The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), in partnership with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), successfully delivered a three-day financial literacy training for representatives from Tabar Island Mineral Holdings of Simberi Mine in New Ireland Province.
The training was held from Monday 11th August to Wednesday 13th August, concluding with a certificate presentation ceremony on Friday 15th August at the CEFI Office.
In his keynote speech Mr. Rowan Rupa, Assistant Governor – Financial Market Operations Group- Bank of Papua New Guinea urged participants to adopt sound money management habits.
He warned against reckless spending, highlighting the risks of financial shocks. “Money can either help you grow or destroy you if not managed well. Saving and planning are key for future generations,” Mr. Rupa explained.
Also speaking at the mini-graduation, MRA’s Manager Project Coordinator, Mr. Pelis Vatnabar, commended the participants for their commitment.
He said the training aimed to strengthen accountability and governance in community development projects.
“The knowledge you have gained here must be used to build trust and ensure transparent leadership for your people,” Mr. Vatnabar stressed.
Mr. Jack Kwa, Training Manager with the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance, encouraged the participants to embrace change.
Mr. Kwa told them that training alone would not be enough unless attitudes shifted.
“You must go back to your communities and demonstrate leadership through action. We don’t want business as usual, we want to see real change,” he emphasized.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Maris Pius Vaket, Chairman – Tabar Island Mineral resource Holdings, thanked the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance, Institute of Banking and Buiness Management and CEFI for the respective trainings his group attended during the course of the last few weeks.
Mr. Vaket made a special mention of MRA for facilitating their entire training program adding their support towards equipping the landowner group with life skills training was invaluable and appreciated.
The landowner group chairman also thanked CEFI for instilling money management skills to the group adding it was an eye opener of all of them and they are truly appreciative of the financial money management skills they have acquired.
CEFI Senior Trainer Mr. Sebastian Mugup stated that the training was part of CEFI’s ongoing programme to build financial literacy skills across Papua New Guinea, ensuring that resource-owning communities are equipped to manage income and investments responsibly.
Mr. Mugup added that participants were challenged to apply their new skills to benefit their households, institutions, and communities.
Ends.
Image caption: Representatives from Tabar Island Mineral Holdings of Simberi Mine in New Ireland Province participating in a three-day financial literacy training conducted by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in partnership with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). The training was held to strengthen financial management skills and knowledge.
