to the sprayer, I allocated $25 to acquire herbicides and other pesticides necessary for the two-acre tomato farm. This support has been immensely valuable, and I am filled with hope for the future. With the remaining funds, totaling $65, I purchased essential foodstuff to sustain my family of five."

"With unwavering energy and enthusiasm, I wasted no time after receiving my first transfer. The very next morning, I headed to the nearby shopping center and purchased 13 iron sheets for a total of $121. These sheets would be crucial for the construction of my new house, which I plan to start once the second transfer arrives. However, there's more to be done. I still need to acquire additional construction materials like roofing frames and more iron sheets. Recognizing the importance of providing for my family, I allocated $27 to buy 50 kg of dry maize grains, ensuring a steady supply of food. Up until now, I had been relying on daily wages from casual labor to buy more household goods and food for my family of four. Determined to secure a better future, I invested $50 in purchasing two goats. With these additional goats, joining the existing six, I could use them to cover various expenses, including fees and other household bills in the future. I am grateful for the support I have received so far from GiveDirectly and have great hope of doing better in the coming few months."

"GiveDirectly carefully and impartially registered every member of the community, outlining the project's criteria in detail. The welcoming demeanor of their personnel allowed us to feel comfortable asking questions and obtaining explanations at any moment because they were keen to make sure we understood every component of the program. The method is not opposed by everyone in the hamlet, but we are appreciative of the equitable transfers we got."

"I turned on my phone because it was at a charging station at about three o'clock. A message appeared on the phone less than a minute after it was turned on. When checked, it was the first transfer of $550. The thought of getting such a large sum of money all at once made my heart melt with thankfulness. I felt glad when I thought about the difficult existence I had been leading—going without meals and sleeping in a bed that was in bad condition—because the transfer had allowed me to see some relief."

"Given that we do not have the same difficulties in life, GiveDirectly performed a good job of providing the money to us in cash. People in our village have varying levels of empowerment, and I have accomplished a lot of what I have always desired. My life has changed for the better, and going forward, I will put in a lot of effort to make sure that I keep moving forward financially to keep things as they are."