Family motivates seafarer

By Deidre Tautua 14 April 2017, 12:00AM

Being away from home is never easy.

But if it is the sacrifice required to develop one’s family, Tupu Tuilaepa is ready for it.

The 31-year-old father of four from the villages of Saleaula and Lalomalava, Savai’i, is heading overseas for a year to work as a seafarer. 

But it’s a feeling he is used to after 11 years of working on the high seas.

 “I became a seafarer in 2006 and at that time I was working on the ships of the Samoa Shipping Services,” he said.

“For five years I have been working for them and in 2011 I was blessed to have the opportunity to work abroad.

“I got the opportunity to work for the M.S.C Company up until now and it has been very helpful in terms of financial support for my family.”

Mr. Tuilaepa is working as an AP Fireman. They are responsible for the safety of all the ships.

“It’s hard but when I think of my parents, wife and children it makes me work even harder,” he said.

“This job has helped me and my family in so many ways and that is why I am so passionate about this job because if I didn’t have the passion, I know I wouldn’t be able to work as a sailor for all these years.

“I miss my family but it’s a sacrifice I as a father have to make so I can provide for them and make sure my children get what they want especially school tuition and commitments.

“Nothing comes easy in life and if we don’t work hard we will never achieve anything in life and it’s the same with this kind of job.

“If we don’t make sacrifices our families will never be able to succeed.

“So even though its hard being away from home but nowadays technologies is the best because I talk to my family every night and every day so it’s like I am home and that helps me with what I am doing.”

Mr. Tuilaepa will be leaving on the 3rd of May and he will be away from home and family for a whole year as his contract is for a year.

By Deidre Tautua 14 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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