Category: Impact Stories

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.

Financial Inclusion Advocate winner Ms. Lilly Namunu was lost for words when she was announced the winner at the inaugural Excellence Awards hosted by CEFI on November 22, 2024.

“Honestly, I was speechless and shared tears of joy when it was announced. All the love and positivity generated from my pain experience, to advocate for financial Inclusion has been rewarded,” said Lilly when recalling the moment her name was called out as the winner.

Ms. Numunu is the principle owner of Shualink PNG Limited, a company she registered in 2023 which focuses on Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Training.

She has diploma in accounting, a National Certificate III in Training and Assessment and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation from the University Of Sunshine Coast in Australia.

“I have been in a tailoring business for eight years. I started facilitating sewing trainings for women and youths in the rural communities in 2020.”

“In 2021, when I attended CEFI’s Training of Trainers training, I decide to venture into training as managing money was an important knowledge that needs to be taught. It also added value to the sewing skills training I was conducting,” she said.

The passion and commitment shown by Lilly to advocate for financial inclusion in her community and teach her people how to save and budget their money comes from her own experience of been single mother and the challenged she faced to raise her children in tough financial situations.

“My motivation to get into training was from my experiences and challenges as a single mother. I diverted the hurts and lessons learned to encouraging other women to also work towards being financially independent through the Financial Literacy trainings.”

“If I can be able to manage, the little I have, this will help me to cater for my kids and loved ones,” said the 44 year old from Milne Bay province

“On the night of the Award, I was reminded of people I visited and assisted in the remote areas. To the women who have a similar experience I have, we have the power to change a situation around to a beautiful story to tell.

“This award is a highlight of my Advocacy work, thank you CEFI,” said Lilly proudly.

Below five of Lilly’s significant milestone achieved through her financial inclusion advocacy work since 2023.

 

No.	Year	Milestone Achieved	Outcome
1	2024	Reached out to women in Garaina and Wau with Financial Literacy Training in June	-200 participants attended the training (women, men and youths including participants with no literacy level. – 69 MiBank personal accounts were opened Solar lightening purchased from Solar Paygo
2	2024	We organized for Coconuts farmers from Kiriwina to open bank accounts	-20 farmers were assisted to open MiBank accounts for the first time. There were issued bank cards and taught how to use SMS Banking services.
3	2024	Awareness and promotions made to the communities to purchase quality Solar lightening through MiBank’s loan product	-10 solar lighting sets were purchased by the Wards counsellor and presented to 10 churches.
4	2023	Made awareness at the Huhu main market in Alotau for vendors to open bank accounts	-20 plus  vendors were assisted to open bank accounts by our MiBank Agents
5	2023	We facilitated Financial Literacy training for MSMEs in Alotau town – (2 trainings).

 

Image Captions:

 

 

 

Woman entrepreneur Nellie Allen is thankful to CEFI’s Training of Trainer’s training for providing her the opportunity to explore and implement new ideas that revived her business.

“My business was shelved for about three years until I heard about CEFI’s ToT training, and I wanted to find out if the training can help with some new ideas on how to revive my consulting business again.

“I was looking for a niche market and sure enough, the additional online trainings facilitated by CEFI really “hit the nail on the head” for me. The trainings on E- Commerce and Business Planning gave me a new insight into how I can operate my business,” revealed Nellie.

 

Nellie learnt about CEFI’s training of trainer training via social media and from talking with her close peers and before long she  attended three of training’s which included, Digital Financial Literacy, E-Commerce and Business Planning and Debt Management.

As the principal owner, she run’s a virtual office from home at Waigani in Port Moresby and uses the skills and knowledge acquired from CEFI’s training to operate her business.

“I registered my consulting business in 2019 but have not been focusing on it because I developed the interest in sewing and also, I got a full-time job.

“At the beginning of 2023, I decided to focus on my consulting business. The online trainings that CEFI facilitated was a boost for me and dream come true. The trainings set me on a new pathway especially on E-commerce and Business Planning.

“Am currently running the business myself and I have two consultants whom I engage as and when I have jobs for them. Due to financial constrain, I do not want a normal office set-up. I operate a virtual office and outsource jobs as and when I need to.”

Twenty 24 years ago Nellie registered two business, one in sewing called Swiftly Dress and one in selling known as Swift Consulting Services and decided that apart from sewing and selling, she should teach women how to sew and make an additional income stream.

“For Swiftly Dress, I sew and sell meri blouses and selling other clothes and accessories which I order online from overseas and locally as well.”

“After attending the CEFI TOT training on Financial Literacy, I decided to develop a training package which    comprised of sewing meri blouse, basic bookkeeping, pricing the product, savings and budgeting.”

“My training package has attracted a lot of interests because it is new in the market. With my professional background as an Accountant, it is very easy for me to deliver this training. I do not operate a physical shop, but I have a business Facebook page that I use to advertise and sell my products.”

“With Swift Consulting Services, I have s igned up with Xero Accounting Software as a Business Advisor/Partner and I have registered with Business Link Pacific (BLP) as a Business Advisor.

I am currently doing the Competency Test to complete the formalities in order to be published on the website. I provide accounting and taxation services, auditing and administration services and also training.”

Image Captions:

Thirty-nine year old Julie Aris is thankful to the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) for certifying her to be VFLI Training of Trainers Trainer.

Julie was among 20 trainees who undertook a two week Village Farmers Livelihood Improvement (VFLI) Training of Trainers Training (VFLI) training at the Kimininga Hotel in Mt. Hagen from May 13-27, 2024.

CEFI and Market for Village Farmers Project (MVF) Project signed a Memorandum of Agreement to deliver Financial Inclusion training for profiled farming households under the project.

