On April 23–24, 2025, PRADET through Girls Empowerment Program (GEP), with financial support from UNICEF, provided sustainable livelihood support to four adolescent girls in Builale and Ossurua Villages (Ossu-Viqueque) and Samalete and Tarasu Villages (Railaku- Ermera).
There were 58 Adolescent girls in the villages of Builale, Ossurua, Samalete and Taraso who have had previously completed life skills training through GEP. From the total adolescent participants, four adolescent girls were categorized as vulnerable and they received small business support—including kiosks and animal husbandry support. The initiative aims to improve the economic well-being of these girls and their families.
Before receiving this support, GEP-PRADET worked closely with local cooperatives and leaders—including President CUB (Coperativa Uniaun Builale), HAFA (Hadia Familia), and Madesa (Matadalan Dezenvolve Samalete) —to provide training on business management, financial literacy, and planning. In addition, Mr. Moises da Silva Guterres, Chief of Development Plan, provided guidance on animal care, hygiene, and sustainable livestock practices.
During the training, Mr. Guterres shared a powerful metaphor:
“This support is like giving you a rod and reel—not just a fish. A fish is gone once it’s cooked, but fishing tools can feed you for a lifetime. PRADET is showing you the way to improve your economy. Use this support wisely and work hard to create a better future.”
Local authorities and families expressed heartfelt thanks to UNICEF and PRADET and have pledged their commitment to helping the girls sustain and grow these new opportunities.
