Mefi and the Nutrition Kiosk: Proof That the Future Can Be Built at Home

Mefi (20) lives in one of the assisted villages of Plan Indonesia in the remote interior of South Central Timor (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara. Far from the noise and pace of city life, Mefi grew up in a simple household. Born into a family of farmers and livestock keepers, her parents relied on modest harvests and small-scale animal husbandry to make ends meet.

Mefi is the second of four children. From a young age, she carried a big dream—to pursue higher education and one day change her family’s future. But reality soon intervened. Limited family finances forced her to set aside her dream of attending university. At the time, her older sibling was already studying at a university in Kupang.

“I knew my parents couldn’t afford to send two children to college at the same time,” Mefi recalls. With a heavy heart, she chose to let go of her dream—at least for the moment.

Determined not to burden her family, Mefi decided to migrate to Kupang. There, she found work as a shop attendant at a perfume store, earning IDR 750,000 per month. The income was barely enough, especially since she had to live with the shop owner.

“Life in the city wasn’t as easy as I imagined,” she says. “The salary was small, the cost of living was high, and I was far from my family.”

Still, she endured those years, suppressing her longing for home while continuing to support her parents.

A First Step Toward Independence

In 2024, Mefi made a life-changing decision—she returned to her village. The choice came with risks, as it meant leaving behind a steady job and returning to a place with limited opportunities. But fate had other plans.

Shortly after returning, Mefi received information from Yosafat Manit, a Field Development Officer (FDO) of Plan Indonesia, about the Youth-Led Agri-Food (YLAF) project. Implemented by Plan Indonesia with support from Citi Foundation, the program aims to strengthen rural youth livelihoods through agriculture and egg-laying poultry farming.

“I thought this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss,” Mefi says. With enthusiasm, she registered for the program and completed all the required steps. Her family strongly supported her decision—especially her father, who is actively involved as a volunteer with Plan Indonesia in the village.

Through the YLAF project, Mefi received start-up support in the form of a Nutrition Kiosk (Kios Gizi), complete with basic food supplies such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, coffee, and other daily necessities. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

At first, the small kiosk served only nearby neighbors. But through consistent effort and the trust of the community, Mefi’s business began to grow. Her product range expanded, capital continued to rotate, and more customers came each day.

More than a year later, Mefi’s nutrition kiosk has become one of the village’s preferred shopping spots. Her income has increased significantly.

“On average, I earn around IDR 350,000 to 400,000 per day. When business is good, my monthly income can exceed IDR 5 million,” she says with a proud smile. The figure far surpasses the salary she once earned working in the city.

This success has transformed not only Mefi’s life, but also her family’s. She can now support her youngest sibling, who is still in elementary school.

“I can buy daily snacks, school uniforms, notebooks, and other necessities,” she shares. Things that once felt impossible have now become reality.

More importantly, Mefi has experienced a profound personal transformation.

“I feel more confident and optimistic,” she says. “I’ve learned that a good future doesn’t have to be found in the city—it can be built right here in our own village.”

Mefi’s story is a powerful reminder that limitations are not the end of the road. With courage, the willingness to seize opportunities, and hard work, dreams can be realized.

“Don’t be afraid to return home,” she says to other young people. “There are opportunities here too—if we’re willing to try.”