Life is not that hard if we change our attitude about work.

This is the belief of Avamu’a Mata’u, 70, from the village of Faleula. 

Mr. Avamu’a met the Village Voice team while on his way home from his plantation in Faleula-Uta.

He said for a country like Samoa, you just have to work hard so you could provide for your family.

“In Samoa we have our own land, and the reason we have land is to live or work on it so that you can be able to earn money,” Mr. Avamu’a said. 

“Samoa is blessed with a warm and tropical climate with land full of nutrients that you can cultivate for food and money.

“Like what Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi always says, money in Samoa is literally hidden under our land, so that’s why we need to work.”

Mr. Avamua’a also commented on issues regarding family obligations.

“We have so many people in Samoa nowadays who are saying family obligations such as funerals and supporting churches cost them too much.

“We grew up in a society as such and this is what our ancestors did back then, but today we are questioning our culture and that is so disrespectful.”

Mr. Avamu’a added complaining about the high cost of living doesn’t change anything.

“The cost of living will not become cheaper if we keep complaining about it, but I think it will help if we work hard and make smart decisions about budgeting.

“No one can oppose the high cost of living but the only thing we as Samoans can do to overcome the burden is to cultivate our land.”

Mr. Avamu’a added even though life was hard in Samoa, there was always a way of facing the challenges with a positive attitude.

“No doubt life in Samoa is hard, but then we do not have to stay that way without doing the best we can to cope with it.

“It will be easier when you work hard and work according to the motivation you receive from your family.”