Invest in your children’s education

By Seia Soloi 14 February 2017, 12:00AM

Investing in your children is a wise decision for the future.

So says Suisau Va’aomanu, 35, from Nu’u.

The mother of six truly believes that putting children first especially in terms of education is critical.

Suisau lives with her husband and their children by themselves at their home in Nu’u. Everyday, her role is to prepare the kids for school, drop them off and pick them up again.

“We’ve been living here for over five years now. We decided to come here and develop our own family,” she said.

Raising one child is not easy so to have four who are all in school is a challenge.

“My husband is the only one who provides money for our family,” she said, adding that he works for M.N.R.E.

“We also have a stall at the T.A.T.T.E. Building where we sell coffee and buns every morning.”

The money from there is good but when all deductions are taken away including taxes and rent, it doesn’t amount to much. 

So where does the money go?

 “Schools fees, lunch money for the kids, food for our everyday lives,” she said. “We also save some money incase one of the kids get sick.”

“Sometimes we also sell vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbages. That money is for our water and electricity bill.”

But it doesn’t matter how tough things are, for Suisau and her husband, their children’s education is their priority.

“People have different views on life,” she said.

“But as hard as it is, we have to make the best of things and live with it.”

What keeps her motivated are her children and the prospects of them doing well in school.

 “Sometimes we don’t have enough money but whenever my kids need money for school work, I go look for it and we have no hesitation.

“That is our priority.”

She also wants her children to learn just how hard life is.

“I tell my kids that whatever word they don’t understand, ask questions because that will lead you to a world full of understanding.

 “Even though we are struggling I want my children to be happy and strong and educated.

Her message is simple to other parents.

“Prioritise your children, they are the future.”

By Seia Soloi 14 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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