The Samoa National Provident Fund announced a four per cent dividend which would be paid out in cash starting next Monday. Journalists Faith Leapai spoke to people on how they intend to use their money.

Ga’ula Pese, teacher, Iva Primary School

“I hope to utilise the 4 per cent I receive from the SNPF on Monday to assist my family and to get my kids ready for school this year. I also plan to use the money to buy my kids school supplies and uniforms. In addition, I wanted to spend this money on village projects and church. I appreciate the SNPF's generosity in sharing this sum with the nation's citizens at a time when children are returning to school and we desperately need the money to support our families. We are also extremely fortunate to have the 4 per cent, when previously there was only 1 or 2 per cent.”

Au 'au Uesele, Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC).

“Although I am aware that everyone was anticipating the announcement from SNPF, I am grateful to the government for bestowing these gifts upon our nation's citizens, particularly the SNPF contributors. My children's preparation for returning to school this year is my priority, so even though the money won't be enough, at least they are now responding to the complaints made by the public when they should receive the payout. All of the SNPF contributors will greatly benefit from this 4 per cent since the kids are returning to school and will need it for everything.”

Peone Luaao, 46, Faga

"I just received the news of the 4 per cent we are getting on Monday, so it is very helpful for our children to pay their fees and their uniforms, and not only that to help out with my family. At least we finally received the percentage that everyone was hoping for, even though I always assumed it would be higher than that. I always envisioned a lot of use for the funds, including the town, the church, and the children's education, not to mention my husband's family and their numerous needs. Our folks will benefit much from it in every way, and we are grateful to the SNPF for the blessing that will enable us to assist with family gatherings and put food on the table for our family.”

Tagaloa Pene, 50, MEC,

My children will return to school on 3 February. As a result, we can to assist in purchasing school uniforms for the kids in addition to their tuition and other necessities for their families and communities. We all hoped to be above 4 per cent, but that depends on the government and their budget. Nevertheless, we are grateful to God for our blessings and to the government for hearing our prayers as SNPF contributors.

Fa'i Fruen, 32, Aufaga

“I intend to use the money to get my children ready for school. At least we have this 4 per cent to help us all. I wish the percentage was higher, but as we all know, Samoa is heavily dependent on money. Since everything depends on our income, the beginning of this year, when kids are returning to school and there are a lot of family events, is a perfect time for us to receive our 4 per cent.

Toluma'anave Tafitofaustina Aukuso

“I intend to use the money to support the numerous family events planned and my children’s education. It is a good idea to treat ourselves too because not everyone understands the importance of taking care of oneself first. In addition, the church requires funds to handle all of the events that are taking place.

Maria Paterika, 44, Falealili College

"School is everyone's priority right now. As the 4 per cent is about to be received, I am thankful that we can receive the payout as a blessing for us as contributors to help with everything, especially the school fees for our children. To be honest, the 4 per cent is not enough. Everyone benefits greatly from it as we go through these trying times.”

Fetalaiga Toluono Penehuro,27

“There are many things that require money, so my family comes first, followed by the community and the church, and if there is anything left over, I will make something for myself. It is generous of the SNPF to be able to distribute this sum of money to all of the contributors, as it was just 1 per cent or 2 per cent for the previous percentages and we were receiving it gradually. However, I see that the 4 per cent will receive it in whole. Making sure my family has food on the table and taking care of their needs is the first thing that comes to mind when I receive the percentage, but achieving all of my life's goals will be the final thing I do. The 4 per cent is more than plenty to assist with all that must proceed according to plan.”