The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), in partnership with The Salvation Army has successfully concluded a five-day Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, equipping 29 participants including 16 females with the knowledge and practical skills to promote budgeting, savings and sound financial management within their communities.
At a mini graduation ceremony held on Friday, 26 June 2026, at The Salvation Army Headquarters, participants were presented with their certificates, officially recognising them as CEFI-certified trainers.
The programme forms part of CEFI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening financial literacy and advancing financial inclusion across Papua New Guinea by developing a network of community-based trainers capable of delivering practical financial education at the grassroots level.
Participants travelled from various parts of Papua New Guinea, with representatives also attending from the Solomon Islands.
Following the completion of the training, the newly certified trainers will return to their respective Salvation Army churches and community locations to deliver financial literacy training to church members, youth groups, women’s groups, persons living with disabilities, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Delivering the keynote address, CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, congratulated the participants on completing the programme and challenged them to become agents of change within their communities.
“These are simple financial tools, but they are very powerful tools. They will change your life, your family, your community and the organisation you represent,” Mr Mugup said.
Mr Mugup emphasised that the value of the training would ultimately be measured by how effectively participants shared their knowledge with others.
He encouraged the graduates to begin by applying the lessons in their own lives before teaching family members, church congregations and the wider community.
He noted that the programme supports the Government of Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027, the National Financial Literacy Strategy, the SME Policy, and Vision 2050, all of which seek to build a financially empowered, economically active and inclusive nation.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Captain Saki A’o of The Salvation Army expressed appreciation to CEFI, the facilitators and organisers for providing the training free of charge and equipping participants with practical financial knowledge.
“I am confident that I now understand finance, and when I return home, I will first make changes in my own life before sharing this financial literacy knowledge with others,” Captain A’o said.
He thanked the trainers for their dedication, patience and commitment throughout the intensive five-day programme and affirmed that participants were committed to using their new skills to empower the people and communities they serve.
In his closing remarks, Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army reminded graduates that their responsibility extended beyond receiving certificates and called on them to faithfully pass on the knowledge they had gained.
“The true success of this training will not be measured by the certificates you receive, but by the lives you will influence tomorrow and, in the years, ahead,” Colonel Goa said.
Drawing on 2 Timothy 2:2, Colonel Goa encouraged participants to train other reliable people who would, in turn, continue teaching others, creating a lasting multiplier effect across communities.
The Training of Trainers model is designed to ensure that financial education reaches hundreds more Papua New Guineans through local churches and community networks.
By building the capacity of trusted community leaders, CEFI and The Salvation Army are helping to strengthen financial capability, promote responsible money management and support inclusive economic development throughout Papua New Guinea.
Ends.
Image Captions
Image 1: Participants of The Salvation Army Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme gather for the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 2: CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, delivers the keynote address during the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 3: Mr Sebastian Mugup highlights the importance of financial literacy while addressing participants at the graduation ceremony.
Image 4: Captain Saki A’o of The Salvation Army delivers remarks on behalf of the training participants.
Image 5: Captain Saki A’o shares reflections and appreciation on behalf of the graduating participants.
Image 37: Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army delivers the closing address at the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 38: Colonel Chris Goa commends the participants during his closing remarks at the conclusion of the programme.
Image 39: From left: CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, Major Michelle Oliver of The Salvation Army, and Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army cut the celebratory cake with participants, marking the successful completion of the week-long Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme.
Images 6–36: Participants proudly receive their certificates after successfully completing the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme.
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 monitoring 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: 79736883
Email: lomaro@thecefi.org
