Story: Families: a history

Leotina Esekielu (second from right) and her husband (not pictured) share a house with their daughter Iutita (second from left) and Iutita's two children, Dawn and Gabriel. Iutita and another adult daughter are in paid work and they meet most of the household expenses. Gabriel is cared for by his grandfather while his mother is at work. Mutual financial support among extended family members and assistance with the care of children is common in Pacific Island families, whether or not they live together.