The power of multiplicity

In 2001, soon after the nation had overwhelmingly voted for its independence, a small workshop in central Dili was buzzing with anticipation.

Clemente (middle) showing some of the finer details of melamine finishing. Photo: S.MacKinnon

With funds from APHEDA donors, the Labour Advocacy Institute for East Timor (LAIFET) was holding some of its first carpentry training for under- and unemployed men in the area.

Clemente, now 43, was one of those men. Married with four daughters and a son, Clemente first heard about APHEDA through LAIFET. "I have learnt many things from APHEDA training projects which were funded through LAIFET". He recalls his first order (five doors with frames, one window and four window frames) and where his first modest profits went: "I used the money to buy some power tools and daily needs".

These days, Clemente continues to run his successful and much expanded workshop, but also now shares his skills working as LAIFET's head trainer. So far, nearly 80 men have benefited from Clemente's hard work - and the numbers continue to grow. Travelling to the districts, Clemente eats, sleeps and works with his colleagues, helping them to upgrade their skills and improve their incomes for themselves and their families.

But he was never alone on his journey. Thanks to the efforts of a long-term APHEDA volunteer, the opportunity arose in 2004 for Clemente to join APHEDA on a Study Tour to Western Australian carpentry workshops. "I felt very shocked!" Clemente recalled. The workshops, the hardware stores and the equipment in Perth all seemed so huge. "But once we flew to Broome, I was more relaxed, because it was just a small workshop. I am honest that before travelling to Broome, I don't know how to use the lathe machine, but me and five of my colleagues learnt on it for three days".

Returning to Timor-Leste, Clemente had only one goal in mind: "I started to think on how to develop my workshop and worked very hard for three years to purchase two big machines". "I paid 50%", and with the help of Australian supporters, APHEDA covered the remaining costs for a heavy duty thicknesser and bandsaw. After a decade of working to develop his workshop, learn the finance and management skills needed in running his own business (also held through LAIFET and APHEDA), Clemente now receives orders from many different people and organisations (even other NGOs!). "Recently, I got two orders from the government. The education department, have asked me to make 200 school blackboards with the total payment of US$5,600. And the finance ministry has asked me to make 39 filing shelves, with the total payment of US$1,500."

"I am known as a good carpenter who can produce good quality pieces. My customers trust me 100%". In a city where 'everyone knows everyone', it's little wonder Clemente prizes his solid reputation as his greatest achievement.

"It's important that APHEDA supports people over the long term. I know that in the past some international support has set up carpenter's workshops in the districts, but due to very short commitments, once they stop the support, the workshop also shuts down". "I am so happy because APHEDA support us for the long term to increase our skill and capacity through training." With the income he has earned, Clemente and his wife have built themselves a home, can now afford a motorbike for their children, and have sponsored Clemente's youngest brother to finish his master's degree in Indonesia.

When asked what he would say to APHEDA's donors Clemente replies: "That APHEDA have done very good work. Because of APHEDA, many groups have had success. APHEDA holds many good trainings and assist groups to draft proposals so that they can get support from other companies and the government".

Clemente's workshop currently hires three other men and creates quality pieces to order including furniture, Tais screens (room dividers made using the traditional Timorese weaving), doors, windows and computer desks.

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Oct-2010 10:15:01 EST
This page: http://apheda.org.au/projects/easttimor/news/1287528996_7111.html