Catalog

Settler, “Head of Family,” 28-Year-Old Male

“I was born in a village in Simbu province in 1973. My father died in 1975 and I was brought up by my paternal uncle and his wife. I did not attend school. In 1983 I came to Port Moresby and lived with my older brother in a one-room house with four other people. I worked as a street vendor selling betel nuts and cigarettes.

“In 1992, I built my own shack and got married. My wife joined me in the street-selling business and that is how we have earned our living since then. In 1996 my aunt (who brought me up) died but I could not afford to go to the village for the funeral. I was very upset. In 1998 my biological mother died and again I could not afford to go to the funeral.

“My wife and I are equal partners in all our business activities. On a Friday or holiday we can make as much as K8 profit, but on most days it is between K4-6. We spend K2 a day on food, buying some greens, a coconut, and tapioca. Sometimes we buy fish, soap, smokes, and betel nut for our own use.

“My home has no water or electricity. We get water from other people’s taps and sometimes they chase us away. I have dug a pit that we use as a toilet and have candles for light at night. We cook on an open fire in the garden. When I have the opportunity, I cut trees in town, dry the wood and sometimes have enough to sell as firewood at the market.

“I look to a brighter future and hope for prosperity by 2005. The Big Man (God or Bill Skate) will see to this. I want to have a big house and car.

“I see our youth as having a bleak future. Broken promises lead too often to frustration and violence. Crime is the only avenue for many youth. A lack of parental concern, love, and protection leave the youth very vulnerable. The Church offers the only hope against despair as long as people can believe that this is God’s will and that He will look after us.”