Sometimes I walk to work

By Ilia L. Likou 27 January 2017, 12:00AM

The truth is out there for all to see.

And according to Sa’e Matea from the village of Falelauniu, the astronomical cost of living compared to domestic incomes is hurting everyone slowly but surely.

The 28-year-old is a working father. He is builder.

 “I have one son, and the cost of raising a child is really expensive,” he said.

“My pay for one week is $130 and that’s not enough to take care of my family’s basic needs. You see I spend $60 or $70 for diapers, milk, and everything just for my son. After that there isn’t much left.

“Sometimes I walk to work because I have no money.”

But it’s not just the fact that wages are low in Samoa.

“The cost of living is killing us all,” he said. “Then you add the cultural practices, village obligations and many more things that require money and we have a big problem.

“That’s why I have to work even harder so that I could provide for my family especially my son.”

As the only person who works in his family, Sa’e says it’s tough.

“I do my best to help out around the house whenever I can,” he said.

“I go to work everyday, no matter how tired, sometimes I don’t feel well, but I just pray and go.

“I think this is the only answer for us today, is to find a job so that we could provide for our families. Life is tough and if we just sit around and do nothing we’ll starve.”

 His advise ‘life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.’

“We need to get to work. There are many people, who don’t want to help out their family.

“In this day, we all know that Samoa is not an easy place to make a living in but if you use your head then you will be able to make life just a little easier.

“Just get yourself grounded and work hard because you will suffer in the long run if you waste your time roaming around town and do nothing.

“Remember that no matter how hard life treats us, no matter how dark the road ahead these are elements that life challenged us to understand greater plans ahead.”

By Ilia L. Likou 27 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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