What matters the most

By Vatapuia Maiava 11 January 2017, 12:00AM

For Salā Seneuefa, from the village of Le’auva’a, what she earns on a daily basis is important, but it’s not on the top of her list. Salā, 59, runs a small roadside stall in her village where she sells different crops from her plantation.

She explains that she may not earn much from her stall but at least it’s something. For Salā, helping others and making a little on the way is more important.

“This is what my family is doing right now to make a little cash,” she told the Village Voice. “We come to the front here and sell bananas, pawpaws, koko and other small things we can find in our plantation.”

“I don’t understand how some people can be embarrassed about doing things like this to take care of their family. The way I see it, you won’t get anything if you are shy.”

“People should understand that in a Samoan family, there are so many things that require a bit of cash so there is no room for shyness.”

Salā continued on to mention that she understand her business isn’t a gold mine, but whatever she makes will still help.

“I do understand that this won’t get me a lot of money but at least it’s something,” she said.

“No matter how much we try and bring things to the front here to sell from our plantation, most of the time there aren’t many people who stops and buys from us.”

“Like I said before, at least we earn something to help out around the house.”

And when those who are also struggling come looking for help, Salā does her best to cater for them too.

“I also try and help people out every now and then,” she said.

“There are those who stop by and can’t afford what I’m selling so I try and lower the price so they will at least leave with something.”

“When it comes to money, I don’t put more value on it than I do with other people. That’s why I always try and help where I am needed.”

Furthermore, Salā says that what she makes from her market stall is what puts her children through school.

“This business also helps out with the children’s schooling,” she said.

“School is just about to start up again for this year so I am happy with whatever I get from this business. This isn’t the first time we’re trying to make money this way and it won’t be the last.”

“As the mother of the house, the only important thing I know is to work extra hard for my family.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 11 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>