An elderly mother of six is an inspiration for families who face difficulties. 

Tavai Selesele Tuionuu Mika, from the village of Sapapalii Savaii, is a nofotane woman in Satupaitea.

Tavai said before she couldn’t carry out everything that was expected of her.  

“We relied on selling taro from our plantation and coconut for a living. It was a daily struggle. When I attended the Nofotane livelihood training, I learnt how to make pork buns.  I also learnt that I am a valuable member of my family, and that my role as a nofotane is a blessing,” Tavai said.

“With confidence, I went home and started to make pork buns.  It started off with our huge cooking pot, with the first lot of buns being sampled by my husband and children."  

“Today, I am selling 200 pork buns a day and earn $100 from them. From Monday to Friday, my family earns $1,000 from selling pork buns.”

Her husband, Selesele Tuionuu Mika, who is also a high chief in the family, is grateful to God and the Nofotane Project.  

“From my wife’s earnings made from selling pork buns around the village and at the school canteen, we are now in a better position financially. We are able to support our children’s education and to attend to our medical needs."