From Grocery Stall to Dreams of Growth through entrepreneurship

In a bustling marketplace in Kakuma 3, among a variety of stalls, lies the heart of Clementine’s grocery business. She is a 23-year-old young woman. She lives in Kakuma, where she first arrived in 2010 with her mother and her sister’s child. Like most of the refugees, life in the camp at first felt overwhelming—the harsh climate and new living conditions made adjustment tough. However, Clementine’s determination to create a brighter future for herself and her family shone through. As time went by she slowly adjusted to 

Starting Small: A Grocery Vending Business

In 2016, Clementine took a bold step by opening her cozy grocery vending stall. Here, she delights her cherished community with fresh tomatoes, potatoes, colorful vegetables, and various essentials. While the business brings in some income, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. One of her biggest challenges has been ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce, occasionally affecting her sales.

Clementine at her grocery store in Kakuma 3

Building Skills: A Tailoring Course at Don Bosco

In 2019, eager to enhance her skills, Clementine brightened her path by enrolling in a year-long tailoring course at Don Bosco. After proudly graduating, she continued to manage her grocery business, which remained her primary source of income. Although tailoring expanded her skillset, she still had to continue her work as a grocery vendor to sustain herself. 

The Turning Point: Enrolling in a Business Course

In 2022, Clementine spotted an exciting advertisement for a entrepreneurship course at Resilience Action International and jumped at the chance to enroll. During the training, she gained invaluable business skills—learning how to manage her finances, plan for future growth, and face challenges with newfound confidence. For Clementine, this course became a significant turning point, unveiling new opportunities to nourish and sustain her small business.

A Fresh Start: The Startup Grant and Smart Saving

After completing the course, Clementine enthusiastically applied for a startup grant—and to her joy, she was successful! This grant allowed her to restock her grocery stall with fresh produce and invest in joining a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). This decision was a brilliant move; through the VSLA, Clementine could grow her savings and access loans to foster her business even further.

Dreams of Growth

Today, Clementine isn’t just a small business owner—she’s an inspiring entrepreneur with grand dreams! She envisions expanding her venture into a large grocery store in Kakuma one day. Reflecting on her journey, Clementine emphasizes the importance of business courses for young refugee entrepreneurs. “Many of us jump into business with little to no knowledge about how to run them. The training truly empowered me to manage and grow my business successfully,” she shares with pride.

Clementine’s inspiring story beautifully illustrates how the right opportunities paired with determination can transform lives. With hard work, a commitment to learning, and thoughtful financial choices, she’s on her way to a brighter future for herself and her family. Her journey serves as a lovely reminder that, with knowledge and support, young entrepreneurs can rise above challenges and realize their dreams!