There is certainly no rest for the needy.
Ask young Jake who was already out on the streets of Apia yesterday begging and selling all sorts of stuff to buy dinner for his family last night.
He was selling wares around the McDonald’s Family Restaurant yesterday.
Jake was not alone.
He was among a host of young boys and girls hustling on the streets of Apia, stopping cars and people in an attempt to make a sale.
While most children were enjoying their toys, sitting in front of the television set, watching a cartoon, Jake told the Sunday Samoan he has to make money.
Three days ago, the Samoa Observer spoke with Jake and he promised that he would take a break for Christmas.
Well he didn't keep his word.
Yesterday at around 12, he was seen with his small box full of goodies.
<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
Metres away from Jake, there are more children. At one point as the Sunday Samoan looked on, the security guards tried to tell them to go somewhere else.
But somehow most of them favour the McDonald’s drive through.
There was no sight of their mothers who are often seen sitting close by to monitor their every move. Most of them are wary about journalists and Police officers. When they see Police officers, they tell their children to go somewhere else.
These women are well dressed – unlike what their children wear.
Asked what he wanted to do in the future, Jake said he didn’t know.
“I just want a good job,” he said. “This is what I have to do to buy our family’s food tonight. If I make some money, then I’ll be very happy.”
Another 13-year-old nearby said she was there only to help her mother. She said she started at 7.30am.
At nightfall last night, Jake and this group of kids were still hanging around the McDonald’s area. On most nights, they are there until midnight or later.
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}