Partnering with the Centre of Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) through the Young Minds Savings Campaign, Nasfund teams conducted sessions focused on introducing concepts of financial literacy and financial inclusion across Alotau, Milne Bay Province, from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24.
The campaign ended last Thursday with the team visiting selected schools, with an estimated participation of more than 800 students, teachers and locals.
The Young Minds Savings Campaign is an initiative of CEFI aimed at strengthening financial literacy, promoting positive savings behavior and introducing school-aged children to the importance of financial management.
East Cape Primary School Head Teacher Toby Toweyaga said the campaign was an opportunity for organizations such as Nasfund to provide educational information to young people, including students.
“Most of the sessions were focused on introducing students to the language and concepts of how they could save money in the future,” Toweyaga said.
He thanked CEFI and its partners for the opportunity given to the school and the surrounding communities.
East Cape ward councillor Peter David said he was grateful to CEFI for bringing stakeholders to the doorstep of their community and creating awareness of the importance of managing and saving money.
“Especially for students, this awareness has created a way forward on the importance of investing for their school fees and their future,” David added.
Nasfund Alotau Branch Officer in Charge Benjamin Manumanua said it was important for the savings culture to begin in the classroom because what children learn about money today will help determine and secure their financial future.
“The Young Minds Savings Campaign involved financial literacy, where our teams had the opportunity to encourage students to become financially responsible citizens,” Manumanua said.
The Nasfund Alotau Branch is proud to partner with CEFI, the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Milne Bay Provincial Government in shaping financially smart young leaders.
The campaign started on Tuesday, with the team visiting Watu-no Primary School and Divinai Primary School, where more than 100 students, teachers and locals visited the Nasfund booths to find out more about its services and products.
On Wednesday, the team visited Lelehudi and Walalaia Primary Schools, delivering financial awareness sessions that included presentations on Nasfund’s products and services. The Nasfund team on the ground also provided client services where necessary at the information booths during the visits.
At the conclusion of the campaign, the team visited East Cape Primary School and continued discussions with students, teachers and surrounding communities on financial literacy and financial inclusion.
