Elderly man shows he cares for the environment

By Aruna Lolani 18 May 2017, 12:00AM

Taking good care of the environment is something we all need to do. 

It’s a job for just one person.

That is the opinion of elderly man Setefano Epati Patolo from the village of Vaiala.

Despite the rainy weather yesterday, the 88-year-old was out and about, picking up the rubbish in front of his home.

Speaking to the Village Voice, Mr. Patolo said he doesn’t like the look of any untidy environment.

“The weather is too good today to not do anything and that’s why I have decided to clean the land because for most of us, we make too many excuses. If it’s too sunny or the weather is too hot, nobody wants to be outside. 

“This rainy season is also good for our crops. They need water sometimes.

Mr. Patolo is a father of eight children and like any father to their children, Mr. Patolo wants to help out the best way he could and that is why he’s made it his job to maintain a healthy environment. 

All of them work and have families of their own but they never fail to give in their share to support the welfare of their father.

“I have everything that I need but cleaning up the environment is just my way to exercise my body.

“Sitting around all day makes me feel like I have no use to society.

“It is always important to keep our surroundings neat and clean, I mean we all know that our country is one of the many places people from all over the world love to visit.

“We may all have jobs but I think for any country, maintaining a clean environment is a task that applies to everyone.

“That’s one way to create more opportunities for our children to be successful.”

By Aruna Lolani 18 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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