Staff of The Leprosy Mission Papua New Guinea have been urged to take a leading role in changing communities following the successful completion of a week-long Training of Trainers programme facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI).
The training concluded with a mini graduation ceremony on Friday April 24, 2026, where 20 participants, including eight women, received certificates qualifying them as trainers in financial literacy.
Acting Executive Director of CEFI, Mr Peter Samuel, commended the participants for their commitment and dedication, noting the sacrifices made to attend the training.
“We would like to acknowledge each and every one of you for spending your entire week here and making some sacrifices,” Mr Samuel said.
He described the initiative as a milestone partnership for CEFI, highlighting its significance in expanding outreach to vulnerable communities.
“We have never partnered with an institution like this, and this is very special for us,” he said.
Mr Samuel emphasized that financial literacy was not only essential for the communities the participants would serve, but also for their own personal development.
“Financial literacy is not only for your participants, but also for yourselves… you may see areas where you fall short, even in simple things like unnecessary costs,” he said.
He further stressed the critical role the newly trained facilitators would play in restoring dignity and enabling economic participation among marginalized groups.
“You play a critical role in the transformation… bringing people to participate in the economy and feel part of the country,” he said, adding, “You are now an extension of CEFI… the challenge is on you.”
Senior Programme Manager for Preventive Health and Community Empowerment (PHACE), Mr Larson Neayambe, also acknowledged the impact of the training on staff.
“We thought that we are literate in finance, but the training has taught the staff how to be strong in financing and spending,” Mr Neayambe said.
He likened the training to “planting a seed” that would grow and benefit communities, noting that participants are expected to roll out the programme to community health volunteers and leaders across 45 communities.
Mr Neayambe also praised the partnership behind the initiative, stating that it had created an opportunity to strengthen community development efforts.
Training participant Ms Patricia Smange Maroa, speaking on behalf of the female participants, expressed appreciation to lead facilitator Paul Tamate and the organising team for their support throughout the programme.
She said the participatory approach had empowered trainees to become “better trainers, leaders and agents of change”, adding that the knowledge gained would be shared widely to promote sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Peiwa Kila, representing the male participants, described the training as a positive experience.
He said participants had entered the programme with limited practical knowledge but would leave “more matured” and better equipped to support their families and communities.
Mr Kila emphasised the importance of applying the skills gained, noting that practical implementation would be key to improving financial management at the grassroots level.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, marking the beginning of a broader effort to expand financial literacy across communities in Papua New Guinea.
Ends.
Image: TLM staff and CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel (seated, second from left) pose for a group photo after a mini graduation ceremony.
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
