In August of this year, colleague Sophie Schreurs travelled to Papua. Despite political unrest, she was able to follow the planned programme. Sophie explains:
“What struck me most was the complete lack of responsibility from the government.”
During her trip, Sophie spoke with many people. Again and again, she heard the same story: people who present good, well-thought-out plans to the local government — plans that would benefit not only themselves but the entire community — yet receive no response. In that vacuum, local initiatives fortunately emerge, driven by a simple but powerful idea: if the government won’t do it, then we will.
One of those initiatives is Yawu Papua in Jayapura. Led by bapak Neles Siep (see front page), this organisation has been supporting Papuans for over 25 years — offering advice, training, and guidance in building an independent livelihood. Thanks to financial support from many of you, several women were able to start their own small businesses last year. Sophie visited some of them, women who now proudly sell their handmade products at the local market.
She met Rachel, for example. In the 1990s, Rachel moved from her village to Jayapura to study. City life turned out to be a big adjustment. She started a small food stall but lost her start-up capital. Still, she refused to give up. During an entrepreneurship training at Yawu Papua, Rachel regained her confidence. Today, she runs her own market stall and encourages other Papuan women to take that same step. She teaches them how to make nokens — traditional woven bags — and supports them as they take their first steps towards financial independence.
Did you know that our webshop sells products made by entrepreneurs like Rachel? Think of jewellery, keychains, bags, stickers and more. The proceeds go directly to the makers. Take a look via www.papuadalamhatiku.nl/partnerverhalen/
