Project Description
Year: 2022
Amount: € 1.250
Location: Jayapura
Norberta Tapakok was born in Merauke and grew up as an only child. Her parents worked as farmers and earned their income by selling fruits and vegetables. When Norberta is 14 years old, her father dies. Norberta’s mother has been the breadwinner for the small family from that moment on.
Although Norberta would have preferred to go straight to college after graduating from high school, the family had insufficient financial resources at that time. She therefore decides to work for a year first to save money for her studies. And with results, because exactly one year later she starts with the first courses of her study health care in Jayapura. This is comparable to a HBO education in the Netherlands. Norberta leaves southern Merauke and moves into a boarding house in Jayapura.
In the coming period Norberta will follow a specialization in nutrition. A choice she didn’t have to think about for long. She enjoys devising healthy menus and learning more about both national and international dishes. An additional advantage is that there are many job opportunities in the food sector.
Because the family’s income is insufficient to support Norberta until graduation, Hapin’s scholarship fund has been called upon. Her study and transport costs will be paid with the budget made available.
Norberta (left) with her classmates during fieldwork
