Atonio Paniolo needs a job. 

The 20-year-old is the breadwinner of his family at Leauva’a-uta. 

The youngest of three siblings, Atonio left school after Year eight after the passing of his grandfather. 

The Village Voice caught up with Atonio on his  way home from his plantation yesterday.

“All my older siblings have married off and live at their spouses’ villages leaving me to care for our family,” he said. 

According to Paniolo, he left school at a very young age. 

“I left school after Year eight at Leauva’a Primary School just months after my grandfather passed away,” he said.

“I didn’t want to continue school at the time because I wanted to stay home and help my father with the plantation to provide for our family.” 

Atonio, however, now regrets quitting school.

“I have come to realize that quitting school was wrong because our plantation only catered for our family but not as accomodating when it comes to paying the bills.

“I am still looking for a job right now to help out with whatever we get from the plantation. 

“I want to provide more for my parents and I cannot do that working the plantation, I need a job,” said Atonio. 

“Right now I am working hard to support my family and that is why I really want to secure a job so that I can be able to help them”.

Atonio says while he enjoys working for the plantation, but that is not enough. 

“I want to get a job in any company so that I am able to make steady money and help out my family.”