At the age of 73, Tapuai Taavao Toleafoa Leaupepe had the chance to finally witness the fruit of the seed that he and his wife planted a long time ago before she passed away.
His daughters, Uputaua Aotearoa Taavao Leaupepe and Agaiotupu Toleafoa Leaupepe graduated together from the National University of Samoa today, and it is such a milestone for the family.
Speaking to the Samoa News Hub, Mr. Toleafoa explained why his children’s accomplishments mean a lot to him.
“Today, my daughters have proven that they kept their promise to their mother before she died, that they would finish school, despite the fact that our family is not wealthy. For me, it’s the best gift I have ever received while I’m alive.”
According to Agaiotupu, the older sister, growing up in a poor family pushed them to fight until they achieved success.
“Life was hard, but our parents were willing to give up everything just to create a bright future for us.
I remember our mother working as a shopkeeper at a store at Maluafou, while our father, on the other hand, was a commercial angler in Apia town, and a farmer too.
To add on, dad’s earnings from selling agricultural products contributed to the survival of the family.
Despite their modest wages, their priority was our education. Sometimes they would get sick, but never once wanted to spend a penny on going to the hospital, for they were saving up for our school fees.”
During an interview with the Samoa News Hub, the younger of the graduating siblings, Aotearoa mentioned that the struggles her parents had been through kept her going to make them proud.
“Before I left for my mission in the Marshall Islands, I promised my mom that I would surely arrive at the finish line. Now, it’s happening.”
The two sisters are from a family of eight children, from Vavau, Sagone, and Tufutafoe. By receiving their qualifications at the graduation ceremony, Aotearoa and Agaiotupu paid tribute to their late mother, Luafale Siaosi Leaupepe, who died at the age of 66 in 2021 due to cancer.
Agaiotupu graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and is currently working at the N.U.S as a Secretary for the Administration.
Furthermore, Aotearoa graduated with a Bachelor of Education and is now a teacher at Moataa Primary School.
The Toleafoa sisters acknowledged their families and everyone who has been part of their support system.
Even though their mother has passed away, the sisters will do anything to take good care of their hardworking father, acknowledging his massive support towards their academic journey since they lost their mother.