Dili, 19 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – It’s not just selling goods on the roadside, but also selling hope for a future she wants, one day it might be tiring, but thinking that the world will see her struggle, because in this small hand, there’s a big strength that will change life. Madalena da Silva, 22 years old, from Viqueque Municipality, Ossu Administative Post, currently living in Bairo-Pite village, 5 de Outubro aldeia, does small business activities on the roadside every day to earn some money to respond to her family’s needs.
Steet Trader, Madalena da Silva says, is currently doing small business activities on the roadside, so she can earn money to support her daily needs, and also support her siblings’ education.
“The goods I sell are cigarettes and credit these respond to our family needs. Besides that, I also support my siblings’ schooling when they need it, because the goods I sell daily, earn $10 to $15, but sometimes during the rainy season, sales drop to just $5, because of the weather and many people doing small businesses on the roadside.” Says Madalena
She Added, when she goes to sell goods in the morning, she has to help her older sister with household chores first, then finsh all the work by 9 am before heading out to sell. Sometimes her young sibling helps by taking the goods to her business location.
“The money I use for this small business is supported by my siblings’ help, including joining the Moris Rasik (MR) group. I also have a credit of $300, which I have to pay back $13.015 weekly. That’s why I have to try hard to keep finding money to pay it back.” Added Madalena
Futher Explains, she does her daily business on the roadside despite many others doing the same, but it’s not a problem for her, because of her diligence, she always earns money. If she just stays at home, money won’t come, so she has to push herself, even if one day the income is small, it’s enough to respond to her family’s needs.
Reportajen : Nelfiano
Foto : Nelfiano