Thirty-three women from the JT Kaugere Women’s Association in Moresby South, have become the first recipients of passbooks for business accounts with Mama Bank following a three-day Financial Literacy Training by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR).

The certification ceremony marked a milestone in promoting financial inclusion for unbanked populations.

In total, 123 participants across Papua New Guinea benefited, including 59 women from Lae in Morobe Province, and 31 from Mt Hagen in Western Highlands Province.

DFCDR Director for Program Development Mr. George Kulisi, represented Secretary Jerry Ubase at the event.

He praised the Kaugere women for their engagement and urged them to prioritize regular savings.

“This training empowers communities to build financial resilience,” Kulisi said.

Participants hailed the program for highlighting the value of budgeting and saving.

They pledged to spread the knowledge to family members, children, and fellow community women, fostering a broader culture of financial responsibility.

In addition, two student interns from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) attached to DFCDR’s Media Section, also received certificates.

Ms. Tziyon Mogu described the experience as a “privilege,” adding that she and her colleague plan to share the lessons with peers at school and in their home communities.

Meanwhile, Mama Bank Port Moresby Branch Manager Evelyn Charlie advised against letting accounts sit idle.

“Save consistently to watch your accounts grow.”

In a related development, DFCDR announced a new initiative offering insurance coverage to all participants in the informal economy through its ongoing Financial Literacy Training programs.