Persevering against the odds

By Vatapuia Maiava 16 December 2016, 12:00AM

Life isn’t easy but that doesn’t mean giving up is the only option.

That’s how Fetalaiga Tapunu’u, from the village of Faleasi’u-Uta, sees life. In admitting that her family is struggling under the poverty line, Fetalaiga, says that she still continues to work hard for those she loves.

The hard working mother also tries to teach her children as much as possible about life in hopes that their future will be brighter than the present.

“I admit that my family is struggling and we don’t consider ourselves as having much,” she told the Village Voice.

“My one wish for my children is for them to one day help out my family. There are five people currently living under our roof.

“Ever since the beginning, my family has been relying on a plantation like this to provide for the family. Right now, some of my children are currently in university and the rest are in college.”

According to Fetalaiga, the one thing that’s always on any parents mind is to provide as much as they can for their children despite their situation.

“In this life, the one thing that matters for any parent it to work very hard for the sake of the children,” she said.

“Like I mentioned before, living off of the plantation and the money we make from sales was what my family did for a long time now.

“Now my children are all old, we are still living off of the plantation. As you can see, I just finished my hard work with clearing this small area for my plantation.”

Speaking on her own personal experience, Fetalaiga says that not having much is also a form of motivation to push her harder for what she wants and needs.

“I admit that it’s not easy to take care of a family from what we make,” she said.

“I speak especially about my family; we are struggling and we live in poverty. But in saying that, I understand the value of hard work and not giving up because my family depends on me.

“No matter what task I am given, I try my best with the Lord by my side. I keep telling my children to do their best in school so that their future will be brighter than the life they currently live in now.”

But at the end of the day, her children’s schooling and their future is Fetalaiga’s utmost priority.

“Right now, my priority is my children’s schooling,” she said.

“I try to teach them that their hard work in school will benefit them and their families when the time comes. With that in mind, they have been working hard every day.

“But right now, I will just continue to work hard in my plantation. Although this is hard work, I thank the Lord for the opportunity he gives me to take care of those I love.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 16 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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