(Díli) Formosa — standing with his car on the side of the road in the Formosa area, Isac Ruak da Costa, a young man from Viqueque Municipality, continues to endure the sun and rain ready to serve those who want to drink fresh coconout in the hot weather of the capital, for Isac this small business is the main source to support his family.
Isac said, the decision to sell nuts came because the family economic situation is not sufficient to sustain daily needs.
“Because the family economy is not enough, I decided to sell nuts to help my parents,” he said.
He started this business three years ago with a small capital of $20, although it is a simple business but now, he can earn between $30 to $40 per day, depending on customers and time.
Every morning he always prepares his knots to wait for those who need fresh knots on a hot day.
Isac is the second son in a family of six siblings, after finishing high school, he chose to work to help his family and support his siblings who are still in school.
He recalls the advice the family gave him:
“My family always advised me to avoid unproductive life like playing cards or spending money on alcohol with friends, they said I should focus on work,”
The money Isac earns every day is used to buy household necessities such as food and help pay for his siblings’ school fees. For Isac, selling nuts on the street is not only about survival, but about responsibility and hope for the future of the family.
Isac’s story shows that even with limited opportunities, young people can create change through perseverance and small business.
“If you don’t work, nothing changes for the family.” he concluded.
Journalist/Intern :Madalena da Silva Lopes
Editor :Felisberto F. da Costa
