Elizabeth is a young woman on a mission. At 18-years-old, she’s a single mother running a business selling and distributing wholesale candy to shops in Nairobi’s Githurai Estate. Elizabeth told us that she started this business because other jobs weren’t paying as well and she was confident that she could succeed in the candy business.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth was selling and distributing candy with her sister-in-law, Francine. When the pandemic hit, business slowed dramatically, as the shops they were selling to closed. Elizabeth and Francine sold all of their candy and didn’t have the funds to restock. When Francine got sick and was unable to work, Elizabeth managed to keep the business afloat.
At this point, Elizabeth was referred to RefugePoint, and we provided her family with two months of food support to allow her to focus on her business. We also provided a $250 business grant so that she could restock her candy and fulfill client orders. The business picked up and is now doing well.
“We didn’t have food and finding money to pay rent had become a problem. Right now, we can feed ourselves, pay rent, and save some money for the future at the same time,” Elizabeth told us.
Elizabeth currently saves a minimum of $2 USD per day with her chamaa (a group-based funding system), and she’s saving to improve her business and provide a comfortable life for herself and her son. She has seen visible changes in her family and life since the business has stabilized. Now, she’s looking forward to a bright future where she can build her business and provide for her family.
Speaking a word of encouragement to fellow female refugees who are on the fence about starting a business, Elizabeth said, “Whatever work you choose to do, it’s your effort and hard work that will make the difference.”