Perseverance and hard work pay off for 22-year-old Benny Chris Fofoa from the villages of Tuanai and Afega as he hopes to be able to pay for his degree with the money he earns from seasonal work. 

He is an ambitious young man with hopes and dreams to secure a better future, not only for himself but also for his family. 

Mr. Fofoa went to school at Maluafou College from 2015 to 2018 and finished his studies at Wesley College in 2019. 

In 2020, he completed his foundation year at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and was determined to further his studies by pursuing his Bachelor's degree, majoring in Sociology and English. 

However, those dreams and hopes were shattered because of family's financials and it was expensive to continue his studies, given that his father was the only person who works in their household. 

His older sister is in South Africa for missionary works and his father works as a carpenter, but only when there are works available for him. 

With this in mind, Mr. Fofoa was then set on getting a job and earning money to not only provide for his family but also save for his tuition fee. 

The family of four also relies on their cabbage farm he works after school and on the weekend with his mother. 

While his father asked him to pursue his studies, Mr. Fofoa had a change of heart and wanted to earn money instead. 

He then approached an uncle who is the team leader of Matipou Orchard and successfully secured a spot in November 2022.

It was his first time away from home and he told this newspaper that it was hard being away from home. However, he was inspired to work hard for his family and also to achieve his dreams. 

He also admitted that he faced a lot of challenges during the seven months he was in New Zealand for temporary work employment. 

But through constant prayers and ongoing support from his parents, he was able to cope with the pain of being homesick.

From November 2022, he started pruning until January 2023, and then apple picking from March until June this year. 

He told this newspaper that from his weekly salary, he managed to send money back to his parents while keeping some in his New Zealand account for his Bachelor's degree. 

And from the money he sent home, his parents were able to buy furniture and hardware for their house. With his savings in New Zealand, he managed to buy kitchenware for his mother to start their canteen business at Afega Primary School and used some of it to get more tools to help them with their cabbage farm.

He has also set aside some money to pursue his studies in 2024. 

Ms. Kelly Lawrence from Matipou Orchard testified that Benny was a ray of sunshine. Ms. Lawrence said he is very hard working and always has a big smile. 

"He got along with everyone and was very respectful. I was sad to hear he wasn’t coming back but I was also very happy that he had decided to better his education.” 

"Matipou Orchard is very grateful for the boys who leave their family to come over to New Zealand to help with the harvest and we do understand that it is hard for them to leave their families for seven months. These boys are inspirational and are more than just workers to me they become family.” 

"This is a great outcome and hearing this directly from the company is motivational and would like to provide our support for employers in RSE while our workers are well looked after while in New Zealand," said the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Labour sending Unit here in Samoa, Venus Tupai.

Mr. Fofoa is hoping to complete his Bachelor's degree and become a lecturer at N.U.S.

He has a simple message for those who are fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go overseas under the scheme, 

"Work hard and make sure you understand your priorities while you are in New Zealand," Mr. Fofoa said. 

"Think of the consequences of your actions that will be on the shoulders of your parents, families, and villages especially in Samoa, as we are ambassadors of Samoa while on RSE. 

"The RSE Scheme really had a great impact on my life and helped shape my future. 

“Matipou will always be my family and I thank Kelly Lawrence for looking after me while I was away from my mother and family in Samoa."