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.
