A partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Department of Community Development has brought financial literacy education to church leaders in Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands Province under the Church Partnership Programme.
The week-long Financial Literacy Training of Trainers , held from 24 to 28 November 2025 at Koibuga Village outside Mt Hagen, has drawn 31 participants (18 men and 13 women) representing various churches across the province. The training aims to equip participants with the financial knowledge and practical skills needed to educate and empower their communities.
According to CEFI officials, the initiative is designed to “build stronger, financially confident communities one training at a time.” Participants are being trained in budgeting, saving, and financial management to enable them to become trainers in their respective congregations.
During the Budgeting Session Presentations on 28 November, participants delivered individual presentations demonstrating their understanding of key financial principles. Organisers described the session as a “milestone achievement” in strengthening church partnerships and promoting financial resilience at the grassroots level.
One of the trainees, Daniel George, a 37-year-old driver and storeman from Kimininga Village, shared how the training had transformed his approach to money management. “Before attending the training, my financial behaviour was not well managed,” he said. “I often spent money on unplanned items and didn’t follow a budget.”
After completing the course, Mr George reported significant behavioural changes. “I now use a clear budget to guide my monthly expenses, prioritise essential needs, and save more consistently,” he explained. He added that the training had boosted his confidence in managing money and had improved his family’s ability to meet important needs such as school fees and household costs.
Another participant, Mary Berobero, a 49-year-old peer worker from Manus Province, said the training helped her overcome unnecessary spending and peer pressure. “I have learnt to save and budget to meet both short-term and long-term goals,” she said. Ms Berobero added that she now feels motivated to help her family and others in her community make positive financial changes.
CEFI trainer Mr Sebastain Mugup, who facilitated the sessions, commended the participants’ enthusiasm and commitment. He noted that empowering community and church leaders through such programmes is vital for sustaining financial literacy and stability across Papua New Guinea.
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Images showing the week-long Financial Literacy Training of Trainers , held from 24 to 28 November 2025 at Koibuga Village outside Mt Hagen.
