Dreaming of a better future for children

By Aruna Lolani 05 April 2017, 12:00AM

As life goes on, everyone has a purpose for the future of their children but the major problem today is the increasing number of unemployed people in Samoa.

For Sevai Lafoga from the village of Fasito’o Uta, she only has one daughter who’s working as a babysitter for one of her families and that’s the only source of income they get. 

“My other child is currently attending the National University of Samoa and I think the hardest part about that is the school fees and how expensive it is,” she says to the Village Voice.

The mother went on to say that this is one of the biggest issues they are struggling with; money, and they need money to take care of the kids at school.” 

“Any parents dreams about a better future for their children but it doesn’t come easy does it?”

“We are at a time where money matters and considering only one family member is working, that doesn’t cover everything that we need.” 

“School fees are not that cheap anymore.”

“We also need to build up our house and we need help with that because as you can see, it is not an amazing sight to see.”

“I think these are mostly the things that I’m trying to prioritize at the meantime.” 

The 65-year-old said she has decided to look for a job so she can help out her family especially the children, but jobs don’t come easy and that’s why she’s been staying home to look after her eldest daughter’s children.

“When all the family goes to work, I’m the one to stay behind and take care of the kids and things in this house.” 

“We don’t have everything but I know anyone in my situation will always try their best to make use of what’s available from the land.”

“I just need my children and grandchildren to grow up having better futures than this.” 

Sevai went on to say that with the cost of living being extremely expensive, it is not something that they are able to avoid. 

“It’s life and we have to deal with life like everyone else who are trying their best to make use of what they have.” 

“My only hope and dream is a better life and a better future for my children and grandchildren.”

By Aruna Lolani 05 April 2017, 12:00AM

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