From carpenter to farmer, Tupa’i tells his story

By Seia Soloi 14 April 2017, 12:00AM

We all have different ways of dealing with the cost of living. 

Tupa’i Tafao Taleni, from Saleimoa and Saleaumua, Aleipata, resorts to the plantation.

The father of two is a farmer. 

And although he hopes to one day find a job, he is happy to sell taro and banana for a living in the interim.

 “At first I worked as a carpenter but I hardly did any work because it was on and off,” he said.

 “Then I decided to maintain the land and start planting taro and banana for my family. We all know that life is hard if you don’t work hard for our family.”

It’s not just food he worries about.

There are utility bills to pay.

“To be honest I have an outstanding water bill which is why our water is cut,” he said

“The money I make from selling coconuts and lemon fruits is not much and that’s all I can use for our food. So there is no money to pay for the water bill.”

Tupai’s children motivate him to work harder every day.

 “In our family there are only four of us,” he said. 

“I usually sell things every day from the morning till evening. The money I earn depends because not all days are the same

“Sometimes it’s good others not so good.”

Tupa’i said the cost of living is too expensive.

But people shouldn’t complain, he said.

 “They shouldn’t complain. We have land to develop and work on. The development of families is within our own hands not depending on anyone else.”

Tupa’i said he would be grateful for a job. He can be contacted on 7743010.

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

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