Dili, January 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Marcos Soares de Jesus, 70 years old from Ermera, now lives in Tasi-tolu, his daily activity is collecting empty cans on the side of the road.
According to him, he has been collecting empty cans on the side of the road from Tasi-tolu to Fatuhada and Manleuana, which he then collects at his house, and after a week he can weigh them to get money for his wife.
“Even though I am old, I still work with the energy I have, because if I just sit around I won’t have any money, I have to work hard, I can stand the heat and rain because of my needs, so I decided to do this job.” He said.
He continued that while doing the job of collecting empty cans, there were people who felt disgusted by him because he collected them in the trash, but he still tried to keep going because everything would change in time, if we believe in God then all activities will run smoothly.
“I have two daughters and three sons, but now they are all married so they live with their families to take care of their families whenever they will come to visit me and my wife. Now, I have to work hard to earn money to meet our daily needs. I believe that everything I do is by the blessing of the presence of God Almighty so everything will be fine,” he added.
He added that he found many empty cans in trash cans and parks, because many people gather there, but he had to be patient because the empty cans were full of dirt.
“I look for empty cans and put them in a plastic bag until they are full, then I bring them home for a week so I can weigh them. Because I don’t know where to weigh them, I just wait for someone who push a cart in front of my house. Every week I get a little income of around 5-7 USD when weighing them.” He said.
To further explain that even though he is old and no longer able to work but because he was forced by needs so he decided to do this activity based on his passion, he will not get money if he just stays at home. As the head of the family he must work hard to get money to meet daily needs.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano