Project Description
Amount: € 1.250
Year: 2022
Where: Merauke
Nobertus (28) originally from the Yaqhai tribe, spent most of his life in the inland of Papua. To study law, he moved to Merauke, the second largest city on the island. His goal is clear: with knowledge of international law, Norbertus wants to be able to speak out against the injustice done to the Papuans. Together with his friends, he visits an entrepreneurial course from Papua Mandiri 2050 (PMS), a partner organization of Hapin with projects for Asmatters in deprived areas in Merauke.
Norbertus does not immediately feel in place in Merauke. The transition from the kampong to the city is intense and Norbertus is quite introverted by nature. Several teachers and supervisors interpret his silence as disinterest. Until one evening, when Norbertus brings a small piece of carved wood to the entrepreneur course. Everyone is amazed by his craftsmanship. He receives a sketchbook and pencils from his supervisors. From that moment on Norbertus does nothing but design patterns.
Edoardo Mote, alumni of Hapin’s scholarship program and founder of PMS, sees his chance. He asks Hapin for a small starting capital and has Norbertus’ patterns printed on batik fabric. The first square meters of batik are now for sale in various shops in Merauke and Jayapura. In addition, 10 Asmat women who participate in a sewing course (co-financed by Hapin) are brought in to make fabric garments. The profits are used to provide Norbertus and the seamstresses with income, but also to finance development projects of PMS.
The profit of the batik sales will thus benefit the strengthening of the economic position of Asmatters in Merauke. And Norbert? He can get his career off to a flying start.
More about Edo Mote
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. This year Edo keeps busy: he recently set up a sewing class for Asmat mothers. 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 can be marketed. So that the participants generate income for their family, relatives or village.
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.
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.
