Fishing net feeds family of ten

By Seia Soloi 13 May 2017, 12:00AM

How do you feed a family of ten? 

For Saualo Atina’e, from the village of Fasitoo-uta, he turns to his reliable fishing net. Coupled with lots of prayer and good catches, he is not complaining.

The 52-year old father said the sea is his office.

“No one works for our family even my wife as well,” he told the Village Voice.

“At first I used to work but I quit because the money I earned was not enough.

 “Then I decided to take my fishing net seriously hoping that it will help my family. I’m happy to say it works.”

Saualo fishes everyday even when the weather is bad.

“I prefer the weekends because I earn lots of money,” he said.

“I sell crabs, fish, eels and other seafood. As you see I’m on my way now to fish again and I hope I bring a good catch.” 

Saualo said it’s not easy but someone has to do it.

“I think I make more money than some people working,” he said.

“When it’s a good day, I collect more than two-hundred tala. There are also times when people place orders and that’s another huge amount.

“Even for mother’s day people have already placed orders so it’s good income for me.” 

Saualo said he understands that life is hard.

 “The cost of living is expensive,” he said.

“Some families do not access water and power because the bills are too high.”

But you can’t sit back and do nothing. 

“We don’t always have to depend on the government,” he said. 

“Let them decide on whatever they want but we should always not give up. We should do the best we can with what we have.”

As for his fishing net, he said: “This is more than enough for me and my family.

“As long as I am strong for my family whatever comes our way I know what to do for the future of my kids.”

By Seia Soloi 13 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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