This country needs more jobs

By Vatapuia Maiava 27 September 2016, 12:00AM

The lack of formal employment opportunities in Samoa is nothing new.

We see so many young people finishing a three year university degree only to end up unemployed.

So what is the root of this problem? Are they not looking? Or are there just not enough jobs available for our people?

For Filemu Vaito’o, from the village of Faleasiu, be believes the answer lies in the inability to create formal jobs for the population.

Aged 30, Filemu works as a taxi driver and he has noticed our youth having way too much time on their hands after schooling.

“In my opinion there are not enough job opportunities for our people nowadays,” he told the Village Voice. “We have so much to do here in this country yet we don’t have enough jobs to help with those. There are so many youth who come straight from university and struggle to find jobs.

“I think the government should help our people by creating more jobs; the Chinese are lucky they have jobs in our country.

“But I guess it’s up to them with how they run our country.”

Filemu’s only advice for the youth is to not give up.

“My message to all the youth is don’t waste time and serve your parents to the best of your ability,” he said.“Be honest with your work and chores, and serve your family, village and church.”

Another issue Filemu wants to bring to light is the how expensive life has become.“Life is really expensive now,” he said.

“But I guess we count ourselves blessed to have the Lord provide for us on a day to day basis. These days we would be lucky to spend under $50 a day for the family.

“$50 a day is not enough considering how everything costs these days.”

But being optimistic is the way to go.

“I think the key to getting by every day is having a good attitude,” Filemu said.

“When we get little or a lot then it’s always good to be positive. Walk around with a satisfied heart with whatever you have.

“So yeah, I think that my family is doing very wow at the moment and we don’t go through any problems. My family is small with only three adults and four children.”

And with the little money he makes, good money management allows him to make it work.

“We make little but if you manage what you have wisely then you will have enough,” he said.

“If you have good planning then you will be able to make anything stretch out to cover the week. That’s why money management is important.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 27 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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