At just 24, Ezekiel Lakain, a Security Officer from Sirunki in Enga Province, is already making strides toward building a more financially stable future not only for himself, but also for his wider community. After completing Grade 12, Ezekiel’s financial knowledge was limited, often leading to impulsive spending and a lack of savings. However, everything changed in March 2025 when he attended a Financial Literacy Training conducted by CEFI Office in Port Moresby.

The training, which focused on savings and budgeting, had a profound impact on Ezekiel. “Before the training, I struggled to manage my spending,” he admitted. “But now, I have a better plan for saving and budgeting my money.” One of the standout techniques for him was learning about different income streams and creating structured budgeting plans to manage outflows effectively.

Beyond his personal development, Ezekiel is passionate about sharing what he’s learnt. He plans to conduct informal training sessions with families and friends in his community, aiming to uplift their living standards through practical financial knowledge. “Even though I used to try saving on my own, this training gave me the tools and confidence to not only do it better but to also teach others,” he said.

Despite ongoing challenges, including saving for further education amidst financial pressures, Ezekiel remains optimistic. He believes the training has equipped him with not just knowledge, but the discipline and mindset to rise above these obstacles.

Ezekiel’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and education, financial literacy can be a catalyst for meaningful change one person, one community at a time.

Image Caption: Ezekiel proudly showing his certificate after successfully completing the Financial Literacy Training