Father's labour sustains family

By Adel Fruean 08 November 2020, 2:00PM

For the past eight years, a father of three has had to rely on hard labour on his land to support his growing family.

Kolone Apolosio lives in a traditional Samoan home found on the east coast of Upolu Island.

The house is 55 kilometers from Apia and can be accessed via the Main East Coast Road.

Mr. Apolosio says the family depends on the harvest from their family land, especially their vegetable plantation.

"I do not have formal employment but I offer my services to assist with building houses to get some form of money," he said.

The 37-year-old also explained that, despite having water and electricity supply, they are in need of assistance to build a new family home.

"If we had a lot of money we could buy materials to build a better home," he told the Samoa Observer on Saturday.

"I know that our country has entered into its cyclone season which means strong winds and heavy rain.

"Our roof leaks because it's made of coconut leaves.

"I pray our country will not experience any cyclones because my children are young and I am also looking after my elderly mother."

Mr. Apolosio said that he used to be a seasonal worker but with the COVID-19 global pandemic, his chances of providing a better future for his family through such labour has been dashed.

"I also wish we had a fence for our land to protect our family when I'm not around," he said.

"As a father-of-three, my hope is to provide for my family. It's not easy but I try my best with the strength and skills that I have.

"To be the head of the family, only means if you are lazy, your family will not have anything to eat so I try my best to provide as best as I can."

But he said that looking after his elderly mother is a blessing:

"In our Samoan culture, the blessings from God are through the love and care we provide for our parents."

If you are willing to help Mr. Apolosio please contact the numbers: 7774635 or 7766320. 

By Adel Fruean 08 November 2020, 2:00PM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>