Exam fees prioritised over White Sunday

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 2017, 12:00AM

While many parents splurged out on White Sunday, one family at Nu’u fou did not.

Instead, 53-year-old mother, Fa’atasiga Salea, saved her money to pay her children’s exam fees.

The Village Voice met Fa’atasiga while she was on her way home after paying the examination fees for her two young sons, currently in year 12 and 13 at Wesley College.

White Sunday was a low-key affair.

“There was nothing special for this white Sunday,” she said. “It was just the basic Samoan lemon tea. We want to do this because the kids wouldn’t be able to sit their final exams if we used the money to splash out on other stuff and their whole year in school would have been a waste.

“My priority was to pay their exam fees and I’m glad I’ve done that today.”

Fa’atasiga said the fees cost $500.

“The year 13 cost was $280 while it was $245 for year 12. The cost of education nowadays has become so expensive and unaffordable.

“Like I said before my first priority are my kids and I’m also grateful for the support from my older brother in taking care of me and the boys.

“This is also a challenge for the boys who are in school to do well and make sure the sacrifice is in better use not only will it benefit them in their future as well as making us even more proud.”

She also believed that the cost of living has skyrocketed.

“To me personally in order to pay all the bills we have and even school examination fees, the only option available is through loans.

“I guess it’s a good challenge to all the parents out there not giving up on their kids when it comes to their education and school.

“If we fail to push and encourage them to be in school, they will not be in a better place when they grow up.”

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 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.

>