Cultural erosion worries elder

By Ilia L Likou 03 February 2017, 12:00AM

A 63-year-old father from Tualele, Lesitala Leota, has expressed grave concerns about the erosion of the Samoan culture and values.

Speaking to the Village Voice, he believes everyone should make a concerted effort to this from continuing.

 “The main aspect of our culture that is slowly dying is the communication ‘feso’ota’iga’ within families,” he said.

“A good example would be between parents and their children that we seem to care little about today. I think that is the main root of all the rudeness from young people.”

Back in the day, family units were very tight.

 “I always miss those days. When the church bell rings in the evening, everyone will do their evening devotions and come together as one.

“But nowadays, that is no longer the case.

“Children are everywhere, they do whatever they want and that’s why most of them end up on the road doing nothing but committing more and more crime.

“This is really sad and if this continues I’m pretty sure Samoa will no longer be a safe place for our children to stay and live for the next five to ten years.”

Lesitala said life was peaceful then.

“This is how we used to live back in the days. That’s why family time is very important and I think we should bring back those days where parents taught their children about life and how to live a responsible life.

“They (parents) should devote more time with their children and keep reminding them about how they should live.

“There’s always a saying that - the child of a human is fed and nurtured with words while that of birds are fed with leaves.

 “The parents should focus on their childrens’ behaviour and teach them about our culture and our way of life

“Yes, we have to understand  family is the foundation of any child’s life. If we work together as a family and as a community to build strong foundations for our children.

 “Remember the Bible says that if ‘therefore, anyone who knows what is right but fails to do it is guilty of sin.

“So if we work together - there is no place like Samoa. Because we all know that life is simple and the lifestyle is just amazing if we live with our own culture and values.

When asked about his thoughts on the cost of living, Lesitala said it is sky-rocketing.

“The cost of things is high up in the sky but it doesn’t match with the amount of money that people are earning everyday.

 “I think the government should look at us and the struggles we face every day and make a quick move. At least lower the price on goods and services.”

By Ilia L Likou 03 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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