Oxfam and the Bank of Papua New Guinea’s Microfinance Expansion Project (MEP) are partnering to provide financial literacy trainings to over 700 men and women in Jiwaka, Chimbu and Eastern Highlands provinces over the coming two years.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed last Friday Nov 25, by the Assistant Governor of the Bank of PNG, Ellison Pidik and David Shields, the Livelihoods Manager from Oxfam to carry out the project.
Speaking at the occasion, Shields said the Financial Literacy trainings cover budgeting and saving for families’ lik-lik businesses, including gardening sales.
“With these skills, families will be able to plan better for their financial futures, and achieve their financial goals”.
MEP staff will provide several Training of Trainers (ToT) for Oxfam’s partner organisations in the HARVEST Program, including Voice for Change in Jiwaka, along with KGWan Eco-Habitat Inc. and Independent Reform and Restoration Movement (IRRM) in Chimbu.
The partners will then conduct trainings with their community members who are increasing their incomes under the HARVEST programme, which is co-funded by Oxfam and the New Zealand Aid Programme.