Breaking the cycle of poverty
The youngest child of Auria Martins, Esmeralda’s story is one of triumph in the face of un-imaginable hardship and loss. Much like her mother Auria, she has experienced profound tragedy, but has still persevered despite the twists and turns of life.
Now in her final semester at the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), her hard work and dedication in achieving her bachelor’s degree have paid off, but her sacrifices have extended beyond the classroom…
“When I was 5 years old, I attended Mota Kiik Primary School, which was located on the other side of the river from where I lived. I used to walk about 10–15 minutes to school since it was nearby, but I always had to cross the river. When the river was high, I couldn’t go to school because it was too dangerous to cross. However, when the river wasn’t flooded, I could still get to classes by climbing onto a sand extraction tractor that could operate in water.”
Esmeralda then undertook her junior high studies in the same school where her father used to teach before his passing. However the distance was greater and she had to walk for 30-40 minutes per day. By the time she reached senior school the distance increased and required additional planning around her travel to and fro… .
“For senior high school, I went to STM Becora. I had to walk about 30 minutes to the main road and then take public transportation to school. There were public transport vans (mikrolets) that operated between Hera and Dili, but not many cars passed by. Sometimes, I would ask strangers driving to Dili or Becora to drop me at the bus terminal, and from there, I would take a mikrolet to school. It was challenging, so my mother suggested I stay in Becora with my uncle during the school week. On weekends, I would return home to Hera. I stayed at my uncle’s house throughout high school until I graduated. Then I had to find a way to continue my studies cause my dream was to attend university.”
Making a way where there seemed to be no way
Esmeralda was no stranger to the work of Carmel Impact. She knew of the programs and scholarships provided by us and got in touch through her brother. After meeting our team in Hera, she not only applied and was successful but she became further involved in the Carmel Impact community and has been receiving support thanks to the generosity of our donors. Now in the final year of her ‘Research Methodology’ course, Esmeralda will soon undertake a professional internship in November, prepare her final thesis and graduate in the coming year.
“I want to work immediately after graduation so I can make my mom proud and happy. I also hope to continue my studies and pursue a master’s degree one day. It is my dream to reach higher education if the opportunity comes.”
“I want to say thank you to the Australian donors at Carmel Impact. I also want to thank my mother for everything, her love, care, and daily prayers. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her support. I’m so grateful for all her sacrifices. I pray that she stays healthy and happy, and that she lives a long life so she can witness all of my milestones and success.”
