Start them young

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 2017, 12:00AM

Suicide is one of the most common issues in the world and Samoa has amongst the highest rates.. 

Government and different organisations have been trying to find a solution to this issue over the years. 

However, the rate keeps increasing each year. 

The question is, what can we do to stop this issue? 

Ask Tolusenetenari Siaitolo Taulagi of Vaitele-Fou and she will be happy to tell you. 

She told the Village Voice that the increasing number of deaths as a result of suicide is saddening for her. 

“It’s very sad to hear that a lot of young people have turned to suicide thinking that it can solve whatever problem they faced.

“And it’s frustrated to see that the numbers keep going up every year. 

“The thing is, a person can go and commit suicide over a simple matter. Then he or she will leave this earth leaving the families heartbroken and with a scar forever. 

“This is my own opinion on this issue, I don’t know about others but this is what I think. 

“There is nothing more painful than parents losing their child. It is one of the most painful feeling ever. 

“And it’s worse if the death is caused by an act of suicide.

“This issue has been around for so many years, yet we still don’t have a proper way to eliminate it. But for me, I truly believe that it is time we should do something about it.”

Said Tolusenetenari, the problem may be big, but the solution is very simple. 

“And this is my own opinion,” she said. 

“You know everything starts and begins at home. Home is where we build up the lives of our children. 

“The bible says, “Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will never depart from it.

“This means that it is our duty to show our children the right way to live their lives. Show and teach them the right thing to do and with the word of God. 

“Start teaching them young so that they can grow up following those teachings.”

Moreover, Tolusenetenari believes that parents should also devote their time talking to their children and give them the opportunity to share their problems with them.

“A lot of kids in Samoa are afraid to talk to their parents about their problems. But if we can break and change this mentality, we can help eliminate all the issues from happening. 

“Don’t hesitate to talk to them about the effects of suicide. Talk to them also about all the other options and what they should do whenever they have a problem.

“The fact of the matter is that most kids these days think of suicide when the parents scold them or give them a hiding. 

“And is just sad and it has to stop.”

Nevertheless, Tolusenetenari believes that to address this issue, everyone needs to work together to alleviate the issue. 

“It takes a whole village to raise a child. Start teaching them when they are young so that when they grow up to be good leaders for the future. 

“And this is not only something the parents should do. Everyone is responsible. Our parents, village councils, pastors, teachers, government leaders, and others.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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