For Falaniko, he wants to let people know that there is nothing wrong with living a simple life in the village. He hails from the village of Fasito’o uta and he lives with his parents.

 The 19 year old describes life in the village as simple and affordable. 

He may be unemployed but growing up in the village has made him determined to stay right where he is.

“I enjoy life in the village because it is safe and peaceful,” said Falaniko.

Falaniko quit school at a very young age for personal reasons, and he may regret it later but for now, he is enjoying the life he chose. 

Falaniko admires the fact that the village has a range of community activities. 

He admitted that village life has had a huge impact on the changes in his life. 

He grew up feeling unwanted and always the troublemaker due to his bad behaviour. 

But once he decided to join the village and church community, he finally realized the true meaning of living in this world. 

“I used to live in the inner village… and I wasn’t a good kid at all… people of my village know that.

“However, getting involved in village programmes and the church youth group, that’s when I realized that there is a purpose in life

“I’m not saying that the village is the only place to fix your attitude, that’s my own point of view.” 

“We all have different ways of dealing with our problems and I tell you that my way is by living the village life”

“To be honest, at the moment there is no one here causing trouble and we have the Village Council to thank for such good governance.”

“People rely too much on imported goods, and I see that that is where they experience the expensive cost of living… but for us, we live off what we can afford.”

Falaniko also believes that one reason why people are poor is because of poor money management.

“Life will always be hard because you are making it hard. But choose to live a simple life and be grateful for what you have.”