They arrived as strangers but left as advocates united by a shared desire to change the financial habits of their families, workplaces, and communities. Participants agreed that the week long experience not only strengthened their skills but reshaped their outlook on money.
This sentiment echoed throughout the closing ceremony of CEFI’s Financial Literacy Trainer of Trainers (ToT) Program, held from 3rd to the 7th of November 2025 at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby.
In his address, CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, said the group’s participation reflected a shift in mindset an essential foundation for addressing Papua New Guinea’s deep-rooted spending culture.
Mr. Samuel noted that many Papua New Guineans continue to struggle with saving because generational habits and communal obligations often outweigh long term financial goals.
He emphasized that financial empowerment requires intentional planning, particularly in an environment where fees, rising costs, and financial pressures place many households at risk.
Mr. Samuel also commended the dedication of the 35 newly certified trainers (17 males and 18 females) from eight provinces adding that CEFI cannot do the training alone.
He acknowledged organizations and individuals who funded themselves to attend the training, saying their commitment demonstrates “a willingness to change not just society, but themselves”.
Guest speaker Dr. Nancy Irwin, CEO of Nuterra Inc., described the training as a testament to the idea that “skills are lasting empowerment”. She encouraged participants to remain connected as a network of change agents, reminding them that “power is network” and urging them to serve as positive influencers in their communities.
Male participant Mr. Ben Bande thanked CEFI for the opportunity, explaining that the program strengthened their understanding of savings, budgeting, and cash-flow planning—knowledge they will carry forward as better financial managers and trainers.
Participants represented diverse professional backgrounds and travelled from across the country, including:
- Port Moresby (NCD) – 25
- New Ireland (Kavieng) – 4
- Morobe (Lae) – 2
- Madang – 1
- Eastern Highlands (Goroka) – 1
- West Sepik (Vanimo) – 1
- Gulf (Kerema) – 1
- Hela (Tari) – 1
This second batch under the Expression of Interest arrangement marks another important milestone in expanding CEFI’s nationwide network of Financial Literacy Trainers.
Ends.
About CEFI
CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.
CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy , poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.
Visit our website – www.thecefi.org
Media Contact:
Mr. Leslie Omaro
Communication Officer
Phone: 7464 5678
Email: lomaro@thecefi.org
Image Caption: Photos from the week long TOT Training and Certificate Presentation.
