A young man whose working prospects have been badly hit by the coronavirus (COVID-1) global pandemic lockdown is doing his best to get by.

Teja Christian Ulberg, who was an Activity Guide at Taumeasina Island Resort, was laid off two weeks ago along with hundreds of other workers in the tourism industry.

The man, who is from Tuaefu and Mutiatele, said losing his job has forced him to think of other ways to make money so he can help his family.

 “With the extension of the S.O.E, it has had a great impact on me and my family,” he said.

“We are struggling financially and with my unemployment right now, finance has become a big challenge for us.”

To help, the young man has turned his attention to farming to survive.

"I am now staying home and helping out with our plantation, because if the lock down is extended again then we are in for poverty,” he said.

“We need to work on our plantation to make sure that we have bananas, taro and yam when those days come.”

It’s not all that bad though.

Teja said he is fortunate to be living in Samoa where people can rely on farming and the sea.

He also remains hopeful that one day the lockdown will end and he might be able to return to work, which is something he has passion for.

"I was basically an activity guide at Taumeasina Island Resort, “ he said.

“My job is that I keep tourists active with different activities and make sure they are hyped and enjoying their time with us at Taumeasina.

“But with our borders closed, there are no more tourists to guide hence why we were laid off from work. And also hotels are closing down as well but I’m hoping that all this will end soon.”