Rio was brought up in Ledaya, a rural village of Timor-Leste where 80% of households make a living through agriculture and livestock farming. Parents of Rio also raised goats and chickens in their farm, and cultivated corn and beans in their fields. As Rio grew up among these scenes from childhood, goats became an integral part of his life.

“In the morning, I could see goats frolicking in the lush pasture outside the window. I learned how to make medicine for sick goats from my father, and  how to reduce their stress from my mother, gradually building a close bond with goats.”

Source: Taloi  

Most people in Timor-Leste, including Rio’s family, engage in agriculture and livestock farming, yet many still face economic hardships. Half of the population of Timor-Leste with 1.1 million live on less than $1 a day and the average monthly salary is barely $150. Moreover, many young people are leaving rural areas due to lack of job opportunities. Rio himself came to Korea as a foreign worker to support his family.

“I believe one of the reasons for the high youth unemployment rate is the lack of educational opportunities. Especially in rural areas like Ledaya, people struggle to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Children, like my siblings, have limited access to education, losing the chance for a better future.”

Like most migrant workers in Korea, Rio also struggled with language barriers and cultural differences. Moreover, it became a daily life, returning home exhausted from long hours of toil at the factory. Despite the hardships, he hopes that other young people in Timor-Leste will not have to leave their families and hometowns like he did. He made up his mind to start a self-reliance project called ‘Ledaya Goat Farm’ to revitalize the local economy and create jobs for youth.

"Frankly, sometimes the work is overwhelming and exceedingly tough. But I'm grateful just to have a job and to be able to support my family back in Timor-Leste. Even though it is challenging, thinking about returning home and starting a goat farm in Ledaya for the community and the youth gives me strength!"

"In Timor-Leste, goats are not only a vital means of livelihood but also a precious part of our culture. We always have goat dishes on special occasions like weddings and festivals. I remember how happy it was to gather with family, chat and enjoy goat meals back home. I want to continue providing good memories and development opportunities for the people of Timor-Leste through goat farming."

Ledaya Goat Farm aims to provide stable income and employment opportunities for the local community through raising goats. Operating the farm with the youth, they will stimulate the local economy by selling goat milk, meat, and leather. Additionally, they plan to raise goats in an eco-friendly method in collaboration with local farmers, such as feeding them discarded crops.

Furthermore, through the Ledaya Goat Farm, Rio aims to develop Ledaya and beyond, contributing to Timor-Leste. He will actively increase the income and job opportunities for the local community by the goat farm business. Also, he wants to expand opportunities for the youth and children by investing in educational programs. He plans to create positive impacts on the local community and environment, generating social value. Join his modest yet confident plan to develop Timor-Leste splendidly through the goat farm!