Children are gifts from God so every parent should put them first.

That’s what Mareta Tauna, 35, of Aleipata does.

Her time is devoted to raising her children despite the challenges.

 “We know that life is expensive but we have to do what we need to do for our children.”

Mareta and her family depend on the plantation.

The mother believes its important to raise the children right and keep them grounded.

“We want our children to have the best life,” she said. “It starts from making sure they are healthy, they are educated and given every opportunity to discover their calling.”

Life is tough, she admits.

But that’s part and parcel of the fun.

Wherever there are obstacles, she believes opportunities are around the corner.

“Life moves on and the cost of living increases but we have to be strong for our families.”

Mareta said she had made a choice not to look for a job but to stay home and look after her child.

“As a mother, I prefer staying home and looking after my kids and spending time doing work for my family.”

When the Village Voice visited, she was weaving ie Samoa.

“This is all part of what I do at home. I enjoy it. At least I’m closer to my children.”