From an unemployed housewife struggling with hardship and poverty to a self-employed mother of six, Rosalina Viliamu, has come a long way.

Six years ago, the 37-year-old lived with her family at Salua, Manono-tai where both she and her husband were unemployed.

They were poor and dependent on others, mostly their family members, for survival.

“During that period of my life our family struggled both financially and for food supplies but thankfully our families were always there to help us with most of our needs,” she said.

The mother of six said that in 2014, the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) introduced their nofotane project in their village.

At first, she was hesitant to participate.

But in the end had the courage to join.

“I had no knowledge or skills of handicraft making before but thankfully I learned how to produce a variety of accessories using local resources, whatever is available like making lopa necklaces, earrings and bracelets through the project,” she said.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, she said that her husband and children all help out in the making of handicrafts.

“My family all work together to produce the handicrafts so we can earn a living - when we first started our business with my husband we would get $100 but now I would get more than $700.

“I never imagined our family can get this much money from handicrafts - I sell my hand-made necklaces for $5.00 but if it is a set with earrings it would be sold for $30.00 - I am also grateful for my regular customers locally but my big clients are from overseas thanks to the help of SVSG in securing overseas markets,” she added.

Mrs. Viliamu acknowledged the programme through SVSG that gave the opportunity to change her life and help her family survive through poverty.

“I advise the unemployed youths and also mothers or fathers around Samoa that determination and prayers are keys to success.

“God has the blessings, wisdom and answer to your difficulties and challenges in life but mind you our part is to work hard and not give up so easily.

“At the moment I have five children in school and my aim and focus is on their education - I want to develop my children’s education so they can have a bright future I want them to grow up blessed and not to depend on others to survive.”