Aspiring sailor keen to graduate to help his family

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 18 February 2017, 12:00AM

A young man from Asaga Savaii can do with your help – if you are willing to give.

Ioane Leisala, 19, is a student at the Marine School. He wants to be a sailor and he can do with some financial help.

 “I grew up with my three siblings in a lower-class home headed by my hard working parents,” he said. “We are rich in love and support and because of my mom’s passion for weaving mats we were able to come this far.”

 “But we are not rich in money.”

Life is very simple in Savai’i.

But it was when Ioane moved to Upolu for his Marine school that he realised how hard it is without money.

 “Money is our number one need. I need help to complete my studies,” he said.

The money will be used to pay his fees.

At the moment, Ioane is staying with some relatives at Alafua.

 “Every morning, I wake up early around six to get ready for school and because of the shortage of buses around Alafua, I find myself walking all the way to Moamoa to catch the early bus,” he said.

To return home, sometimes he walks because he doesn’t have bus fare.

 “You see, despite all these challenges, I feel the support and the love of my parents. They keep encouraging me to go on.”

Ioane cannot wait to graduate so that he can get a job.

“My family relies on my mother’s mats for a living. I want to work so I can help my mother and father.”

In the meantime, he is fascinated by the difference in lifestyles between Savai’i and Upolu.

 “Sometimes I ask myself why is Apia different form Savai’i? Why is Upolu not simple as the way Savai’i life?”

If you want to help Ioane, he can be contacted on 7279023.

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 18 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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