Riari lives out family’s dream in Samoa

By Haruki Ume 03 March 2018, 12:00AM

Meet Riari Tabata, from Ishikawa in Japan. She is in love with the kindness shown by the local Samoan people towards her. 

Riari is in Samoa because of work and according to her, helping the local community has been the best part of her stay in Samoa.  

Riari is a member of Special Olympics Samoa and they provide sports events, leadership programs, and nutrition studies for disabled children. 

She came to Samoa to work as the representative of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (J.O.C.V.) 

“When I took the exam of J.O.C.V, I actually said I will go to any country that I want, but my parents don’t want me to say that and they worry about me so much because there are many dangerous countries in Africa and Asia. “However, when J.I.C.A. decided for me to come to Samoa, my parents were happy because Samoa is a beautiful and peaceful place. 

“My parents and grandparents also wanted to work abroad as J.O.C.V. members, but it was hard to them. I came to Samoa as a J.O.C.V. member because it was our family’s dream.” 

Riari has been in Samoa for more than a year and she loves the food, especially Palusami, and the best place in Samoa is Falealupo, Savai’i because of the beach.  

She often invites her Japanese friends to Samoa and helps them sightseeing. 

Riari appreciates everyone who helps her during work and her daily life. 

“I love Samoan people because they are all kind to me and they help me a lot. I respect this nationality.  I will miss Samoa and the Samoan people when I leave.” 

For her, Samoa is the place where her and her family’s dream came true.

By Haruki Ume 03 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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