Participants who successfully completed the week-long Expression of Interest (EOI) Training of Trainers (TOT) in Financial Literacy Training (FLT) at the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) have been entrusted with the responsibility of advancing financial inclusion and financial literacy across Papua New Guinea.
Equipped with new knowledge and skills, they were encouraged to overcome challenges and continue serving as agents of change, empowering individuals and communities to become more financially informed and financially included.
The training, held from June 1st to 5th at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby, brought together representatives from microbanks, the private sector and other organizations to strengthen their financial literacy knowledge and training skills.
Speaking during the mini graduation ceremony, Manager for NFIS Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination, Danny Koka, congratulated the participants on completing the EOI-TOT financial literacy training and emphasized the importance of applying the lessons learned.
“Financial literacy, saving and budgeting are life skills. Managing money is key in life now a days,” Mr Koka said. “When you go back, please implement it and become our agents of change outside.”
Mr Koka highlighted the critical role participants play in supporting Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy by reaching unbanked populations. He encouraged graduates to promote savings, responsible money management and access to financial services within their communities.
Acting Manager – Training and Capacity Development Sebastian Mugup thanked participants and their sponsoring organizations for their commitment throughout the five-day programme.
“This training is very important for all of us. Today you will receive your certificate, but you have a big task ahead,” Mr Mugup said. “We will go out and reach the unbanked population and help change people’s lives by changing their mindset about money.”
Representing the male participants, Mitchell Gimots of Women’s Micro Bank described the training as one of the most valuable professional development opportunities he had attended.
“I believe we have gained so much from this one-week training,” he said. “The challenge now is to reach those remote people out there and bring them into the banking system.”
Female participant representative Lowayne Olime also expressed her appreciation, saying the training had strengthened her confidence and ability to serve rural communities.
“With this training that I have acquired, I feel confident and equipped to facilitate trainings and help people become financially responsible leaders,” she said.
The graduates are expected to use their newly acquired skills to deliver financial literacy awareness and training programmes within their respective communities and organizations, contributing to greater financial inclusion across Papua New Guinea.