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News Article

CEFI bids farewell to one of it’s Managers

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) hosted a heartfelt farewell lunch on Thursday, 29th May 2025,  for Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo, Manager for Special Projects.

In his farewell speech Mr. Wenogo thanked his colleges for their support in performing  their duties and building strong working relationship him during his time with CEFI. He paid special tribute to two of his former colleagues, in former CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasingh and former CEFI Consultant Mr. Augustine Birie, who were instrumental in bringing him into CEFI, and acknowledged many others who supported his journey, including colleagues from the Market for Village Farmers project and financial inclusion pioneers.

Having worked in the financial inclusion space since 2013, Busa recounted his contributions to­ key initiatives such as the Informal Economic Policy, the Financial Inclusion Capability and Competency Study, and the drafting of Papua New Guinea’s first National Financial Inclusion Strategy. He reflected on international exposure visits, including one to Fiji with then Bank of PNG Governor Mr. Loi Bakani, which inspired the blueprint for microfinance expositions.

He described his time at CEFI as deeply meaningful, having been mentored by what he called two “giants”, Mr. Birie and Mr. Ranasinghe. He praised CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel for his administrative leadership and said his colleagues had become “brothers and sisters, not just co-workers.”

Looking ahead, he said his new job with another organization was not an end but “a continuation” of his journey with CEFI, and he hoped to foster future collaboration. “I am lost for words,” he said. “I pray that God will bless each and every one of you in your endeavors.”

In response, Mr. Samuel expressed his sincere appreciation for Mr. Wenogo’s dedication to CEFI and the country as a whole in the financial inclusion journey, impacting people’s lives, was immeasurable.

He highlighted Mr. Wenogo’s leadership in building structure within his unit, playing an important role in overseeing training of farmers in the MVF project as well as individuals and his personal growth, including attaining a Master’s degree.

Mr Samuel encouraged him to continue advocate for CEFI. He also praised Mr. Wenogo’s humility, faith, and integrity.

Ms. Winnie Kari, a casual staff member who served for four months was farewelled as well and in closing, Mr Samuel also thanked Ms. Winnie Kari for her positivity and fresh perspective, wishing both departing colleagues success and encouraging them to remain connected with the CEFI family.

Caption: Images showing CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel and staff farewelling Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo as well as Ms. Winnie Kari.

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News Article

Trainee graduates urged to champion Financial Literacy

A mini graduation held at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) on Friday, 6th June 2025, marked the conclusion of a five-day Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (ToT) and Retail Training, sponsored by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) and facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). The programme, conducted from 2nd to 6th June, aimed to equip participants with critical financial knowledge and practical training skills to promote financial inclusion across the country.

Number of graduates from the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers was a total of 27 participants 11 females and 16 males all officers from the UPNG student services division and Department of Community Development and Religion. As for the retail training conducted by the Department of Community Development & Religion which comprised of a team of four trainers all officers from the Department who trained over 147 students from the University itself. The group of students comprised of student leaders from association groups, the SRC and other groups who reside on campus. Topics covered in both the ToT and Retail Training include making savings plan, creating a simple budget, cash flow tracking sheets and basic money management skills. As for the ToT participants they also learnt basic training techniques such as facilitating group learning, assessing group learning and providing supportive resource materials to complement their learning sessions.

Delivering the opening remarks at the graduation ceremony, Mr Robinson Lanza, Deputy Director for Research and Community at UPNG, acknowledged the joint effort between the university, DFCDR, and CEFI in delivering the training. He praised the contribution of financial institutions including MiBank, Mama Bank, BSP and the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and commended the trainees for their dedication.

“Financial literacy is foundational for both personal development and national progress,” Mr Lanza stated. “By empowering individuals, particularly youth, with financial knowledge, we are building a more responsible and sustainable future.”

Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI, reiterated the importance of such partnerships in advancing financial inclusion. She noted that CEFI’s mission is guided by policies from the Department of Treasury and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and aims to transition over two million unbanked citizens into the formal financial sector.

“Your impact starts at home,” Ms Pijui told the graduates. “Apply what you’ve learnt in your lives before you train others. The certificate only becomes meaningful when the knowledge is put into action.” She highlighted the importance of both theoretical learning such as budgeting and saving and the practical ability to train and support others in financial matters.

Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Microbank emphasized the role of mindset in fostering sound financial habits.

