Department of Community Development completes financial literacy training in Lae

The Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion has successfully wrapped up a three-day Financial Literacy Training Workshop held from November 12-14 at St. Theresa Catholic Church Hall in Kamkumung, Lae.

Organized by Huon Gulf District Community Development Officer and Welfare Officer, Ben Pamundi, and led by Cecilia Wrondimi, Assistant Director – Informal Economy Section, the workshop brought together 60 participants, including informal market vendors, youths, widowed mothers, and persons living with disabilities from West Taraka.

The program focused on budgeting, savings, and financial management, equipping participants with skills to plan expenses, manage daily savings, and develop consistent saving habits, critical for those engaged in informal marketing.

A key achievement of the training was the opening of bank accounts for all participants with Women’s Micro Bank, along with registration for paramedic insurance coverage, providing both financial inclusion and social protection.

A departmental spokesperson highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating,

“Financial empowerment combined with accurate community data is essential for improving livelihoods and strengthening social protection. These initiatives ensure our communities have both the knowledge and evidence needed to support sustainable development.”

The workshop underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing financial capacity and promoting inclusive economic opportunities for vulnerable and underserved communities.