Single man lives to help his family

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 29 April 2017, 12:00AM

Being part of a family is not always easy.  

This is the opinion of Setiseni Terllam of Letogo. 

All his life, he has just wanted to do his best to provide for his family with whatever they needed. 

Aged 34, he is a man doing it all; excelling at work, raising his sibling’s kids, taking care of household chores and making sure his mother is well cared for  and supported. 

“In Samoa there are hardly any guys at my age who are still single,” he told Village Voice. 

“Usually at the age of 25, people are getting married and having kids. 

“But none of that matters, I live to help my family and especially to support my mother. 

“We have everything we need, we have access to both water and electricity and my family is well cared for.” 

Setiseni is a carpenter.  

“To me personally I often feel overwhelmed trying to do it all. 

“I love my job and my family, but whereas men in past generations emphasized being a provider first and foremost, I think modern guys take on many more roles. 

“The juggle between work and home life has long been a hot topic for everyone but to me it’s an easy task when we prioritise the wellbeing of families.

“I live to love my family,” he said. 

“I don’t think of having a family of my own because I don’t want to take so many other responsibilities aside from caring for my parents. 

 “Even though, I earn a little from my work but we’re still happy, I mean at least I get to earn to contribute to the family. 

“The only time we need money is when it comes to fa’alavelave, village and church obligations and I think those times are the expensive ones nowadays. 

“So, our family is making do with what we have and we are one happy family.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 29 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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