The MVF Project is executed by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and implemented by Fresh Produce Development Authority. The project is funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development and the Government of Papua New Guinea.

The project aims at improving the livelihoods of village farming households in five target provinces of PNG (Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Morobe and East New Britain) by facilitating their transition from semi-subsistence agriculture to market-oriented production and framing as a business.

CEFI is responsible for training the 25,000 farming households and linking them to the financial institutions in order for them to open bank accounts and have access to loans to support the growth and expansion of their farming business.

The participants are being trained to deliver financial literacy training and taught skills on how to train a group of Farming Households on Family Visioning, Managing Household Income, Budgeting, Marketing of Farm Produce, Financial Records, Banking Services, Debt Management and Farming as a Business
Twenty Participants are also given the opportunity to practice session planning, customizing and delivery. To complete their training, the participants will be assessed on their competencies to deliver Group Based Learning for Adults.

For Julie, It was not an easy journey for the mother of two who had to overcome many obstacles and challenges to look after her family and achieve her goals to educate farmers like her the basic skills to save and budget.

In order to be able to be a trainer and educate other farmers Julie knew she had to start with her own household, her own family and work her way up.

It started 11 years ago when Julie seriously thought about teaching people about financial literacy and her first training came in 2013 when she attended and completed a financial literacy training conducted by CEFI.
“I didn’t have any idea about savings and budgeting but after attending the training run by CEFI, I had a fair idea and started going out to my communities and rolling out the training,” she said.

CEFI’s financial literacy training for trainers gave Julie the confidence she needed and not long she graduated from IBBM with a microfinance certificate and landed her a job with financial institution whom she worked with until 2016.

After leaving formal employment Julie never gave up, she enrolled for her first VFLI Training of Trainers Training and that set the platform for her capsicum farming business.

She attended three more VFLI refresher trainings the following years to improve and better her skills and knowledge on educating farming households in her community on savings and budgeting.

After completing her recent VFLI training in May, Julie started to see changes in her family’s financial habits especially the way they saved and managed their household budget.

“We did not have a proper budget to follow and we spent unwisely, but after attending the trainings I started to realize what we were doing wrong and started educating my husband and children.”

“I started to see the changes slowly and realized how the trainings that I attended were starting to have a big impact on myself and my family.”

“We were more disciplined in the way were spending our money and we made wise decisions to follow a budget so we knew how our money was spent. My husband and children accepted the changes I was doing for the family because they agreed it was for the betterment of our family.

Julie’s wise decision to educate her small family paid huge dividends as this trickled down to her capsicum farm business and she able to apply the same principle on her farm business and this financially benefitted her family.

The investment in her farm produced better quality and quantity of production as a result of her trainings.

“We introduced a savings culture in our family and I saw that at the end of the week we had extra money left for savings. I applied this same teachings when I was rolling out my trainings, and told my trainees how the knowledge I acquired helped improved my family and farming business financially.

Image Captions:  Julie receiving her certificate and Julie at her vegetable farm.

Improving the way people manage their finances has persuaded two financial literacy mentor’s to brush up their Trainer skills and help their respective communities become financially independent and educated.

Leo Kaptigau who runs a local consultancy firm called ‘Strategy 4 Growth’ and Margaret Vakuru, owner of Oort Finance are two different people with different backgrounds but they have the same goal to educate and train Papua New Guinean’s to be financial inclusive and literate.

The pair were among 17 participants including 11 women, who undertook second EOI ToT training from May 06-10 at the CEFI Head Office.

The 17 participant’s also successfully completed the training and received certificates certifying them to be Trainers in Financial Literacy.

CEFI’s Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe in his congratulatory remarks during the certificate presentation, to the trainees urged them to be role models, set a good example and go back to their respective communities and pass on the knowledge acquired during their training.

Deputy Executive Directror Mr. Peter Samuel encouraged the trainers to be the eyes and ears representing CEFI on the ground and continue put into practice the lessons learned through the training.

Margaret Vakuru who is based out of Kiunga, in Western province, where majority of the people’s livelihood depends on royalty payments from the giant Ok Tedi Mine, says the local people need financial rescuing and that will be in the form of financial literacy training which she is determined to deliver.

“Back in the community that I come from, we have people that have been really dependent on Ok Tedi Mine CMCA (Community Mine Continuation Agreement) payouts and have been receiving these payouts for the last 30 years of the mines operation,” she said.

“They got used to just spending these money and they didn’t know how to save, as a result they are still struggling today with how to manage their finance and it’s a really worrying trend,” Margaret revealed.

“I have been running some trainings with the local communities, affected by the mine in Kiunga and now through the training I received from CEFI, I will use the experience, skills and knowledge I have learnt to educate my people about the importance of savings and how they can be able to do their budgeting and plan for their future,” she added.

Leo’s aim however is to introduce an online platform for SME’s to do their business through a program his currently running called SME Amazing Markets program.

“We realized that apart from us introducing technology and innovation to the SMEs, financial inclusivity is one of the very key essential skills that they need to understand and appreciate,” said Leo.

“So while we are introducing an online platform where SMEs can now sell their products, we realized that they’ll be making money, but then will they sustain themselves and grow?,” added Leo.

That question propelled Leo to attend CEFI’s ToT Training and he stated that the learnings gained from the training will be major boost for his SME Amazing Markets program.

“So that’s where we decided to attend this training so that we can not only impact them by introducing new innovations in emerging technology, but also help SME owner’s in terms of understanding basic finances, how to manage the finance, where to invest, where to save, and then eventually grow into bigger corporations to sustain our economy,” concluded Leo.

 

Photo caption: Mr. Leo Kapitigau and Margaret Vakura showing their respective certificates after successfully completing the five day ToT Training.