Young man chooses gardening over school to earn money for aging parents

By Nefertiti Matatia 15 November 2017, 12:00AM

There is a season for everything.

There is a time to reap the fruits of our labour and a time of struggle and famine.

Meet Tavita Suluvale.

He believes that even though he did not graduate from university, it is certainly not the end of the road for him. 

“My family is poor which is why I was not able to continue with my studies but I am certain that one day I will go back to complete it, to get a better a job so I can support my family,” he said.  

The 18-year-old chose to work as a gardener so that he could help his family.

“My parents are aging and there is nobody to look after them and that is why I don’t mind working as a gardener as long as I can help them out in a way.”

He understands that education is the key to success and for a better life but for him, family is far more important.

For Tavita, he can never repay his parents and all the good deeds that they have done for him, so leaving school is the least of his problems.

Talking to the Village Voice team yesterday, Tavita said he had two sisters who were still in school.

Tavita receives $150 a week and despite his income range, he is thankful he is able to provide for his family.

“I earn $150 a week  from cleaning compounds and I am able to put food on the table for my family.”

Tavita is from Falelauniu and he believes there is always another time for school.

“You could always go back to school. I have realized that the older I get the older that my parents are becoming as well.

“School can always come later on but there is no round two for family and my parents,” he said.

He says students who are still in school need to use that opportunity wisely because there are some people out there who want to be in their shoes.

Tavita believes all his hard work and dedication will pay off in the future.

By Nefertiti Matatia 15 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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