In Samoa we are always taught to serve to the best of our ability.

When we are young, serving your elders is a must and as you grow up, these lessons of service become instilled in your nature.

For Luki Kitiona from the village of Ti’avea, learning to serve others brings him so much joy.

“I just came over to drop off some food for the pastor who lives inland because he is involved in the annual church event (Faigame),” he told the Village Voice.

“Doing the umu is the one chore I enjoy doing and it’s always good to share with others like the pastor. I even try my best to serve my family to the best of my ability.

“Every day I help where I am needed especially with my family. My understanding is that serving others is the best for any youth. Having a heart to serve will get your places.”

His day starts before the sun rises and he goes through the whole day with a smile on his face.

“Early in the morning I start doing the umu way before the sun comes up,” he said.

“Right after I made it, I put aside some food for my family before making my way to the pastor’s house. Once I return from my delivery, I continue with my daily chores.”

Luki also mentions how easy and simple life is in the rural villages. He explains how easy it is to make a living in the rural village.

“Life in these rural villages is so much easier than the life in Apia,” he said.

“Every day when the youth wake up in the rural villages, they make their way to the plantation where they begin work.

“Not only do you get food from your plantation, you can also sell what you grow to make a bit of money on the side. You will either find me in my cooking house or plantation every day.”

All in all, Luki says there is no greater feeling than the joy he gets when serving others.

“There’s no other feeling than the joy of serving others with a smile,” he said.

“Even if I don’t know the person, if I serve him or her, I will do so with a smile and it will bring joy to my day. Even when foreign tourists pass by then I always ask them if they need help. It’s just the way I am.

“The life of someone who serves others will always be fulfilling.”