Father talks of family’s survival

By Ulimasao Fata 05 January 2018, 12:00AM

For people who doubt the existence of struggles and hardship in Samoa, here’s Liutoto Taueva’s everyday life.

Mr. Taueva, 40, is from the village of Faleasi’u-uta. 

He is a father of six and he lives with his family in a small hut.

Mr. Taueva says life has been hard for him and his family in terms of finances and standard of living.

“Things have been so hard for me and my family here in our place, because my wife and I both don’t have regular jobs,” he told the Village Voice team yesterday.

“The only money that we have that supports our six children and our family is from our vegetables that we sell.

“We sell Samoa cocoa, beans and cabbage and we usually earn $150 per week, if it’s good then the number will double.”

Mr. Taueva mentioned that while school break is coming to an end, he is working hard to provide for his children.

“Last year only three of my kids went to school, but this year I have another child all set to attend school too.

“The problem is that I have to work hard to provide for their uniforms and their lunch money every day.

“Another thing is that we have to wake up early to catch the bus, if we miss that trip, I have to pay extra money so my kids can get to school.”

Mr. Taueva says he also has to support church and village commitments.

“I am supporting our family and at the same time whatever money I make, I have to support our church and village.

Mr. Taueva mentioned they had recently received water connection.

“One of the hardest part back then for us was having no access to running water, but luckily now we have been blessed to receive one from the Red Cross.

“I am really happy that we have a tank now for us, so the only thing we are struggling with today is in terms of our finance and our shelter.”

Mr. Taueva adds he needs help with his house.

“This was the only house we could afford, and here I am still trying to make money and save some in order to get me and my children a safer place.”

By Ulimasao Fata 05 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>