Cabbage farmer eyes other job prospects

By Ilia L Likou 28 September 2017, 12:00AM

Toma Folau is among many people who don’t have formal jobs in Samoa today.

But the man from Faleula-uta is not sitting on his laurels waiting for hand outs.

When he spoke with the Village Voice yesterday, he was out to deliver his cabbages from his vegetable garden.

“This is how I earn a bit of money for my family,” he said.

 “I used to work before as a farmer for one of the families here in my village but now I’m starting to do my own thing.

“So I plant different vegetables and today I’m delivering the fruits of my work.”

Toma said he makes enough to keep his family going.

He is also happy that he is his own boss.

But it doesn’t mean he is not keen on a regular job.

 “I know that getting a good job doesn’t come easy these days,” he said. 

“It requires a lot of things and for someone like me; who never had a quality education; it’s difficult. It really is.

“You know; my education ended in primary school. From then on; farming was the only thing I could do and I’m still doing that now.

“I need a good job but every time I apply, qualifications is what stops me.”

Toma said he just needs an opening.

“All I have to offer when given a chance to work in a good job is my strong work ethic and honesty. I have nothing else besides that. I don’t even have any qualifications,” he said.

“A job would help me to support my family continuously because I don’t want us to depend on other people for money.

“I’m a hardworking person and I can assure you that I will perform to the best of my abilities when I’m given an opportunity.”

What’s wrong with being a farmer?

“It’s hard work and the sales are inconsistent,” he said.

“I’ve earned only about $30 and that’s my usual income for a patch of cabbages that’s taken a while to grow.

“It’s not much but I give everything to support my family. Sunny or rainy weather; I go about doing my work just so I can make money to buy food for my family.

“That’s why getting a job is important to me. I have no easy way to get a job considering the fact that I never got to finish school.

“I work hard and I am good at doing any job that suits my skills and knowledge.”

If you want to offer Toma Folau a job or even order cabbages from him, you can reach him at 7728427.

By Ilia L Likou 28 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>