ATAURO, TIMOR-LESTE - What began as a small weekly savings deposit has culminated in a towering personal achievement for Herminia Araujo Martins. The 49-year-old treasurer of the 'E’papana' savings group has just completed construction of a two-story concrete house, realizing a long-held dream through her participation in the innovative Rai Osan Ba Mudansa (ROMANSA) program.
The program, formally known as the Hakbiit Asaun Koletiva ba Igualidade no Inkluzaun iha Timor-Leste (HAKBIIT), is implemented by the Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute (KSI) on Atauro Island. It empowers communities through collective savings and micro-loan schemes, leading to tangible economic change at the household level.
For Herminia of Biqueli village, the change is concrete and stands 7.5 by 8 meters wide. "My original dream was just to build a simple house, not a two-story one," she shared. "But I am grateful because through the ROMANSA activity, we can save and borrow money with low interest, so I was able to use a ROMANSA loan together with my private money and finally build this two-story house."
Her journey with the 'E’papana' group involved disciplined saving, setting aside between $20 to $50 weekly. Over one savings cycle, she accumulated $577.30. The ROMANSA model allowed her to access four separate loans to phase the construction.
- First Loan ($200): Combined with personal funds to purchase sand, stones, and cement for the house foundation.
- Second Loan ($300): Used with private savings to buy steel rods and materials for the house frame.
- Third & Fourth Loans ($400 & $600): Secured to purchase remaining construction materials to complete the home.
When her group distributed its collective savings in December 2025, Herminia’s own $577.30 share was reinvested directly into the building project. "I feel happy because through ROMANSA, I could increase my family's income and it helped me realize my dream of building a new house," she explained.
The success story of Herminia is a testament to the ROMANSA program's impact. She praises its clear, non-burdensome rules and the easy access to savings it provides members. Inspired by the outcome, Herminia has decided to continue saving, committing to a second cycle of the program.
The ROMANSA initiative continues to foster financial resilience and turn aspirations into reality for many families across Atauro.
(Photo Caption 2): The completed two-story house built by Herminia, financed through a combination of ROMANSA program loans and her personal savings. Photo courtesy of KSI.
