Si’igava Sio, from the village of Satapuala, believes everyone has a useful talent. Those who deny it are too lazy to do anything about it. 

Si’igavao, 27, is a carpenter but in his spare time, he enjoys working at his plantation for extra help for his family. 

As a father of two what he thinks causes hardship in Samoa, is laziness. 

“In this day and age, people suffer simply because they don’t work,” he told Village Voice. 

“I mean if you ever need or want something, you ought to get it for yourself.” 

“If you really mean the words you say about loving your family and doing everything for them, you need to work.” 

“Yes, it’s hard work but at least it will get you out of being poor.”

Although he’s happy with his carpentry job, Si’igava doesn’t just do one job. The hard working father loves to make the most of his entire day. 

“I am currently working as a carpenter,” he said. 

“Just as you have caught up with me, I’m on my way back to finish some work at the U.S.P. campus.”  

“When I don’t have any work to do, then I stay at home to look after my two young children and tend to our plantation.” 

“I don’t like wasting time because when I see how young my kids are, there’s a lot more work to be done.” 

He admits that having a family at a very young age is a real struggle. 

“I married my wife when I was only 23,” he said. 

“Everything changed. I struggled big time trying to develop our small family and we’ve been through so much.” 

“Despite these struggles, I admire the good changes. To be honest I was one of the bad drunken men back then. I didn’t do anything aside from drinking all day.” 

“But ever since I married and learned to live a new life I’ve decided to do what’s best for my family. We have two handsome sons. They mean the world to me and I work for their bright future.” 

“No matter what, what we do about our situation and lives are what matters most.”   

“For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change.”

“There isn’t anyone in Samoa who doesn’t go through any issues but what I can say is that issues don’t define you.”

“I am enjoying what I am doing at the moment. With my carpentry work, if someone hires me then I can make about $250 at the end of the week.”