Micro finance course for church members

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

THE ongoing micro finance expansion project (MEP) will give Papua New Guineans knowledge on how to deal with financial matters and banking institutions.

MEP training specialist Andy Philip said a weeklong training for trainers (TOT) recently involved 14 church leaders and members who took up courses on savings and budgeting.

The participants included seven women.

The TOT was held at Gerehu, Port Moresby through the Sogavare Memorial SDA Church.

Philip said the participants, who appreciated the course, said it was relevant and significant and life changing for them, their families and all the people who will train going forward.

Thomas Pokani, one of the participants, said: “The training would transform the lives of many church members as they could now start saving money and put discipline in their budget.”

He said it (course) had changed their outlook towards money and its use.

The Bank of PNG (BPNG) was the implementing agency for MEP, which was co-funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and governments of Australia and PNG.

Assistant Governor for Bank of PNG Alison Pidik said: “Every individual can become millionaire if he starts saving with every toea earned. 

“It is with determination and financial discipline that would lead you to success.” 

The new trainers would go out to train people in Gerehu suburb and the National Capital District (NCD) with support from Laymen’s Profession Services Ltd and microfinance expansion project.

The course is for free and  interested individuals and groups may contact the church for their registration.