"Through Knua I developed a business canvas for implementation"

Jomat, 24, has been able to utilize what he learned at the Knua Juventude Fila-Liman Centre to contextualize his business by identifying the specific limitations faced by his community in Hatugau, Ermera Municipality

May 14, 2018

Jomat, 24, is an entrepreneur from Hatugau, Ermera, currently living in Dili

'Ever since I was a little kid, I had to walk 7km to get rice and sugar. People in my community would spend 3-4 hours walking to the markets just to get a kg of rice or sugar,’ said Jomat, 24, an entrepreneur from Hatugau, Ermera, currently living in Dili.

In Hatugau, the rural location and distance from other towns limits access to shops and markets. Lack of resources for the community has led to considerable discomfort, forcing citizens to commute long distances for basic goods.

In Ermera, coffee harvesting season is a busy time for many farmers and families. The long commute to the market becomes more and more overwhelming and exhausting for farmers who have already worked long hours in the fields.

In 2017, Jomat was able to formulate a business plan to try and overcome the long and tiresome commute to the nearest market, which involved constructing a small kiosk using building materials he was able source following the removal of a room in his house. The kiosk now provides necessities such as rice, sugar and milk in an accessible location in Hatugau. The kiosk has minimized travel costs and time for all people in his community.

Jomat’s kiosk has been well-supported in his community

Jomat’s project was made possible with the vital business skills and knowledge he received at the Knua Juventude Fila-Liman Centre.

Ever since I moved to Dili in 2009, I have been involved in youth centres, but none have ever been as successful and easy to access as Knua. Knua is a very helpful place, even though it has only been open for a few months, a lot of youths and entrepreneurs are able to come and receive the training they need to help their communities,’ he says.

Jomat was able to utilize what he learned at the centre to contextualize his business by identifying the specific limitations faced by communities in Hatugau.

At Knua, a broad way to work with Timorese people was developed. I was able to understand what is needed in terms of the economic situation and community needs in East-Timor, and through Knua I developed a business canvas for implementation,’ he adds.

In 2017, Jomat was able to formulate a business plan

Jomat’s kiosk has been well-supported in his community. The kiosk is run by Jomat’s family members, which has provided an income and source of employment for his family.

As Hatugau will be very busy in the coffee harvesting season, beginning in April, Jomat knows that profits will increase in the coming months. People working in the fields all day will not have time to travel long distances to markets, making his shop the most accessible option.

Jomat’s community are now able to access basic goods which are abundant in Dili. Facilitating equal access to all municipalities and districts in Timor-Leste is Jomat’s ultimate goal. 

This is in line with UNDP’s broader work in reinforcing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring that all inequalities which affect rural communities are reduced. Jomat is proof of the entrepreneurial power of Timorese youth where they can access business skills and resources.