A Financial Literacy Training program aimed at equipping them with vital financial management skills and knowledge has brought hope to persons living with disabilities and their caregivers in the Kombiu Local Level Government (LLG) of Rabaul District.
They have successfully completed the training.
The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Kombiu LLG, through the District Social Development sector.
A total of 60 participants attended the three-day training from last week held at the Waterhouse Junior High School Hall at Gelagela.
The training was facilitated by Mrs. Catherine Apelis, a certified Training of Trainers (TOT) facilitator under the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), through a Memorandum of Agreement with the East New Britain Provincial Commerce Division.
Speaking during the closing of the training last Thursday, Chairman for Community Development in the East New Britain Provincial Assembly and President for Balanataman LLG, Mr. Leonard Maing, said financial inclusion plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for PLWDs.
“Many of our PLWDs face barriers to employment and participation in economic activities, and this financial literacy training is not only about managing money but restoring confidence and independence to improve their livelihoods,” Mr. Maing said.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Lucas Akui, a 54-year-old vision-impaired participant from East Sepik who resides at Malaguna 3, said the knowledge gained has given PLWDs renewed confidence to contribute to their households and explore small income-generating opportunities.
“I want to sincerely appeal to caregivers that this training was given to empower PLWDs, not to create opportunities for self-gain. Let us use these skills with honesty, responsibility, and compassion so that our brothers, sisters, and family members living with disabilities can live with dignity and independence,” Mr. Akui said.
Ms. Taita Heni from the Provincial Commerce Division said financial literacy is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about taking action and making positive changes in one’s financial behavior.
Mrs. Apelis from Cathy’s Consultancy Services said the three-day training was challenging and intensive for PLWDs and caregivers; however, by God’s grace, the program successfully imparted essential skills.
She said through the initiative, participants gained practical knowledge in budgeting, saving, and other crucial aspects of financial planning.
Meanwhile, District Social Development Officer Mr. Tony Namur emphasized the importance of ongoing training support by the Rabaul District Development Authority (DDA) Board and its four LLGs to empower PLWDs to overcome financial barriers.
Plans are already in place to conduct similar training for Matupit Ward as the second batch in Kombiu LLG.