Felix Soo Choon, a 23-year-old Samoan worker employed through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, has clinched first place in a story competition held by the RSE Conference in New Zealand. 

His inspiring narrative, chosen from over 100 entries illustrated how the RSE Scheme changed his and his family’s lives since 2022.

Felix's journey began with significant challenges. Hailing from Nofoalii village in Samoa and having dropped out of high school, Felix faced the daunting task of supporting his family, which included his four brothers and two sisters. 

His family lived in dire conditions: a modest house with an iron roof and a toilet, a short distance away. His mother endured the inconvenience of walking 10 metres to the toilet, a journey made even more arduous by the lack of running water.

Despite these hardships, Felix's determination to improve his family’s living conditions led him to the RSE Scheme. 

When he first arrived in Hastings, New Zealand, the experience was new and overwhelming. 

His primary goals were to save enough money to extend his family’s house and to install an indoor toilet, thus sparing his mother from the nightly trek to the outhouse. 

Through his dedication, Felix achieved these goals within just seven months. He also purchased a washing machine, significantly easing his mother’s burden of washing clothes at the village pool.

Returning for a second year, Felix’s focus shifted towards further supporting his family. 

He saved diligently to buy a taxi for his father, which provided additional income and purchased a second-hand deep freezer to aid with food storage. 

Felix's return home was marked by further enhancements to his family’s living conditions, including a new vegetable garden and a generator.

His next goal is to open a small canteen store near Nu’uausala College to meet the needs of students and their families. 

This venture reflects his commitment to leveraging the opportunities provided by the RSE Scheme for the betterment of his community.

The announcement of Felix’s victory in the competition was a moment of great pride for all involved. 

The winner was honoured in front of the entire New Zealand horticulture industry and representatives from countries during the RSE Conference held on 28 August in Tauranga. 

Felix was unable to attend the ceremony personally, as he had returned to Samoa, but his employer, Johnny Apple Seeding (JAS), was represented by Afioga TooSavili Lens Thompson, who accepted the award on his behalf. 

Thompson expressed his astonishment and pride in Felix’s achievements, emphasizing the significant impact the RSE Scheme has had on Felix’s life and his family’s welfare.

The RSE Scheme continues to foster such success stories, with other Samoans including Dolivin Maselusi, Faamate Taualofa, and Poumali’i Monolittle Apisaloma also receiving recognition in the competition.