Microbank teams up with church to help women

  By SONIA KENU 

The Nationwide Microbank and the United church of PNG are working together to provide financial literacy training for women in fellowship with the church and the rural population. 

United church development secretary Uvenama Rova said the training was part of the Government’s microfinance expansion project to create a learning opportunity for the rural population. 

The partnership was signed in a memorandum of understanding last Thursday by United church moderator Bernard Saia and Nationwide Microbank chairman Ray Clark.  

“The Government has asked the church to help facilitate the programme,  after various discussions we have the agreement signed,” Rova said. 

“We will start the training in Hela and the East New Britain as pilot projects and then continue to other centres where Microbank is situated. 

“We aim to train at least 5000 women who are involved in the fellowship of the church,” Rova said.  

Microbank managing director Tony Westaway said the training would enable women to use credit wisely, manage their money and financial risks and understand benefits of long term savings. 

“Those who attend will have the opportunity to open a Micash mobile phone bank account which marks the woman’s first step to becoming financially independent and empowered to manage her finances,” he said.