Paulina Naturaga is eager to support her husband, the family’s sole provider for the last twenty years. The Naivaka, Nawakasiga, Bua resident was one of 15 Public Rental Board (PRB) tenants from Simla in Lautoka who recently graduated with a Certificate of Participation in Financial Literacy.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in partnership with the PRB, conducted the three-day training program. Ms. Naturaga, a mother of two, shared her background, highlighting her completion of Year 12 at Nadi SKM College. She initially worked at a pizza restaurant before becoming a machinist at Ghimli Textiles, where she remained until the company closed in 2006. With her husband working as an electrician, she aims to take on more responsibilities to assist him.
She described the training as instrumental in broadening her understanding for her business ambitions. “This study has been very handy for me as it has broadened my knowledge for my aspirations in business,” Ms. Naturaga stated, expressing her desire to explore skill-based businesses such as fabric and tie-dye.
This training marks the first financial literacy initiative for PRB tenants in the western region, with additional sessions scheduled for tenants in Nadi and Lautoka in the future. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, congratulated the participants and urged them to implement their new skills in everyday life.
“The training provides essential insights into business management, financial literacy, and market linkages, aiming to promote entrepreneurial growth among MSMEs and create networking opportunities,” said Mr. Nalumisa. He noted that the curriculum includes various topics, such as marketing strategies, business culture, recordkeeping, cash flow management, and pricing.
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