Meet Jireh Lam Sam.

Jireh, 17, from Leulumoega is making use of his school break to work on his family’s plantation as well as run errands at home.

Jireh is a student at Paul VI College. 

“I had nothing else to do so I just thought of doing a little bit of work to help out my parents,” he told Village Voice.

“I mean they all do work when I’m at school so it’s only fair that I do this for them whenever I get the chance.”

Jireh was on his way to get some crops from Leulumoega when Village Voice spotted him.

“My goal right now is to complete my education.

“I’ve seen a lot of people with no jobs and some finding it hard to get jobs because they don’t really have a good education background and that’s what I want to try my very best to achieve in the future.

“For me, I want a good future and whatever job I will get, I hope that it will not only suit me but also will be enough to take care of my family. A job is a job.”

Jireh is the fifth of seven children. He lives with only five of family members including his parents. 

Jireh’s elder brothers are overseas working to financially support their family. 

“In the meantime, I act as the eldest because all my older siblings are busy with work and that’s why I try to take all the responsibilities.

“Not only do I go to the plantations whenever I can, I cook, I take care of my younger siblings and parents and when I have more time, I clean inside and outside of our house.

“It’s a lot of work but I never have the time to do this until school break so that’s why you caught me on my way to the plantation. 

“I believe it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, if you know how to work to contribute to the welfare of your family, then do it,” Jireh added.