Dear Editor,

Re: Chilling reality about poverty and hardship in Samoa today

Let’s start from the “ascending” order rather than “descending”; for example bottom up vs. top bottom. 

I like the Village Voice programme and the Samoa Market that you’ve created to facilitate easy access regarding assistance. 

I was online with customer service inquiring about partnerships with builders to assist the families with building, which lead me to another path.

Since I detest the “blame” game of any sort, but prefer holding people accountable and giving them a chance to change and/or pull them up from the boot straps (teach a man to fish not give a man to fish,) I would start with the local level leaders i.e. village mayor, political districts, village councils, etc Determine your needs and create a plan. 

Include an EIR and business plan. Also include the families cited in the Village Voice not just your immediate circle.

Given the process of upward mobility, it creates a movement of action from each member to get off the ground. 

Do not rely on the government for “hand me downs,” but only if you need it. 

This is a disciplined process that you need as a human being to solidify your determination. Blessings!

Nafanua Salamasina Muagututia