Ata Kalolo, from the village of Leauvaa, says a lot has changed in Samoa over the years and that some families are struggling because of the impact of these changes. 

Aged 36, Ata explains how high the cost of living in Samoa is affecting many families. 

“So much has changed in Samoa,” said Ata. “Especially with the prices of goods in Samoa. The sad thing about it is that while prices are going up, the income earned by our people is very low.” 

“And I say this because this is happening to not only one but a lot of families in Samoa.” 

“I support the opinions of other people complaining about the cost of living we have in Samoa nowadays.”

“If you look back to 10 years ago, if you have a $100, you can get a lot of goods from the shops.

“But it’s not the same anymore.”

“We need to remember, we are not all the same. Some families are well-off than the others. And most people are struggling.”

“We are struggling as well.”

However, said Ata true believes in the saying that where there is a will, there’s a way.

He said, if you complain and do nothing, then you will continue to suffer.

“Like I said before, a lot of people are struggling. But for me, if we don’t do anything about it, then we will continue to suffer.”

“For me, I work as a security at night and I work on my plantation during day time.”

“That’s how life is for me and my family. I work to get money to pay the bills and for other family obligations, and depend on the plantation for food.”

“There is always a way if you work hard and use your God’s given talent to the best of our abilities.”

“We have lands and we can also depend on the sea for food. I work on my plantation because I know it can help out a lot with taking care of my family.” 

“That’s one thing where we spend most money on is food. And if you have a plantation, you don’t need to worry about buying rice or anything.”

“And with the little money I get from my job, having a plantation have been really helpful. And that motivates me to keep working hard.”

“If we complain and do nothing about it, then we will continue to suffer. Get up, look around and work hard.”