“Financial literacy starts with the mindset of savings,” Mr Das said. “It is not just about putting money away it’s about making everyday decisions that prioritize value over waste.” He encouraged graduates to form habits that promote savings and to eventually embed it as part of their culture. Mr Das further advised trainees to maintain active bank accounts and mobile numbers, underscoring their importance in accessing future financial services and building credibility.

Delivering the official closing remarks on behalf of Secretary Jerry Ubase, Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, acknowledged the cultural norm in Papua New Guinea of giving over saving and called for a shift in mindset that supports financial responsibility.

He commended the training’s alignment with the Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS), specifically Priority Area 11, which promotes community empowerment, financial inclusion, and youth leadership. “The Department remains committed to building meaningful partnerships with institutions like UPNG,” Mr Kulisi stated. “We encourage graduates to apply this knowledge and lead the way in building a more financially responsible Papua New Guinea.”

Participants also took the stage to share their reflections. Mr Vencislos Edmund, speaking on behalf of the male trainees, thanked all stakeholders and expressed his determination to pass on what he had learnt.

Ms Otolose Sheekiot, representing the female trainees, emphasized the relevance of financial literacy amid current economic challenges. “This training has equipped us with life-changing skills,” she said. “As a school board member, I intend to bring this knowledge into schools and communities.”

Mr. Kuagilo Gilson, speaking on behalf of the trainees, expressed gratitude to DFCDR, CEFI, and UPNG. He highlighted the importance of financial literacy, especially tracking income, expenses, and cash flow. He encouraged investment over saving, sharing insights on financial planning and practical application of knowledge gained during the training.

 

Ends.

 

For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications Team: +675 3225300, email: lomaro@thecefi.org  or visit www.thecefi.org

Image Captions:

Image 1: A photo collage showcasing classroom training sessions, activities from the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (FL ToT) and Retail Training, and account opening with MiBank, Women’s Micro Bank, and BSP.

Image 2: Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI, delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Image 3: Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank, addressing attendees at the graduation.

Image 4: Mr Vencislos Edmund speaking on behalf of the male trainees.

Image 5: Ms Otolose Sheekiot speaking on behalf of the female trainees.

Image 6: Financial Literacy ToT and Retail Trainees gathered at the graduation ceremony.

Image 7: Mr Kuagilo Gilson delivering remarks on behalf of the Retail Trainees.

Image 8: Mr Paul Tamate, Training Officer at CEFI, speaking at the graduation.

Image 9: Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank, presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Nadia Rupen.

Image 10: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Vallen Naemon.

Image 11: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Cecila Wrondimi.

Image 12: Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Uraineh Warus.

Image 13: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Jacinta Wanto.

Image 14: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Robinson Lanza.

Image 15: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Jayson Kil.

Image 16: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Nigel Bana.

Image 17: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Josephine Serah Koimbu.

Image 18: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Ambuaou Wena.

Image 19: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Andrew Komena.

Image 20: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Deborah Lailan.

Image 21: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Dicky Moten.

Image 22: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Kaupa Poiye.

Image 23: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Naomi Tikana.

Image 24: Mr George Kulisi delivering the closing remarks at the graduation ceremony.

Image 25: Guest speakers and trainees posing for a group photograph.

Image 26: (From left to right) Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank; Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI; and Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, cutting the graduation cake.

 

 

 

 

Categories
Media Releases

MEDIA RELEASE: Kopkop College students gain first-hand Financial Literacy Experience through CEFI Visit

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) welcomed the Grade 10 students from Kopkop College, Port Moresby, as part of the school’s Educational Excursion Visit to the CEFI office, held over two days from 3 to 4 June 2025.

The visit aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of financial literacy, promote the value of savings and budgeting, and introduce key economic concepts such as monetary and fiscal policy. The program also included a practical component, opening bank accounts with Bank South Pacific (BSP) and MiBank, as part of the financial inclusion for young minds.

A total of 43 students, accompanied by their teachers, attended the two-day programme, 21 students participated on Tuesday 3rd June, with the second batch consisting of 22 students completing their visit on Wednesday 4th June.

In his opening remarks on day one, Mr Danny Koka, Manager for NFIS Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement at CEFI, encouraged students to develop sound financial habits at an early age.

“Saving early will prepare you in your future working life to overcome for challenges such as inflation, school fees, housing, and even starting your own business,” Mr Koka stated. He also thanked BSP and MiBank for being present onsite to assist students in opening their first bank accounts.

Grade 10 Teacher Mr Harold Wuris expressed gratitude to CEFI for facilitating the visit and emphasized the value of real world experience in helping students understand how financial institutions operate.

