Our environment mirrors us

By Ilia L Likou 23 November 2017, 12:00AM

Sixty-nine-year-old father, Malagamali’i Kolia from Satuimalufilufi, admits there is a major issue that is shared across Samoa.

“Sometimes life becomes too hard to live and we’ve all experienced that from day to day,” he said.

The Village Voice team spotted Malagamali’i who was resting at one of the faleo’o along the road yesterday morning.

Malagamali’i is visiting his family at Satuimalufilufi.

“I was born and raised in the village until I left for New Zealand in 1969 and from that time until today, I come every year,” said Malagamali’i.

“I have children and they’ve all grown up, and as a father I am very proud of who they are and what they’ve accomplished.

 “My children’s efforts to do their part in the family makes me happy, because no matter how far away I am, I always remember to help my family here when it comes with fa’alavelave and obligations.”

He believes most families in Samoa don’t make much money.

“That is the reality today for all the families in Samoa. But living overseas and sending money will help our families in Samoa a lot,” he said.

“There’s nothing we can do about what we see today. That so many (families) are struggling as they deal with life tells us everything.”

Malagamali’i strongly believes that family members need to work on building strong family love and also knowing what their individual roles are in their family.

“That’s who we are; we always help our families whenever they need help,” he said.

Malagamali’i also says it is our responsibility to protect and clean our environment.

“We all know that our people mostly dependant on the land and sea for a living,” he said.

“Not only that, but we also have to understand that the environment in which we live mirrors us to the outside world. So we are talking about the income from tourism if we keep the environment clean.”

He said it’s important to focus on this because we have to make sure the environment is preserved for future generations.

“We all know that an unclean environment will lead us to the arrival of diseases and many other problems...and that’s dangerous!

“So even though my family and I left our village years ago, this is our land, this is where I grew up and we are responsible for keeping it clean.

“I think that’s why our village keeps this tradition of clearing the rubbish at the front of the road where many tourists and visitors pass by every day.

“So keeping it clean all the time is our responsibility,” he said.

By Ilia L Likou 23 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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