Nikodemus Nisa or Niko, the youngest of six siblings, was born in Soe, TTS District, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia. When his father died, he was raised by his uncle in Tanini Village, Kupang District—a remote area with a limited access. He was just 8 years old at that time. Unfortunately, his family was unable to support his education. He was out of school after graduating from the elementary school.

“I really wanted to continue my study, but my family could not afford it. I have my chance, finally, when a community learning centre called, PKBM Sonaf Marthin, was established in my village,” said the 18-year old boy.

He was enrolled to join the Start Your Business (SYB) for several months before joining the vocational training on furniture making in July 2009. The learning centre and training programmes were established in collaboration with the ILO under its Education and Skills Training for Youth (EAST). “I learnt so much and gained entrepreneurship skills from the learning centre,” he exclaimed.

After completing the trainings, together with five other students, Niko was offered an internship opportunity at one of the private companies in Kupang, CV Abel, to enhance his furniture making skills. His supervisor was impressed with his hard work and skills, and offered him a job. He has been working at CV Abel ever since.

“I am just thrilled when I get the offer from the company. The training programme conducted by the ILO has provided me with skills that I can use to find a job and work decently. I also become more confident in doing my work,” he said, adding that he is going to pursue his education in March 2010 by entering a ‘B package programme’—a government non formal educational programme that is equal to junior high school.

He plans to continue working for several more months to gain more skills before coming back to his village to develop his own business. “When my family heard about my job in here, they are very proud. I hope that I can also make my village proud with what I have achieved,” he said. His dream, therefore, is to come back to his village to share his knowledge and experience in order to build and improve the local economy. “I want to reach a better future for all of us.”