Elderly man challenges the young

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 11 May 2017, 12:00AM

Meet Fomai Matalē, 60-years old from Falelauniu.

His priority is for his family that’s why he works hard in good and bad weather to make sure that his family is safe and well

“Age doesn’t matter to me as long as I have the courage and passion to work hard for my family, that is more than enough for me rather than having  a formal job,” he told Village Voice.

“In my family there’s me and my older sister who I take care of as well as my nieces who help me every day.

“I see that life nowadays is far different from our younger days when we could easily work and provide for our families but the young generation is too lazy for that.

“I don’t have a wife and children but I taught my younger and older nephews and nieces to know what to do.

We just have to be thankful and blessed for what we have because nowadays it is not easy anymore.”

Fomai understands that the cost of living is very expensive compared to years ago.

“In our day, it was a simple way of life but today it costs us lots of money.

“When it comes to family obligations it costs us thousands of tala but luckily I have older sisters and brothers who send money for all of these problems.

“What I do is work on the plantation just to get food for our family and to pay for our water and electricity bills each month.”

Nowadays, Fomai sees the changes and challenges that are faced every day by our people.

“The main problem is the cost of living. 

“The life of the younger generation  all starts from their parents. They have to teach them and to let their kids know how hard life is if they don’t look for a job.”

Lots and lots of people do complain about how hard life is but to Fomai, it’s up to them to express their own thoughts.

“We shouldn’t complain about it” he said.

“We are lucky we have plantations to develop and vegetable gardens to sell what we grow at the market.

“Instead of complaining, we should work for our family and for the future of our children.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 11 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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