The plight of Kapati’s family

By Fetalai Tuiluluu 28 February 2017, 12:00AM

“No matter how much I try to save up, the money always goes to my children’s education.”

So says Kapati Poamo, a 34-year-old father who is originally from Aopo Savai’i but is now living with his family at Saleimoa.

His family lives in a small shelter. You have to crawl to get in.

Today, Kapati said he could do with assistance from anyone who can help.

 “I am not the richest person however I’m a hard working man who is willing to do everything and anything to support my children’s school,” he said.

“That is our top priority.”

Kapati’s wife is the only person who works. 

But her job at Yazaki faces an uncertain future given the plan to close the company.

Which is why help is needed to improve their home. 

 “The hardship we face is that there are too many things that use up the money,” he said. 

“We have village and church obligations, schooling costs for the children and basic needs for the family. The money we make from my wife’s work is just not enough.

“And that’s why we simply cannot afford a proper home.”

Kapati’s children are in school.

 “No matter how poor we are, I prioritise my children’s schooling. I want them to grow up and have a better life than we have now. 

“They know how tough life is right now so they can change it for themselves after they graduate from school.” 

Kapati added that he wished the government had a welfare system to help people like him.

 “Right now the government isn’t providing any support to my family,” he said. 

“It would be nice if they pay more attention to families who really need their help.” 

“Right now, even though we have nothing we are still trying.” 

 “There are people with so much but it’s hard to find those who will show a little bit of love or those who will help people who are desperately in need of help like us.”

By Fetalai Tuiluluu 28 February 2017, 12:00AM

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