Author: Leslie Omaro

Lilly Namunu, a 45-year-old entrepreneur from Milne Bay Province, is a powerful force for change in her community. As the Director of Shualink PNG Ltd, Lilly is using her experience and passion to drive financial empowerment, particularly for women in rural areas. Her work was recently recognized at the inaugural Excellence Awards hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) on 22 November 2024, where she received the Financial Advocate Award.

Lilly holds a Diploma in Accounting and is a mother of three. Despite the personal challenges of being separated, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for others. Through Shualink PNG Ltd, based in Alotau, Milne Bay province, she delivers a wide range of services:

• Financial literacy and entrepreneurial training
• MiBank account opening
• Solar lighting distribution
• Business consultations
• Financial inclusion campaigns

Now in its fifth year, Lilly’s business has a diverse customer base that includes provincial and local governments, churches, wards, schools, youth groups, and women across Milne Bay Province. Shualink PNG Ltd is fully registered with the Investment Promotion Authority  and the Internal Revenue Commission.

Lilly’s core motivation lies in empowering rural women by helping them achieve financial independence. “Financial freedom gives women greater urgency, security, and the ability to care for their families without economic constraints,” she says.

However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She points to language barriers in training, delayed payments affecting cash flow, cultural differences, and law and order issues as major obstacles. To expand her reach, Lilly says she needs support in the form of training materials, office space, and further training through CEFI.

Her involvement with CEFI has seen positive changes. The Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (TOT) programme helped her make informed financial decisions for her business and encouraged her to instill similar knowledge in rural communities. “If we can manage to save every toea, we can achieve more. That’s the message I now pass on,” she explains.

Lilly’s impact is already evident. Her efforts are helping everyday Papua New Guineans access financial services, make better financial decisions, improve living standards, and strengthen their small businesses.

Her legacy message to young women is both inspiring and practical: “Cultivate a fierce desire for financial independence. Let it guide your choices and free you to pursue your passions. Be resilient, creative, and solution-focused. You have the power to build, to innovate, and to leave your unique mark on the world.”

Through her leadership and commitment, Lilly continues to champion financial literacy and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea.

Image Caption: Lilly was named the inaugural recipient of the Financial Advocate Award. She is pictured with the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Ms Elizabeth Genia, at the 2024 awards ceremony. The Governor  presented Lilly with her award.

Shanne Huambi, a 27-year-old Compliance Officer from East Sepik and East New Britain, recently took a bold step towards financial empowerment by attending a Financial Literacy Training at Rio’s Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby. The  two day training  delivered by CEFI from 27th to 28th February 2025 focused on critical modules such as Savings and Budgeting.

Before the training, Shanne admitted to struggling with overspending and poor budgeting habits common challenges faced by many young families. Although she was aware that her financial behavior needed improvement, she lacked the tools and knowledge to make lasting changes.

The training became a turning point. Shanne shared that she gained a better understanding of budgeting and how to manage money within her income. “It helped me realize the importance of putting financial knowledge into practice,” she said. The session on tracking monthly income and expenses particularly Activity 1 on creating a Simple Household Budget resonated most with her.

As a result of the training, Shanne has begun applying her new knowledge at home, which she believes will help uplift her family’s standard of living. The skills she’s developed not only support her personal growth but also empower her to educate her friends, family, and colleagues.

While she still faces challenges like impulse buying, Shanne is optimistic and committed to overcoming them through continued practice and discipline. Her story is a shining example of how financial literacy can inspire behavioral change and build more secure futures.

Image Caption: Shanne is positive that she will overcome challenges now that she has the financial knowledge.

For Lina Wingawi, a 60-year-old Business Development Officer from East Sepik, financial management wasn’t always a strong point. Despite her university education and professional role, she often found herself spending without clear budgeting, making financial decisions that didn’t align with long-term goals. That all changed in March 2025 when she attended a Financial Literacy Training session facilitated by CEFI.

