Aplonia, aged in her late 50s, lives in Kupang, Indonesia. She is married to Stefanus and they have six children. Life is difficult for most people in Kupang, but for Aplonia and her family, it has been particularly tough.

Stefanus had a stroke a few years ago, and although he did recover, he is unable to work. The long-lasting effects of the stroke on his health are difficult to manage, so Aplonia became the sole breadwinner in the family.

She took out a loan with one of Opportunity International Australia’s local partners and set up a vegetable stall at the local market.

“It hurts for my husband to walk,” said Aplonia. “He doesn’t have a job. So, I’m doing my business all day long, paying the school fees, and using the money as my business capital.”

Every day Aplonia rises early and heads to the market to purchase fruit and vegetables to then sell at her own stall. One of her daughters, Yuni, also has a stall at the market and received a small loan to start her own business.

^{Yuni, Aplonia's daughter, also runs a vegetable stall, with the the help of a small loan.}

In April 2021, disaster struck. Cyclone Seroja ripped through their village, damaging most of their house. The roof and the walls were destroyed. On the night of the cyclone, the family fled to her son’s house nearby to take shelter. Their son’s house was also damaged that night, but it wasn’t until the next morning they saw the extent of the damage at both homes.

The family had to rebuild their house, whilst also taking care of Stefanus’ medical needs. The house is still being rebuilt two years on.

^{Stefanus and Aplonia outside their home that was damaged in a cyclone and is now being rebuilt.}

“During the cyclone time, it was really hard for us,” said Aplonia.

Throughout their troubles, Aplonia has managed to keep her vegetable stall going and is able to support the family.

She still has two children in school, and the income she earns from the vegetable stall helps pay the school fees. One of her sons dreams of becoming a policeman, and has recently started training in security as a starting point.

Aplonia has aspirations for her children to succeed in life but ultimately has one dream.

“I want my children to have a happy life,” said Aplonia.  

Project supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).