Inspired by his father’s stories

By Aruna Lolani 29 April 2017, 12:00AM

Yesterday was the official launch of the book “O Le Tofa Tatala” (Part 1) written by Faumuina Manu Samuelu.

Held at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale, official members of the government attended together with many others who were interested in Faumuina’s new book.

Faumuina comes from the village of Fasito’o Tai. 

During his speech he said that what inspired him to write, was his curiosity about the stories his father was always telling the village chiefs.

He said that his father had never opened up to him about the stories.

“The reason for the title of the book is because it is based on our generation or the new generation not gaining any of the richness of the stories and myths or legends of Samoa because our ancestors have passed on without having the opportunity to share them with the new generation.

“This book contains the richness and shared knowledge from fathers and our ancestors, including our Head of State.

“I asked his Excellency to share his knowledge about some aspects where I needed a deeper understanding of.

“This book is not my own opinions and thoughts but the stories I collected from people of our own country.

“His Excellency spoke about the importance of Christian values, family values and cultural values.

He said “Back then when a son questioned his father about these things, they answered with the simple answer “Wait until you become a chief.

“But if you ask too many times, they answered with a question “Are you tired from your call to serve?”

“So when God called them to come home, they took their stories with them because they were not able to share.

“I’m not saying I am beyond intelligent, I am saying I still want to learn and know about these stories because I still don’t know much.

Faumuina said that his father passed away leaving him with a book that contained information that helped him with his writing.

“He said this book contains some of the important details that can help you out with your writing.

“In this book, it contains a lot of information and most of it, I did not understand so I tried my best to do a lot of research so I coul understand by interviewing those who had the knowledge of what’s important in this country.

“I needed their knowledge and what they already know because I needed evidence and confirmation to go ahead with this initiative.

“On the month of January this year, I sat down and started on my writing journey and decided to put it into book form.

“I will not hide this knowledge that I have but I’m willing to share it with the village chiefs or anyone that comes to me and asks.”

Faumuina’s current occupation is as the Second Secretary in the Ministry of Commmunication, Information and Technology.

He achieved a Bachelors Degree of Science from the University of the South Pacific, a Diploma from Malua Theological College, a Diploma in Management and he’s achieved special awards from his studies in the Family Health Institution in Australia. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa also gave a speech at the launch where he included words of encouragement for Faumuina to keep writing. 

By Aruna Lolani 29 April 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.

>