The training, focused on savings and budgeting, was a turning point for Lina. “Before the training, I didn’t make daily or weekly budgets and didn’t follow a strict spending plan,” she admitted. “Sometimes I spent money unwisely.” However, after attending the sessions, Lina began to implement disciplined budgeting practices. “Now, I follow my budget strictly and try to save as much as I can,” she said, highlighting the importance of preparing for school fees and unexpected expenses.

The training had an immediate and practical impact. During the sessions, Lina was temporarily off the payroll, yet she still managed to save enough to cover her travel costs. “There was no unnecessary spending,” she shared proudly.

Lina was particularly impressed by the delivery of the training. “The PowerPoint presentations and practical sessions using flip charts stood out the most,” she noted. Inspired by the techniques used by her trainer, she is eager to pass on the knowledge. “I want to go back and train clients to budget and save their earnings.”

Lina’s story is a testament to how targeted financial education can change habits, improve livelihoods, and empower individuals to uplift not only themselves but their communities as well.

Image Caption:  Lina is determined to educate her community on Financial Literacy and thanks CEFI for the training.

At just 24, Ezekiel Lakain, a Security Officer from Sirunki in Enga Province, is already making strides toward building a more financially stable future not only for himself, but also for his wider community. After completing Grade 12, Ezekiel’s financial knowledge was limited, often leading to impulsive spending and a lack of savings. However, everything changed in March 2025 when he attended a Financial Literacy Training conducted by CEFI Office in Port Moresby.

The training, which focused on savings and budgeting, had a profound impact on Ezekiel. “Before the training, I struggled to manage my spending,” he admitted. “But now, I have a better plan for saving and budgeting my money.” One of the standout techniques for him was learning about different income streams and creating structured budgeting plans to manage outflows effectively.

Beyond his personal development, Ezekiel is passionate about sharing what he’s learnt. He plans to conduct informal training sessions with families and friends in his community, aiming to uplift their living standards through practical financial knowledge. “Even though I used to try saving on my own, this training gave me the tools and confidence to not only do it better but to also teach others,” he said.

Despite ongoing challenges, including saving for further education amidst financial pressures, Ezekiel remains optimistic. He believes the training has equipped him with not just knowledge, but the discipline and mindset to rise above these obstacles.

Ezekiel’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and education, financial literacy can be a catalyst for meaningful change one person, one community at a time.

Image Caption: Ezekiel proudly showing his certificate after successfully completing the Financial Literacy Training

Solomon Peni, a 32-year-old Youth Empowerment Project Officer and driver from the Western Highlands, is living proof that financial literacy can change lives. A husband and father of two, Solomon attended a Financial Literacy Training course delivered by CEFI from 3rd to 7th March at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby. The modules focused on savings and budgeting two topics that would change how Solomon viewed and managed his finances.

Before the training, Solomon admits his spending habits lacked direction. “I used to spend without planning or thinking about long term consequences,” he reflects. However, the training marked a turning point. With the skills gained, Solomon began tracking his expenses, setting realistic budgets, and cutting down on unnecessary spending.

“The training gave me the confidence to make informed financial decisions,” he says. Not only has Solomon managed to reduce his debt, but he’s also been able to increase his savings. These changes have had a direct impact on his family’s quality of life, more funds are now allocated to essentials like housing and healthcare, offering his family greater financial security and peace of mind.

Solomon found the interactive nature of the training particularly impactful. Real-life case studies and group discussions helped ground the concepts in reality. Now, he is eager to share these techniques with friends and family, promoting a culture of financial awareness in his community.

Despite occasional temptations to overspend, Solomon stays focused by reminding himself of his financial goals. “This training was not just an event it was the start of a lifestyle change,” he says.

Solomon’s story is a testament to the power of education when equipped with the right tools, anyone can build a secure financial future.

Image Caption: CEFI Acting Executive Director (left) presents Solomon his certificate following the completion of the financial literacy training.