Plantation therapy

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L. Likou 09 November 2016, 12:00AM

People have many different ways of venting their frustrations but for Sisigafu’a Loli, from the village of Vaitele-Uta and Nu’u-Fou, all he needs is a moment or two with his plantation.

Aged 58, Sisigafu’a retired after his children found jobs and still does his part through his plantation. Providing crops for everyday meals, the hardworking father loves what he does.

“I actually live in Vaitele-Uta with my wife and children and this piece of land belongs to someone I know,” he told the Village Voice.

“I have done a little plantation here so that I can provide some food for my family. You actually caught me on my break; I’m just sitting here and deciding what to do next.

“It’s always good to do something to take care of you family even if you’re not working anymore.”

Sisigafu’a also explains how his plantation is also a form of therapy for him.

“I was employed before and now my children have jobs so it’s my turn to take a break,” he said.

“That’s pretty much the story of my family, everything is alright and we have more than enough to make ends meet. I just try and do my part in the family through this plantation.

“Another reason I come up here is to get away from family drama. If there is something I don’t like or agree with then I come out here where it’s nice and peaceful.

“So I leave my wife and children at home and come clear my head out here and work the land.”

Sisigafu’a says that the best way to deal with issues in life, is to go off and do your own thing to kill your built up anger or frustrations.

“My work here reminds me a lot of my days in the rural villages where everyone goes off to do their own work,” he said.

“That’s how peace in a family is kept, everyone does their own thing. That’s why I like this plantation, when we have an argument then I can just escape here and do some work.”

He explains that one of his frustrations that he is currently dealing with is the untameable attitude of the present youth.

“You know when I was younger, the one thing I knew was important in my life was to always obey your parents and never think of yourself as more than you are,” Sisigafu’a said.

“Nowadays the children have too many rights. It has even affected the way they are disciplined. When I was growing up; no matter how old I was I would still get a beating from my parents when I do something wrong.

“Even when I turned 30, I would always listen and obey my parents.

“Now there are too many rules against slapping around your children and that’s why going to your plantation to clear you mind is important.”

And when he feels he is at breaking point, Sisigafu’a hops onto a bus and makes his way to his humble plantation.

“The way the young live their lives nowadays is just unbearable,” he said.

“I try my best to calm myself when I see how the children are living but it becomes too much to handle at times. I can’t do much because I am afraid of all the rules against beating them.

“All I can do is to try and lead them to the way I lived my life back in the days. When that doesn’t work and I find myself getting angry I just hop onto the bus and come here to work.”

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L. Likou 09 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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