Last but not least: Ursula, the youngest in the sewing class. She has just completed her SMP (similar to junior high school). Although she has great potential as a seamstress, the trainers are eager for Ursula to finish school first. Once she has completed the SMA, Ursula will have good opportunities to find paid work.
This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke. The initiator is Edo Mote, who has set up various projects for the Asmat community in deprived areas with his foundation Papua Mandiri 2050.
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SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS
Edo Mote is no stranger to Hapin. In the past he received a scholarship and since then we have been supporting Edo with various projects for the Asmat community in Merauke.
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SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS: MEET MAMA KATARINA
Mama Katarina is the oldest woman in the sewing class. She is part of the first generation of Asmatters who moved to Merauke in the ‘80s, looking for work and a better future.
SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS: MEET TEDORA
Tedora is a young and energetic woman. She and her husband are the community’s pioneers in money management.
SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS: MEET MAMA YOSEFA
Unfortunately, violence against women is a common problem in Papua. This has been the reason for mama Yosefa to leave the Asmaro neighborhood and live with her family further down the city.
SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS: MEET MAMA KORNELIA
You will rarely see mama Kornelia (photo: left) without a smile on her face. This cheerful and intelligent woman brings a lot of energy in the sewing class group.
SEWING CLASS FOR ASMAT-MOTHERS: MEET MARIA
Maria, now 20 years old, married at a young age. For many young girls, self-protection is an important reason to get engaged early.
