Every year, Samoa celebrates Father’s Day on a Sunday in the month of August. It is a day especially dedicated to honour all fathers and their contributions to families, churches, villages and society as a whole.

Like any typical Sunday in Samoa, various church denominations will be hosting services. 

But this particular Sunday most churches will also give thanks to God for the gift of fathers. 

While fathers around Samoa were preparing for their big day, a father-of-two went about his normal duties on Saturday morning, working as the bedrock for his family home. 

A’ii Toma from Lotofaga, Safata was on his way home accompanied by his horse when the Samoa Observer came across him.

“My family and I do not have any big plans for this year’s Father’s Day celebration,” he said.

The 56-year-old said that Sunday is just like any other day to him.

However, he believes that acknowledging the role of father’s in every family is significant.

“I think that fathers are just as important as mothers in any family, each of them play a very important role. 

“While fathers are known to be the heads of families it is important for fathers to work together with mothers.

“As a father, I am responsible for looking after my family; I have to make sure my family has a meal every day even if it is a simple one.”

He told this newspaper that he had just returned from a cattle farm where he works.  

“Since 2006, I have been looking after my uncle’s cattle, my family is the reason why I wake up every day whether I am tired,” he said.

“A father with love for his children would do everything just so that his family can survive.

“I am the bread winner for my small family. While my wife stays home to look after our children I make my way to the cattle farm every morning for five days.

“I sometimes face difficulties with my work especially during times of bad weather conditions. I use my horse because my strength is not the same at times.”

He also shared that his family also depends on their plantation for food supplies.

When asked what could be a gift he would want for Father’s Day, he said, “I do not want any gifts, I believe the greatest gift is life being able to live another day.”

Mr. Toma added that sometimes a father’s greatest joy is seeing his family prosper.

“My family’s plan is to celebrate over a Sunday feast where all my siblings and family will gather.