You reap what you sow

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L Likou 22 September 2016, 12:00AM

For Tauapati Suluape, from the village of Falelatai, there is absolutely no room for laziness in his life.

Aged 42, Tauapati has a strong understanding that you earn what you work for and that hardships are the reality for lazy people.

“People always complain that they are poor but they are just lazy and refuse to work,” he tells the Village Voice.

“People think that you can just sit around and things they need will magically show up. You need to work and move for what you want.

“If you want to take care of your children and family then you must make an effort. Common sense and thought should be put into doing things to raise your children well.

“That’s not the job of the government or different companies; people have to stand on their own two feet.

“My understanding is simple; if I don’t work then my children won’t eat. Lazy people who refuse to work will resort to crimes to make ends meet. If you have love for your children then you will dread having your children come up to you and cry for food.”

According to Tauapati, another benefit of being hard working is the example you set for your children.

“The children see and learn from your parents,” he said.

“If you are hard working then your children will want to be hard working; if you just lay around and do nothing then your children will do the same.

“You have to be an example for your children.”

With a young farm in his grasp, Tauapati says that life could not be any better for him.

“I started my big plantation not long ago and I work on it to provide for my children,” he said.

“My land and farm is great right now because I make an effort to make it so. I like my house being situated right next to the plantation because I just jump out of the mosquito net and then start working.

“I wake up early in the morning then take my children to school before I start my plantation work, I farm every day.

“I have taro, cabbages, chilies and so much more in my farm.”

Racking up over $1000 a week from his farm, Tauapati says it’s all due to hard work and persistence.

“Every week I fill up my sacks with taro and take it to the market,” he said.

“I make over $1000 a week because I work hard. There are times where sales aren’t good and I make about $700 but I make enough for everything needed in my family.

“The children’s schooling is well paid for and the food for the family is good. My only goal is to have a peaceful life for the children.

“Life is not expensive if you work hard, you will never have peace if you are lazy. Nothing is free in this world.”

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L Likou 22 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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