In 2023, our colleague Sophie Schreurs visited a remarkable catfish farm in Sorong, run by refugees from the Maybrat region. Due to unrest in their region, they sought refuge in Sorong a few years ago, where they had to rebuild their lives from scratch. With determination and the help of online video tutorials, they managed to establish a successful catfish farm. Catfish is an affordable and nutritious freshwater fish, providing an essential source of protein for people with limited budgets.

However, while these young entrepreneurs have extensive knowledge of aquaculture and agriculture, they struggle with marketing their products. The market is far away, and due to limited digital skills, they miss out on valuable opportunities.

This project aims to change that: 20 community members will receive training in practical digital skills. Over four intensive training days, they will learn how to sell their products online and gain insight into digital financial management.

The strength of this project lies in its simplicity and impact: participants receive hands-on tools that they can apply immediately. This helps them secure better prices for their products and reduces their dependence on middlemen. As digital ambassadors, they can then support their family, friends, and the wider community—creating a win-win situation!

To make this project a reality, we need €1,950. Will you help? Donations can be made via our website, by scanning the QR code with your smartphone, or through a bank transfer to NL37RABO0444072470, referencing ‘catfish’.