Mother’s search for a better life

By Nefertiti Matatia 07 June 2018, 12:00AM

Life has been a rolling stone for Ailini Neemia.

The unemployed mother of four from Tanumalala has so much on her plate.

She lives in a small hut with 14 people and only three people work. 

They don’t have a plantation and their house is half built because of financial constraints. 

They moved to Upolu for better opportunities, but she still encounters challenges. 

The need for a water tank, a proper home and being crowded in an open Samoan house are part of her daily life.

 “We are planning of building a proper house because we have recently just relocated here. The weight of the responsibility has been passed onto my older brother and my son-in-law for them to help,” Mrs. Neemia, 59, told the Village Voice team. 

“We really need a water tank because not every time will we have running tap water. It is a risk when we have many children in our family. We do not worry so much about the adults but the young ones are our priority.”

“It is just my daughter and her child, my son, the father of the family and husband’s brother together with his family. There are so many of us.”

“My brother-in-law has seven children together with us that is 14 people in a small house.”

“This house has been here for more than 10 years. We came in the beginning of the year just to look for better opportunities but also at the same time make use of our land that is here.”

There are so many unmet needs that they have, but there is nothing that they could do about it.

“I have my other kids overseas who are trying to help us. My son is a seasonal worker in Australia.

“So we are patiently waiting for the outcome but like everything else in life, it requires time. I don’t want to pressure them too because they have things to pay overseas. Life there is harder than here.”

“Over here we have our relatives to turn to for help. It is not the same thing overseas.”

For anyone who is willing to help Mrs. Neemia’s family, contact the number 7726112 or 7788828.

By Nefertiti Matatia 07 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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