Meet Maun Mario from Bahalarawain village, he is a trusted leader and small business owner in Viqueque.
“I used to hide my disability and feel unsure about my future. But being part of the Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) changed that. Today, I feel confident, not just for myself, but to inspire others too.” – Maun Mario
Through his VSLA group, he accessed savings and training that helped him buy a coconut grinding machine and a rice threshing machine, now earning $50–150 per month. With this, he: Rehabilitated his parents’ home, Started building his own house, Saved for his son’s education
Looking ahead, Mario plans to start a communal farm and buy more equipment to support local farmers.
He and his wife work side by side, sharing household and business responsibilities, showing how gender equality strengthens families and communities.
His story shows that disability doesn’t limit potential—it unlocks leadership, resilience, and innovation.
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Hasoru maun Mario husi aldeia Bahalarawain, nia nu’udar lider ida ne’ebé fiar no na’in ba negósiu ki’ik iha Viqueque.
“Uluk ha’u subar ha’u nia defisiénsia no sente la iha serteza kona-ba ha’u nia futuru. Maibé halo parte iha Asosiasaun Poupansa no Empréstimu Aldeia nian (VSLA) muda ida-ne’e. Ohin, ha’u sente fiar-an, la’ós de’it ba ha’u-nia an rasik, maibé atu inspira ema seluk mós.” – Maun Mario
Liuhusi nia grupu VSLA, nia hetan asesu ba poupansa no formasaun ne’ebé ajuda nia sosa mákina dulas nuu no mákina ida atu baku hare, agora nia hetan osan $50-150 kada fulan. Husi resultadu ida ne’e: Halo rehabilitasaun ba nia inan-aman nia uma, Hahú harii nia uma rasik, Rai ba nia oan nia edukasaun
Ba oin, Mario iha planu atu hahú to’os komunál ida no sosa tan ekipamentu atu apoia agrikultór lokál sira.
Nia ho nia feen serbisu hamutuk fahe responsabilidade uma-laran no negósiu nian, hatudu oinsá igualdade jéneru hametin família no komunidade sira.
Ninia istória hatudu katak defisiénsia la limita potensiál—ida-ne’e loke lideransa, reziliénsia, no inovasaun.
