Father dreams big for children but needs job to make it happen

By Ilia L. Likou 25 July 2017, 12:00AM

Money is always the problem.

That is the opinion of Jerry Ma’umaga of Maninoa Siumu and Mulifanua when he spoke with the Village Voice yesterday.

You see, Jerry is looking for a job. 

“I’m on my way to nearby hotels to look for a job,” he said, “any job.”

Jerry has been on the hunt for three weeks.

The unsuccessful search thus far has left him sad.

“I mean that feeling grows every time I am rejected,” he said.

“I have three children and they’re in primary school and my family used to reside at Mulifanua.”

That family includes his wife and children.

But family commitments meant they had to relocate, so now they are with his wife’s family at Maninoa, Siumu.

“It isn’t food that is the problem but money to put my children through school and support their financial needs. I don’t want to rely on others for the good of my children, that’s why I’m looking for a job.” 

Jerry worked at one of his friend’s carpentry business before they moved to Siumu.

“Now I’m looking for a job here for my children especially my family...I’m desperately in need of a job.”

And the struggle is real for Jerry since no one from his wife’s family works, he is desperate enough to even consider the lengthy trip to Apia to work just so he can provide financially for the up keep of his children and family.

“So any kind of job, Apia is alright as well...but at least I can have a job.”

Jerry strongly believes his children are his best investment in this life.

“My family is very poor but my children can make the foundation of the future tomorrow. That is why I’m worrying so much now  ...I want to make sure that they’re in school.”

He went on to say that every child has the right to quality education.

“But I can’t help them do that if I don’t have a job,” Jerry said. “There’s a common belief that faith goes together with work, so I don’t want to just sit around and dream big for my children’s successful future when I don’t have a job to put them through school.”

Aside from being unemployed, Jerry is quite happy with life in Samoa.

“Aside from the high cost of living, thank God that we don’t need to pay any money for housing like New Zealand and other countries. We have food everywhere, taro is rotten all over Samoa but money is always the problem.

“So, all we have to do is to find possible ways to help our family and children survive from day to day.

If you can help – or know someone who can offer Jerry a job – he can be contacted on 772-2078.

By Ilia L. Likou 25 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>