Life is very challenging. 

Aitupe Aitupe of Fasito’o-uta knows this about life in Samoa today.

“We are living at an age where life has so much to offer, the good, the bad,” she said.

“The most interesting challenge is the cost of living. It is such a hassle and it’s becoming very tiring as well.

“People give their best to provide for families with the limited resources they have.”

Aitupe does the best she can with what she has.  

“For me, I sell vegetables and that is our main source of income. It may not be enough but it’s the least I can do to support my family,” she said. 

“In my family, our vegetables like pumpkin, cabbages, and tomatoes are what we rely on heavily. 

“We earn up to a $100 a day then we spend on buying what is needed for everyday necessities. It’s not much but I am happy that I am able to provide for my family.” 

Aitupe also has advice for those struggling to seek employment to go back to the plantation. 

“Go back to the land, I know it will take time to get a farm going but believe me once you get it going and you see the fruits of your labor you will be happy, just like me. 

“One of the issues nowadays is that people want more, we need to differentiate and draw the line as to what are needs and what are wants.  

“Stop wanting to be like someone else and trying to purchase what you cannot afford because that is why we get poor, being greedy will only make things worse. 

“My advice, work hard and live within your own means… stop comparing yourself to other people… they are what they are. 

“If you were born an average person, then work on becoming a better person, we are all poor but the work we do determines our lives in this world,” said Aitupe.

“This life was given to us by God, our family needs us and so as our children… does something good about it and live it in any way we can.”