How you can help Uilelea’s family

By Nefertiti Matatia 19 February 2018, 12:00AM

Uilelea Akuino Tuiā is in need of adequate shelter.

The unemployed father of four, dreams of nothing more than a stable home for his children, clothes and food.

Poverty has left him in a state of despair. 

The 47-year-old says life has become difficult and nobody can escape from it.

Mr. Tuiā is from the village of Fusi Safata. He shared with the Village Voice team that Tropical Cyclone Gita destroyed their kitchen and bathroom.

They remain without water and electricity.

He has lived in this area for two years and according to him, there has been no progress regarding water and electricity supply.

“We’ve just finished fixing our house, it was crooked and we have to get new posts for the house.

“The kind of bathroom that we have is the old tradition Samoan kind where we do not use any pipes, so we really need a proper bathroom to avoid illness and for proper hygiene.

“We have lived here for two years and a few months and we still do not have any water supply or even electricity, we do not have a tank either, we do not have the money to carry out this task,” said Mr. Tuiā.

His family fetches water from their neighbour and their torch is their source of light when collecting water at night.

“I sometimes give money to my neighbour to help with their water bills.”

Mr. Tuiā says they have bought some iron roofing for their house but he needs to wait to earn more money to build their house.

He says the money they earn is never enough.

“My wife is the only one who works in my family. She works as a babysitter for one of my relatives. 

“Whatever money that we receive I save it for my children, budget it wisely for the things that they need for school every day and to make sure that my children eat properly.

“We have so many obligations to fulfill to the village, our church and the welfare of my children but the money is never enough,” he added.

Selling crops is another source of income and his 15-year-old son, Malopito, collects bottles that he finds to sell.

“If people do not work the land to search for their own blessing then they are left with nothing but to struggle in life. Malopito collects every bottle that he comes across.”

For anyone eager to help Uilelea and his family, contact the number 7673151.

By Nefertiti Matatia 19 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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