Life is tough for Teuila Ta'alolo and her husband with their five children but they are confident they can overcome their challenges.

Living in a small shack with her husband and five children at the far end of the village of Samalaeulu, Mrs. Ta'alolo said they enjoy living simple island life and are grateful to God for his blessings.

But without access to a clean water supply, they continue to struggle since they relocated to their home over two years ago. 

"We moved here more than two years ago," Mrs. Ta'alolo told the Samoa Observer.

"We used to stay at Falelima, but we moved here for a fresh start. And ever since we moved here, we have been trying to overcome this problem of not having water supply.

"The small tank we have outside is an old tank we got from our family at Falelima.

The far flung location of their home from other houses in the village is also a hurdle for the family.

"As you can see, our house is isolated from all the houses in the village so because the government's water supply does not reach us, we would walk all the way to the river or where the families are to fetch water for our family,” added Mrs. Ta'alolo.

"And even if we bring home 10 buckets of water per day, that was never enough to cater for all of us and for all the things we need here at our home. 

"That's why we went to Falelima and got this small tank for us to collect water."

But possessing a water tank doesn't necessarily provide a solution for a family that is dependent as the mother of five would testify.

"Especially during the dry season, we struggle to find water for our family,” she said.

"I have five children here with me and they are very young. So we don't really send them out to get water as they are weak and young. 

"That's usually what my husband's job is and I feel sorry for him sometimes because he has to walk to find water."

With no one in the family in formal employment it also comes with its own challenges, especially when trying to navigate the complexities of a rise in living standards as well as basic items.

Mrs. Ta'alolo says that the cost of living in Samoa is expensive and beyond the means of her family.

"That's my own belief because it's hard to stretch whatever money we have because most of the goods are very expensive,” she lamented.

“We also have to pay for electricity on top of other things that require money."

But the family is optimistic and haven’t lost faith in their prayers being answered, according to Mrs. Ta'alolo.

"We know we don't have much, but I still believe that we will overcome all our struggles if we continue to work hard and rely on God.

"As a mother, I want my children to grow up and be successful, and we are doing everything to make sure that they are educated so they can succeed and be able to provide for themselves in the future, and lead better lives."

Should you wish to assist the family Mrs. Ta'alolo can be contacted on mobile 7384434.