School fees on father’s mind

By Seia Soloi 22 March 2017, 12:00AM

Find something to do and you will be blessed.

So says a father of six and a hard workingman who owns a stall selling fruits and vegetables at the Vaitele market.

Matalio Taaa’u, aged 65, is from Vaiusu.

At the market, his stall sells vegetables and all sorts of different goodies.

“To be honest with you, our family face many financial difficulties,” he said.

“This is why I do this.”

“We have our everyday expenses and then we have the kids school fees to worry about.”

Sales are inconsistent.

And when the times get tough, Matalio said having a positive attitude helps. 

“Even though we are struggling to sell stuff, what I want is for our kids to go school and have the best education. The money I earn from my selling stuff here every day is for my family.”

The vendor agrees that the cost of living is expensive.

 “Our people complain about the cost of living but we cannot do anything about it. It’s the government’s decision.”

The father said the daily sales depend on people’s incomes.

 “Every day is not the same.” 

“Some days we have customers but some days we don’t. When that happens I just go home and prepare to come back the next day.”

Matalio said his biggest worry is not being able to pay his children’s school fees.

 “School fees are very expensive,” he said. 

“Two of my grandsons attend Don Bosco and N.U.S.”

“Having said that, we are just thankful to God for his love upon my family every day. Sometime we ask for money from our friends to pay for school fees if our money is not enough. So this is a very hard life for me and my family.”

By Seia Soloi 22 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>