Good habits start at home

By Lizzy Hunt 08 September 2017, 12:00AM

Discipline, like most good habits, should be cultivated at home.

So says 25-year-old Tavila Moe, from the villages of Lalomanu and Falelauniu.

The Village Voice caught up with Tavila at Falelauniu while he was running an errand for his mother. 

“Discipline is so important but that’s what’s lacking these days among many young people,” he said.

The young man recently made the move from Lalomanu to Falelauniu. 

“I came to help construct my mother’s house, I had no intention of coming here but I had to come because my mother needs help.”

Having spent a lot of time in Lalomanu, he knows the difference between young people growing up in traditionally structured villages and the ones near the town area. 

“When I came here, I’ve seen how they throw rocks on family homes, their language and how they cause trouble,” he said.

“I realised that there’s no strong leadership from the chiefs and village councils, or maybe there’s none for this village.

“Discipline starts in the family. A well-taught child can grow up with the same positive attitude that he learnt from his childhood.”

Tavila said education and making good use of the time are critical.

“The way I see it, there are a lot of people who don’t go to school, work, or do useful things,” he said.

“These are the people causing trouble. Whatever stage you are in, I know there are a lot of opportunities out there for everyone. You’ve just got to find them.”

Back to his situation, he said his new home is challenging.

“Falelauniu is different from Lalomanu,” he said. “We can still work on our plantations at Lalomanu but here, if I don’t get a real job, I don’t know how to feed my family.”

By Lizzy Hunt 08 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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