The heavy rain during the past few days has caused nothing but distress to a family of seventeen living under a leaking roof.

Ekueta Savea is a mother of eight and together with her husband they are living with nieces and in-laws on the southwest coast of Upolu Island.

Their small house is made of old corrugated iron roofing and walls held together by wooden posts. It is situated away from the main road and cannot be accessed by any vehicles. 

Ms. Savea told the Village Voice team that while the family faces daily problems with their home, they are in need of financial support to help with school fees for their children. 

“We have five children in school with two nieces, we are also looking after them attending school,” she said. 

The 48-year-old added that there is no one employed in their family but all depend on their plantation for survival. 

“Some of the children currently attending school, their school fees have not been paid, it pains me to admit but it is a struggle that we are trying to endure. 

“We do not have a lot. We sell talo to earn a living but sometimes we have no luck and no one buys our taro which is a worry. 

“Our family also collects nonu fruits and sells it to trucks that come around to collect it.”

The mother-of-eight also shared that with any money they earn, they have to mostly spend it for the children in terms of transportation fees and lunch money. 

“If the children can get $2.00 each to buy something to eat at school that is all we can afford.” 

With the bad weather conditions recently experienced by the country, the family of Ms. Savea has been trying their best to block their leaking roof. 

“We cannot control the weather, the rain can be a blessing as a source of water but it can also bring hardships. 

“Despite us having water supply, recently we have had dirty water, I think it’s because of the rain or flooding.  

“We also have electricity but it is from the generous help of one of our neighbours.” 

If you are willing to help the family of Ms. Savea please contact the numbers: 7282821 or 7374808.