“This hands-on experience brings classroom learning to life and helps students connect theory with practical application,” Mr Wuris said.

Closing the two day program, Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial and Capacity Building at CEFI, delivered the closing remarks and extended her appreciation to Kopkop College and the participating financial institutions.

Ms Pijui highlighted the integration of financial literacy into the national education curriculum, informing students that the subject would soon become compulsory alongside other core subjects.

She explained that eight key topics would be covered under the programme, including savings, budgeting, banking, superannuation, insurance, investment, credit, and debt management. Ms Pijui further stated that a pilot implementation is planned for 89 schools, with teacher training scheduled to begin by mid-2026.

“CEFI is committed to educating and empowering young people, especially considering that previous generations did not have access to financial literacy education,” Ms Pijui explained. She urged the students to become responsible money managers and take ownership of their financial futures.

Kopkop College Principal Mr Federick Raka also expressed his appreciation to CEFI for hosting the students and encouraged further collaboration.

“Many adults, including educators, were not taught financial literacy during their schooling. This is a gap that must be addressed. Today’s visit serves as a bridge between theory and real world money management skills,” Mr Raka said.

During the sessions, students engaged in presentations, interactive discussions, and activities focused on budgeting, saving, and the broader concepts of financial inclusion and national economic policy. CEFI staff also held Q&A sessions to reinforce student learning.

Several students shared their key takeaways from the educational sessions:

Eussetus Turharus said he had gained a deeper understanding of how financial literacy equips individuals to budget, save, and invest, while financial inclusion enables people throughout Papua New Guinea to access affordable banking services.

Hannah Sirimai expressed that before the visit, she had heard of financial literacy but did not fully grasp its importance. She highlighted CEFI’s role in reaching vulnerable populations, such as women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities, through financial education.

Sean Leva commented on the value of opening a bank account while still in school, noting that early exposure to banking fosters responsibility and financial independence.

Ghinter Yombon Copic when highlighting the role of technology in advancing financial literacy, stated that digital tools have increased accessibility and impact, especially among young people.

In total, 31 students opened Sumatin accounts with BSP during the visit. Some students also shared their thoughts on opening their first bank accounts:

Wilford Wangi said he felt happy and more in control of his money, with plans to save regularly.

Cornelius Sanigum expressed relief, as he had been trying for months to open an account, with saving as his main goal.

Kaylah Mareva shared her excitement, saying she now felt more independent and was eager to learn how to budget effectively.

Nekidoleya Annettee Kora described the experience as new and unfamiliar but she was positive and she, too, plans to save.

Ends.

 

For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications Team: +675 3225300, email: lomaro@thecefi.org  or visit www.thecefi.org

 

Captions:

Image 1- Day 2: Kopkop Grade 10 students and their teacher pose for a group photo with CEFI and BSP staff on Day 2 of the programme.

Image 2 – Day 2: Mr Albert Mokis Ahabh, NFIS Implementation Coordinator at CEFI, facilitates a budgeting and savings activity during the session. He is pictured here assisting Sheila Kalamoroh with the completion of the task.

Image 3 – Day 2: Ms Adelle Auhava, Administrative Officer with CEFI’s Training Unit, and Kora Gini from BSP assist two female students in completing their application forms to open bank accounts.

Image 4 – Day 2: Students in the process of opening bank accounts.

Image 5 – Day 2: Jackson Tasi, Team Leader – Customer Service Officer at MiBank, assists a student with her enquiries regarding opening a bank account.

Image 6 – Day 2: The second batch of Kopkop Grade 10 students proudly display their Sumatin bank cards.

Image 7 – Day 1: Mr Danny Koko, Manager – NFIS and Stakeholder Engagement at CEFI, welcomes the first group of students on Day One.

Image 8 – Day 1: Kopkop Grade 10 students and teachers pose for a group photo with CEFI, BSP, and MiBank staff on Day One.

Image 9  – Day 1: Jackson Tasi, Team Leader – Customer Service Officer at MiBank, demonstrates the different types of banking cards to the students.

Image 10 -– Day 1: Marie Oapaisa, Manager – Market at MiBank, explains various banking products to Eussetus Tuharus.

Image 11 – Day 1: Two male students filling out application forms to open bank accounts.

Image 12– Day 1: The first batch of Kopkop Grade 10 students proudly display their Sumatin bank cards.

 

 

 

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