Toma Fati, from the village of Tanumapua understands very well that life isn’t easy. In order to survive one must be willing to work whether it rains or the sun shines.

Aged 24, through the hard work Toma is able to provide food and a source of income for his wife and four children. 

But he admits that working is no walk in the park. And with the high cost of living these days, Toma believes the answer is to knuckle down and work harder.

“The truth is, the cost of living is very expensive these days,” he said. 

“The money I get from working is not enough to provide for my family especially for my children.”

“Most of the time, we try to stretch the money I get from work so that it can reach my other pay day, but it’s very difficult because the cost of things these days are very high.”

And with school starting soon, Toma said he has choice but to work hard for his family and children.

“Two of my children are already in school and I know with schools starting very soon, I have to work extra hard because they don’t walk to school.” 

“They need money for their fares and also their lunch and school uniforms.”

“Sometimes I feel sick because of too much work, but every time I go home and see my children, it just gives me strength and pushes me to keep working for them.”

He thinks the cost of living is very expensive

“The reality nowadays is that holding a $100 is just like holding a $10.”

“Your family can’t depend on a $100 for a week.” 

“For me and my family, I know the money I get from my work isn’t enough to provide for us. But I always do best and I continue to work hard because it’s for my family.”

Looking ahead, Toma said his main goal is to keep pushing his children to do well in school.

“That’s the reason why I work hard. I want to show them that if you want something in life, you have to work hard in order for you to get it.” 

“The main reason why I am working is to provide for them. I am happy to do whatever hard work just so I can send them to school to be well-educated.” 

“My duty is to make sure that they get an education so that they can have better future when they grow up.”

“That’s the same dream any parent has. We all want to see our children become successful in life.”

“We don’t want them to suffer and we don’t want them to struggle. I will not just work hard, but I will also make sure that they are committed with their studies.”

“All these hard work I am doing is for their future.”