Meet Elizabeth, a DIP Student in Nairobi with an Online Crochet Business

Please introduce yourself.
My name is Elizabeth. I’m 24 years old and from South Sudan. My family and I fled to Kenya from South Sudan in 2015, due to the ongoing violent conflict which disrupted my ability to safely attend school. We were constantly instructed to remain at home because of recurring violence.

What's that you are working on?
This is crocheting. I earn a living by crocheting and selling different products such as clothing and table mats. I’m also a social media influencer on TikTok and Instagram where I have a large following and post livestreams daily. I livestream my training sessions on both Instagram and TikTok, which helps me increase my following, market my products, and sell them online. Due to my large following on Instagram, the platform has verified my business and given me an official badge to sell my products. Now whenever my followers join my live streams they have the option to buy access to the livestream.

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What brought you to RefuSHE and Konexio’s training course?
When I came to Kenya, I was registered as a refugee in Kakuma. I completed my  high school education and after two years my mother and I moved to Nairobi with my uncle. I was living with my uncle when I learned about RefuSHE [where Konexio’s DIP Nairobi is held]. I was immediately interested because I have always wanted to become an accountant. So when I heard of the opportunity, I signed up so I could gain computer skills. I knew this would help me get money to continue with schooling and become a bank accountant.

What inspires you to become an accountant?
Personally, I want to have a stable job that I can earn a living from. I also want to be a role model for others like me.

What does earning a living mean to you?
A livelihood means a lot to me. With a livelihood I can support both myself and others.

Who are you supporting?
Currently, I’m supporting some South Sudanese here [in Nairobi] while others are in Kakuma. However, I dream of supporting others through establishing an orphanage for children without a home. I’m making progress towards that.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am grateful for this opportunity to learn computer skills. Back when I completed my high school studies, I did not know how to use a computer. However, through this program, I now have basic computer skills.

​Responses have been edited lightly for clarity and grammar.