Celebrating the hard work of villagers

By Deidre Fanene 17 December 2016, 12:00AM

Tusani Lefaia’ao Iosefatu Reti from the village of Savaia is excited.

He cannot wait for their village’s Talomua.

But what exactly is a Talomua?

A talomua is a time where villagers come together to showcase their talents and skills and work they have laboured over throughout the years.

The event has morphed over time but it still retains its significance in putting the spotlight on those who have done exceedingly well with their work.

“We have this showcasing event called Talomua at our village and it’s something that really benefits us,” Tusani told the Village Voice.

“Farmers come together to showcase their skills and different talents and it’s been going on for almost 20 years now. It’s a great event and it gives the people in the village an opportunity to shine.

“Our village is actually planning to have the talomua on the 22nd of this month and it will also be great because it falls on Christmas. So while we recognize the hard work of our people, we are also going honour the birth of Christ Jesus.”

According to Tusani, he loves the way the event brings people together to watch an entertaining line up of achievements.

“The great thing about the talomua is that it brings everyone together,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what village you live in or what church you go to, you can always come and cheer on those competing in the talomua.

“We teach a lot during the talomua and people always enjoy it when they come and watch or participate.”

In moving on from the talomua event, asked about changes he has noticed throughout Samoa, Tusani says there are quite a few.

“Just like everywhere else in the world, there have been many changes for our country,” he said.

“One of the changes I have noticed is the need for technology to bring people together. Families gather only when they watch TV rather than come together just to be in each other’s company.

“There are many people who no longer go to church and families no longer have family time after their family devotion. It’s sad but that’s how it is right now.”

Tusani went on to explain that another problem they face in the village is the youth.

“Another change I have noticed is the behaviour of the youth,” he said.

“Village leaders can only do so much to keep the youth in line but at the end of the day, there’s not much that can change the stubborn hearts and minds of the young.

“You see them at night time mucking around. We are really trying to deal with issue by getting the children to stay in school.

“We also enforce many of our rules and we try to push everyone to work hard. That’s how we do things in our village.”

By Deidre Fanene 17 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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