Va’aiga Tu’igamala, who has also played for Manu Samoa, is urging the Pacific community to speak out about the problems they are experiencing at home.
“Charity begins at home let’s not be afraid to talk about the problems you are facing,” Tu’igamala said.
The dual international was speaking at The Gladiators of Change program, held at Otahuhu College, last week. Impressed with the turn out of close to 700 people, Tu’igamala said organizations like Gladiators help bring changes to the lives of Pacific families.
But families have to play their part by sharing the problems they are experiencing at home with organizations set up to help them, he said.
The Gladiators of Change program, initiated by the Anglican Trust for Women and Children in Otahuhu, aims to encourage Pacific parents to understand their children. The program has been running for three years.
Tu’igamala applauded the initiative saying it would build a good foundation for Pacific families.
“At the end of the day Gladiator is putting effort to make a difference in homes and I encourage Pacific families that it is worth hanging in such activities,” he said.
Tu’igamala said help was available to stop young people from offending. “It is unfortunate that some get involved in crimes but there is a wonderful group of youths who support and work with their parents which family is proud of,” he said.
“There is a lot of pressure for Pacific families to sustain. But that is not their choice. Parents have to work day and night to put food on the table.”
The former All Black said life is a struggle for many Pacific parents but that’s out of love for their children. Although parents have a responsibility to make sure their kids hang out with right people, Tu’igamala admitted they cannot be with them 24- hours.
Still, he urged parents not to give up on their children by keeping an eye out for them and checking out who they are spending time with.
At the program, Tu’igamala joined Tofiga Fepulea’i of the Laughing Samoans and former policeman Nick Tuitasi to promote positive parenting.
Although statistics shows an alarming increase in the number of Pacific islanders committing crimes, Tu’igamala is optimistic that positive changes can still be achieved.
“Change happens over a period of time,” he said. “We live in a world where we don’t get results overnight.
“We have wonderful Pacific people and it is our duty as an organization or individual to help prevent crime.”
