(Díli), Jardim 5 Maio — From Taibesi to far away from the gardens in Dili, a young man aged 20, Jovelino da Coelho Soares, carried his rice to sell. This service is not only a daily activity, but has become the main source of livelihood to support his family.
Jovelino, originally from Manatutu Municipality, currently lives in the Kaikoli area. He said that the decision to sell on the street came from his own initiative, because of the needs of the household economy.
“Good life does not come by itself, you have to seek it with effort,” said Jovelino to journalista Media Mudansa recently.
In a day, he can earn between $4 dollar to $5 dollars. But in a week, he can earn up to more than $100 dollars, depending on the volume of sales. The money is used to buy food, fuel and other important necessities for the family.
“I started selling from morning till night, selling 2 plastic bags for 0.25 cents”, he said
Jovelino lives with a family of four, and as the youngest brother, he feels a responsibility to help support the family.
But this way of life also brought a serious consequence for his future education. He confessed that he could not continue his education due to economic limitations, and he finished his studies in grade 3 of primary education only.
However, Jovelino did not stop with his efforts. Part of his income, he uses to support his family, and the other part he invests back to buy rice to sell in the market and gardens
Jovelino’s life story shows the reality of many young people in Dili who enter the informal sector to support their families, but at the same time, lose the opportunity to receive formal education.
Despite the difficulties, his spirit of struggle and responsibility to the family became an inspiration to other young people that, with strong will and hard work, will be able to achieve a better life.
Journalist/ Intern : Inácio Silva / Temotio da Costa
Editor : Felisberto Fernandes da Costa
