Struggles centre on the cost of living

By Seia Soloi 06 March 2017, 12:00AM

The cost of living increases and you must  just deal with it.

For Tafea Amuni from Vaitele he admits that his family goes through a lots of struggles.

“To be honest with you, life is tough in Samoa,” he told Village Voice.

“In terms of the struggles we face, we need lots of money to provide for everything in my family.

“One of the struggles we face is the high cost of living, which is very expensive,” he said.

The 45-year old father of three lives with his family along with his sisters and Mr Amuni says that it’s not easy providing for a big family like his.

He works at the Faleata Golf Course.

“Only three of my family work and the money they earn is not enough providing for our family.

Church and village obligations are the most expensive areas for Tafea and his family.

“As for me, this is one of the big changes today, and I know for sure that there are some families out there who face the same difficulties. We donate more money and food, but within our family our children are starving for food, school fees and other needs.

“When it comes to family faalavelave, we go look for it, but we have water and electricity to pay as well as school fees.

“My family goes through a lot on a daily basis” he said.

  And as for Tafea, his priority is to make sure his children have the best life and to provide for them.

“Even though it’s hard, but I try in whatever I can making sure that my kids have lunch every day.

Mr Amuni also says there has been much change over the years.

“Back in the days, everything was cheap and we were not struggling but today, if you don’t work hard for your family, you suffer.

“That’s why I push my children hard in school, to have a better life and when they grow up, they know very well what to do for their own family.”

By Seia Soloi 06 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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