Project Description
Total: € 2.100,-
Year: 2021
Edo Mote is no stranger to Hapin. In the past he received a scholarship and since then we have supported Edo in various projects for the Asmat community in Merauke. For example, last year he set up a hygiene project for children, started a micro-credit project with pigs and set up plans to build selling huts where Asmat women can sell their fish. Also this year Edo keeps busy: he recently set up a sewing class for Asmat mothers.
Thanks to the Indonesian NGO Kopernik, Edo was able to find a trainer willing to teach the course. Hapin has been asked to help with the purchase of sewing machines and other course costs. During 6 months, 8-10 women will learn how to make products that are well marketed. The participants generate income for their family, relatives or village. So that money can be earned for food, clothing, school, in short: the basic needs of every family.
Cultural aspects are taken into account in the organization of the course: during the training and afterwards, the women will receive guidance. To this end, a woman from the Asmat community has been hired, who can help Edo overcome any tribal and gender differences. Also, meetings were held with the families of the women, so that everyone is supportive when it comes to their participation. This prevents women from (having to) drop out.
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet Ursula
Ursula is the youngest in the sewing class. She has just completed her SMP (similar to junior high school). This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
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. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
Sewing class for Asmat-mothers: meet mama Kornelia
Mama Kornelia is a cheerful and intelligent woman brings a lot of energy in the sewing class group. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
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. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
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. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
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. This story is part of a series that introduces you to six Asmat women who take a sewing class in Merauke.
More about Edo Mote
Student – Edo Mote
The Hapin scholarship program usually focuses on students in the first phase of their studies, the bachelor phase. Yet sometimes there are special requests and we deviate from this rule.
BREAKING THE POVERTY CIRCLE OF THE ASMAT IN MERAUKE
About 8,000 people from the Asmat-tribe live in Merauke (South Papua). They moved from small villages in the Asmat region to the city, looking for work and a better life. Unfortunately, they often end up in deprived areas of Merauke due to lack of land and education.
Kombai tribe in inland Papua
Papuan researcher Edo Mote (Merauke) recently obtained a Master in Cultural and Media studies and focuses on research into the transition from tradition to modern times among the Papuans in the deep interior of Papua. He maps out the problem and advises the public administration to involve the local population in this. Edo visited the Upper Digul area in January and February of this year. Mote received a contribution from Hapin for his studies and research.
