Samoa has been through a tough few months. 

What with the measles crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, the nation has had to overcome some tough obstacles. A key part of the response is the sometimes unthanked work of mothers.

At the Methodist Church in Tafagamanu Lefaga on Sunday, mothers were acknowledged for being the backbone in families. 

The service was led by mothers who offered wise advice for the church members.

During their Mother's Day service, one of the oldest church members and mother, Fuatino Tauasosi, highlighted the importance of the day.

“A mother is not a mother when she is good in her family but is not supportive of the community practices,” she said.

“A community built by mothers is a very blessed community because mothers are well known around Samoa as the pae ma le auli (peacemakers) in the families.”

Mrs. Tauasosi also called on parents to do better in looking after their children.

Another mother, Pativaine Aliitavini, said the day is for her and her family to get together and think about what is important.

For her, seeing her children build their own families is a great blessing.

She said her youngest son got married and is now building his own family overseas and supporting her family in Samoa.

“It’s these things any mother would be so proud to see," she said. "We want our children live a good life and not forgetting their parents."