More than 200 students, wardens, and Student Services staff at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) are participating in a Financial Literacy Retail and Training of Trainers (TOT) program being held on campus this week, which ends today 6th June 2025. The training is a collaborative initiative between the Department for Community Development and Religion and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). Launched on Monday, the program aims to empower participants with essential financial literacy skills to help them make informed financial decisions and transfer that knowledge back to their communities. Speaking at the official opening on behalf of Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase, Deputy Secretary for Policy Advice and Program Development, Warren Marape emphasized the long-term impact the training can have at both individual and community levels. “We are targeting universities because back home, people in your community look up to you.” “With these skills and knowledge, you will be able to go back home and teach others how to save money, start a business, or open a personal bank account.” He expressed hope that the training would encourage students and staff to become more strategic with their finances and become agents of financial education within their own families and communities. Cecelia Wrondimi, Assistant Director for the Informal Economy, stressed on the importance of reaching out to individuals who are economically active but operate outside the formal sector. “People in the informal economy are not SMEs, but they are individuals earning an income that is not taxed.” The Acting Registrar, Roboam Kakap, thanked the Department for such a program designed to help upgrade students and staff’s skills on financial literacy. He encouraged the participants to take it as an opportunity, as it will support their future. The Training of Trainers (TOT) component began on Monday, specifically for wardens and student leaders from provincial and church groups. The retail training sessions for the general student population commenced on Tuesday. All participants will be awarded certificates, recognizing their successful completion of the program. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the government and CEFI to promote financial inclusion and ensure that Papua New Guineans—especially the younger generation—are equipped with the tools to build a secure financial future.