Never underestimate the strength of a woman in carrying the weight of the world. 

And 42-year-old Malae Siotalima of Fusi, Safata has her children’s weight on her shoulders, as a mother who is now singlehandedly raising her four children.

Speaking to the Village Voice team of her daily struggles, she said the condition of their home is her main concern right now.

“I am a single mother and my main objective is to care for my children, it is not an easy job to do alone. But I have great faith that a mother’s love for her children can help her withstand the weight of the world.”

“In other words, whatever the world can throw at her, she may fall at times but believe me — she can get back up again stronger than before.”

“As a mother that struggles daily to provide food for my kids, my main concern is a safe and secured home for them,” she said.

Malae said their house is not stable and remains vulnerable in the current wet season.

“The roof of our house leaks during rainy days and it makes it worse during windy days as well — because the tarpaulins are not good enough to stop the rain from entering our home.”

“I pray every day that Samoa does not get affected with any cyclones because our home cannot withstand it,” she added.

The 42-year-old said that she does not worry about her wellbeing but only that of her children.

“I want to provide them with a safe home so they can feel secured but it breaks my heart that I do not have that privilege.”

“I only earn $30 a week if I am lucky, our source of income is through selling woven mats — which costs $10 each and sometimes a bucket of nonu fruit for $10 — if the truck that collects it comes around, but that is not a stable source which is why I have to be smart in allocating the money we receive for our necessities.”

“Sometimes when people come to buy my mats, I always feel sorry for them so I give them a discounted price. In all honesty, I already know how it feels to have nothing, and be grateful for what you have and I believe kindness is very essential in life,” she added. 

Malae said no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

“The reason why I have that mentality is the fact that even small acts of kindness can make a profound difference to somebody else.”

“There is no father of the family and we do not have much but it means so much that we still have each other.”

“We thank God that we have access to water supply and my three kids are able to attend school so they can have a better chance of getting a successful future.”  

If you are willing to help the family of Malae Siotalima from Fusi, Safata please contact the number 7729407.