Participants of the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) Work Ready Programme in Port Moresby have successfully completed a Financial Literacy Retail Training Programme aimed at strengthening their money management skills before taking up employment opportunities overseas.
The training, conducted from 23–25 February 2026 under the NCD Hub, focused on equipping participants with practical financial knowledge such as saving, budgeting and responsible financial decision-making. Organisers stated that the training was designed to ensure workers are financially prepared to manage their earnings effectively while working abroad.
According to the programme schedule, the participants were introduced to key financial literacy modules including savings, budgeting and financial planning. The sessions were intended to help participants develop sound financial habits and build long-term financial stability.
Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), Mr Peter Samuel, attended the mini graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, 25 February.
He congratulated the participants on successfully completing the training and encouraged them to apply the knowledge they had gained when they begin working overseas.
Mr Samuel urged the trainees to act as responsible representatives of Papua New Guinea under the Labour Mobility arrangements.
“You must put into practice what you have learned during this training and be good role models for Papua New Guinea when you work overseas,” Mr Samuel said.
He also acknowledged the strong collaboration between CEFI, the Labour Mobility Unit and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) in delivering the training programme.
Mr Samuel thanked both organisations for their continued partnership in ensuring Papua New Guineans are equipped with essential financial literacy skills before departing for overseas employment.
Labour Mobility Unit Training and Skills Development Manager, Ms Lynna Joel, highlighted the importance of ongoing training initiatives that help workers strengthen their professional profiles for prospective employers.
Ms Joel explained that the LMU continues to introduce new programmes aimed at upskilling workers and improving their competitiveness in the international labour market.
She revealed that the unit is currently delivering safety training and has recently completed a pilot programme on worker and family preparedness, which is now under review.
“The aim is to make our workers more marketable and productive so that when employers come to recruit, they can confidently select Papua New Guinean workers,” Ms Joel said.
She added that the preparedness programme is expected to be rolled out in April in the National Capital District and other locations.
Ms Joel further explained that LMU is working to ensure workers obtain relevant licences and practical competencies that will increase their employability overseas. She noted that several participants had already undertaken Mid-Works training through the Pacific Australia Skills programme, while the LMU continues to collaborate with training institutions to deliver employability skills development.
According to Ms Joel, all completed training programmes are recorded in the LMU’s in-country recruitment database, allowing qualified candidates to be presented to potential employers seeking workers from Papua New Guinea.
She also thanked participants for taking part in the pilot training and encouraged them to share feedback that will help improve future programmes.
Meanwhile, participant Dorothy Veapi said the training had encouraged many attendees to reflect on how they manage their finances.
Ms Veapi explained that discussions on budgeting, saving and maintaining financial records helped participants realise the importance of monitoring their income and expenditure.
“As we discussed budgeting and managing our savings, we recognised that keeping track of our income and expenses is essential,” Ms Veapi said.
She noted that many participants came to understand that small but consistent financial habits can lead to long-term financial stability and independence.
Ms Veapi added that the workshop also reminded participants that financial literacy is not only a practical skill but also a personal responsibility.
“Once again, thank you to CEFI, the Labour Mobility Unit, and the World Bank for equipping us with the knowledge and skills that will guide us not only now, but into our future endeavours,” she said.
During the training, participants were introduced to core financial literacy concepts and the importance of saving regularly. The budgeting module helped participants set financial goals, examine their money management habits and understand how to create practical budgets.
Participants also learned the importance of monitoring cash flow and maintaining accurate financial records, particularly for workers who will earn regular incomes while working abroad.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in recap sessions and discussions to reinforce key lessons. The training concluded with a summary session, programme evaluation and a graduation ceremony recognising those who successfully completed the course.
Organisers stated that the Financial Literacy Retail Training Programme forms an important component of the LMU Work Ready Programme, ensuring participants are financially prepared before entering overseas employment.
They explained that the initiative aims to empower workers with the knowledge and confidence to manage their earnings responsibly, support their families and contribute positively to their communities when they return to Papua New Guinea.
Photos caption: Images show the mini graduation of participants of the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) Work Ready Programme in Port Moresby.
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
