Challenges like unemployment and poverty in Samoa can be addressed if people take the initiative to work the land and harvest from the sea.

That’s the opinion of a single mother of six from Satalo Falealili, Fuamai Manu’a, who is a member of the Nofotane Project.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer during their market day last Friday, Fuamai said Samoa is blessed with so many natural resources.

“I believe that Samoa is truly blessed with land resources and the ocean,” she said.

“For people who are unemployed, or are claiming to be living in poverty, I advise that they utilize our natural resources.”

Farming and fishing are gifts Samoans have been blessed with, she believes.

“In my own perspective, God did not create us so we can be lazy and idle,” she said.

“In the Bible, it says that he who does not work; neither shall he eat which means if we do not work the land, we will not have any source of food.

“We are blessed with unique gifts and talents; you should not live a life depending on other’s hard work and sweat.

“You should be able to enjoy the fruits of your own efforts.”

The 53-year-old also said that before she joined the Nofotane project, she made a living from selling woven mats.

“I used to sell mats within my village to earn income so I can care for my family and I was able to put my kids to school through my handicrafts,” she said.

“We may not have earned a large amount but we were grateful for everything we had especially the gift of life.

“People should appreciate what they have because others are not that fortunate.”

She also praised the Nofotane Project, driven by the Samoa Victims Support Group.

“The program by SVSG gave me the opportunity to learn other skills like creating plastic flowers, and jewelry from local products,” she told Samoa Observer.

She acknowledged the Lord’s help in guiding her.

“I am also pleased to showcase and sell some of my children’s produces like taro and bananas here for our market day.

“I give all the credit to our Heavenly Father because I would not have made it this far without his help.”