Grupo Haburas Goronto, Timor-Leste

Grupo Haburas Goronto in the district of Covalima in Timor-Leste have a vision of a better life for themselves and their families. They work together to create stunning tais for cultural activities and also for sale.

Their main source of livelihoods is agriculture but there are always needs for cash: like money for shoes for their children or toothpaste or for the transport costs needed to access health services.

Small sales can make a big difference to their lives. The women are organised and keen, but have nowhere to sell their tais and the other products that they could make. Therefore they are developing a funding proposal to submit to the Taking Steps Project in Suai.

I bought a couple of pieces made by Mana (big sister) Antonina de Jesus and Mana Francisca Marcal (pictured). This was the first sale that the group had made. So many other groups are making tais. It is vital that we make a business plan so that there is a chance of a good return for the work entailed in tais. Other projects have found that tais weaving has been an extra burden for women and that sales have not been sufficient to justify the time and cost of materials.

The project needs to know more about the situation in the village and the marketing opportunities. We will not provide activity money and then just walk away.

Tags: Textile Exhibition

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 under Events.