Don’t let the struggles stop you

By Ilia L. Likou 21 January 2017, 12:00AM

Persevere through pain and never give up. 

So says Leava Epati, 48-year-old father of three from Vailele.

“I quit my job a long time ago and then I started looking into something different like what I’m doing today – lawn mowing,” Leava told the Village Voice.

“The reason I quit my job is because my salary was very low and I couldn’t afford to stretch the money to look after and provide for my family.

“What I am saying is that in Samoa, the minute we make wrong decisions because of the high cost of living that we’re facing now - our children will suffer.

“There’s no doubt that many are suffering today because of the cost of living.”

But Leava said people have just got to keep going.

“There is always another way. That’s when I decided to find another way to make sure that they’ll never go hungry, a plate on our table and most importantly better education for them.

“I thank God because sometimes we do it our own way, but he has the better answer for us.”

The job gets Leava good money. When he spoke to the Village Voice yesterday, he had already pocketed $70. And he had a few more families to do.

 “I walk everyday from Vailele to other parts of the country and ask families if they need their lawn done.

“It’s hard sometimes because I walk everywhere but it’s all worth it and that’s very interesting.

“Most of the times I receive more than $300 a week and I think that’s the salary for most of those officers in Samoa.

“Personally, I enjoy what I’m doing now than finding a job that I don’t.

“I’m my own boss; I can spend as much time with my family especially my children and I can have a rest any time.”

He also encourages those looking for occupation to find other creative jobs.

“The thing is if we wait for the government to help us, it will take ages, but what I’m doing now can inspire others to look for this type of work to provide for their families.

 “Yes, we’re all struggling but we need to find a way, whatever God has given you at this time, a talent, make good use of it.”

By Ilia L. Likou 21 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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