Dili, July 15, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Even when facing economic difficulties and limited space to run a business, Eldina de Deus, a 30-year-old mother, continues to show strength and determination to earn a living by selling goods on the roadside in the capital Dili to support her family and secure her children’s future.
Eldina is from Ermera Municipality, Letefoho Administrative Post, Haupu Village, Haupu Hamlet, She currently lives in 12 de Outubro Hamlet, Comoro Village, Dili Municipality.
She says that being a mother is not easy. Because of that, since 2025 she started a small business, selling cigarettes, coffee, bottled water and other items on the roadside to support her family and pay for her children’s school needs.
“As a vendor, I sell cigarettes, coffee, bottled water and other goods to fight for life and for the future of my children. Even though life is different from other people, I will remain strong and work hard to guarantee their future. This business is what helps me support my family and my four children. Right now, two are studying in secondary school, one is in Kindergarten, and the other one is still very young.” said Eldina, at Tasi Tolu on Wednesday 15/07/2026.
She also explained that when she started the business, she only used US$25 to buy goods to sell. Now, her daily income varies, depending on the number of customers who come to buy.
“I started the business with just US$25 in capital. Some days I can make US$15, but on other days only US$10. It all depends on the people who come to buy. Even though the income is small, this money helps support the family and ensures that my children can continue going to school.” she said.
Even so, she reaffirmed that one big challenge is the lack of an appropriate place to run her business. But this doesn’t discourage her. She continues to work hard to provide a better life for her family.
Eldina de Deus’s story shows that women vendors on the roadside are examples of perseverance, responsibility, and sacrifice to support their families, despite the economic limitations and difficulties they face every day.
Report By: Trainee Santina
Photo: Trainee Juanita