“We are the future” - David Peni

By Sarafina Sanerivi 09 January 2017, 12:00AM

Although many people have been critical about the behaviour of young people in Samoa, David Peni from the village of Vaitele-Uta begs to differ.

David Peni strongly asserts that the young population have been getting a bad rap by just a few.

“We are all different in our own ways,” he says.

“As a youth, I am quite sad about how the behaviour of others paints a bad picture for all of us.

Just because a few are causing troubles in town and starting up fights, people are now pointing fingers at us and say that we are all the same.”

He went on to say that youths play a very important role within families, villages, and communities.

“We are the future of our families. 

“We help our families out here and there with chores; some of us go to school and work. The future of our families and communities depend upon us.”

According to David, the reason why some youths end up in the streets causing trouble is the result of not spending enough time with their parents.

“If we spend more time with our parents and families, then we will understand more about how to live our lives and we will learn a lot of things from them.

“They know better than us and they have more experience than us.”

Moreover, David said the most important thing the youths should do is to obey and listen to their parents. 

“We should always listen to their advice and do what they tell us to do. If we become rebellious and hang out with the wrong people, we will end up doing all the wrong things.”

Having a strong relationship with God is another thing David believes the youths should aspire to. 

“Go to church and be a part of the youth groups in your villages. That will direct you to the right path. 

“For me, I love going to church because God blessed me with a beautiful talent and that is to be a pianist.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 09 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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