A graduate in theological studies has urged young people in Samoa to avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

Sauniatu Niu, who graduated from Malua Theological College last Saturday with a certificate in Theological Studies level IV, said his studies have enabled him to counsel youth to make the right choices in life. 

He said the knowledge he gained in his studies puts him in a position to reach to vulnerable young people to choose rightly. 

“The majority of the youths nowadays are either unemployed, under the influence of alcohol and tobacco or all of the above.

“I believe that studying theology has enabled me to enhance my understanding of the bible and apply it to everyday life which is why I want to advise youths to choose the right decisions so that they can have a better future.

“If they do not have any employment opportunities use the land resources and sea to help care for their families,” he said in an interview with Samoa Observer. 

The 34-year-old, who is from Tafua-tai in Savai'i, also said his journey as a theology student was an eye-opener and compelled him to turn a new chapter in his life. 

“I wanted to have a better understanding of the writings in the Bible so I chose to study for two years but it helped turn my life around.

“The teachings from school made me give up on worldly pleasures like having fun by going out instead I have turned a new page in my life to become a better person and help others.

“Even though I encountered a few challenges like family obligations, especially church commitments but we need to be fully equipped to tackle the new changes in life - I sometimes feel that I should quit or prioritise other things but a voice inside me, advised otherwise that I should not give up so easily,” he added.

He also said that his new mission is to target youths to teach them and make them understand that each action has a consequence.