Our only response is to work harder

By Vatapuia Maiava 01 December 2016, 12:00AM

There’s no hiding the fact that everyone goes through their own personal struggles.

For Susanna Ma’amainuu, from the village Nu’u-Fou, she knows the only response is to work hard.

Susanna, 34, says that although the cost of living is a big problem for the people of Samoa, that’s not an excuse to give up.

“From my own opinion as a mother who works hard to take care of her family, yes the cost of living is a bit high,” she said.

“But we are capable of making it work despite the cost of living in Samoa being high; it’s not hard to live with it.

“I hear a few people saying that the cost of living is high and I agree with them. But that only means that we should unite as Samoans and try to deal with this issue.

“It may be hard for some families but I urge you to look at the bright side and still try and do your best for those you love. No matter what your family needs, work hard to get it.”

Susanna says that if you need motivation to work hard, simply just look at your children; that’s all the motivation you need.

“If you want something to motivate you to work hard then just look at your children,” she said.

“Try and provide for them, especially with their schooling needs. There was once a program that gave children free education but I don’t think that’s still the case.

“There is always some sort of expense with the children’s schooling. And that is just a bit of what everyday Samoans go through nowadays.

“Money is needed for almost everything so that’s why we should all continue to work hard.”

Another advice Susanna has is to do your part. She explains that even if you don’t have a job and there’s one person in your family who does then take some weight off of his shoulders; help where you’re needed.

“If you don’t have a job then help those in your family who do work,” she said.

“There is so much you can do because in reality, the pay people get is nowhere close to being enough to cover every need the family has.

“My husband is the only one working right now and I try to do my part in my family as he works. We have been living here for 10 years now and we try to make it through every day.

“We aren’t well-off, but we still do our best.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 01 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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