Paulina Naturaga aims to support her husband, who has been the primary earner for their family for the last twenty years. The Naivaka, Nawakasiga, Bua resident was one of 15 Public Rental Board (PRB) tenants from Simla, Lautoka, who recently graduated with a Certificate of Participation in Financial Literacy.
The training took place over three days and was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in partnership with the PRB. Ms. Naturaga, a mother of two who completed Year 12 at Nadi SKM College, has worked in various roles, starting at a pizza restaurant and later as a machinist at Ghimli Textiles until it closed in 2006. With her husband working as an electrician, Ms. Naturaga seeks to take on additional responsibilities to contribute to her family’s income.
She highlighted that the training has been beneficial, expanding her knowledge as she pursues her business ambitions. “I want to venture into skills-based businesses like fabric and tie-dye,” she shared.
This training marks the first financial literacy program for the PRB estate in the western region, with additional sessions scheduled for Nadi and Lautoka tenants in the coming months. Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa extended his congratulations to the participants, urging them to implement the knowledge gained in their everyday lives.
“The training offers crucial insights into business management, financial literacy, and market connections, with the goal of fostering entrepreneurial growth among MSMEs and facilitating networking opportunities,” Mr. Nalumisa stated. He added that the curriculum encompasses various topics, including marketing strategies, business culture, recordkeeping, cash flow management, pricing, and profitability.