A real man chooses family

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 06 March 2017, 12:00AM

Malae Sila, 50 years of age is a single man who does it all for the family. 

He is living with his two siblings and their families at Leauva’a. 

“I’m not in a hurry to make a family of my own because I realize a family with your siblings has enough tasks and responsibilities that come with it that require a lot of hard work,” he said. 

The Village Voice caught up with him while he was making his way to work. 

Malae is a house carpenter. 

“I work because I do it for my family,” he said. “I have a sister and a brother who both work in town and I’m the third one who also provides for my family financially. 

With the expensive cost of living in Samoa he believes working together is required. 

 “We understand that our family relies heavily on us every day, and that’s why we have to go to work every day no matter how tired we are.”

But usually the money we earn is hard to stretch. 

“We are responsible for the children’s education as well as family fa’alavelave, village matters and also church obligations which require a lot of money. 

“We get to donate a lot to church because it’s a must which sometimes we save up for. 

“To be honest, no matter how much money we get from our pay, when it comes to budgeting, we struggle. And you know exactly why? 

“$100 is not enough for daily basic needs. 

 “And I guess everyone else agrees with me on this issue. 

“You always have to work hard in order to get what you want and to be successful in life.” 

 “But this is my way of helping my family out.” 

Malae truly believes that he’d rather not have a family of his own because his will is to look after his siblings and their children.  

 “That’s the reason why I work hard is to feed my family because I don’t want to just sit around and do nothing while my family is struggling.” 

“Even if I have to do this all day and everyday that doesn’t matter at all. 

He went on to say that he will keep working and be able to help his family out because that’s where true love is engraved. 

“I keep on working because I love my family”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 06 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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