In a proactive step toward boosting small business development, the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) recently hosted a financial literacy workshop for the communities of Navuavua, Navutulevu, and Vatusekiyasawa in Rakiraki. This initiative is part of the Climate Smart Gardening project by Homes of Hope, supported by Tearfund NZ, designed to equip local entrepreneurs and small business owners with vital financial management skills.
The workshop, led by Mr. Kaliova, the FDB Manager in Rakiraki, addressed essential topics such as starting and managing a business, creating effective business plans, cash flow management, and strategic financial planning. “Many of you are millionaires without realizing it,” Kaliova motivated participants, indicating that financial success is achievable through informed decision-making and sound strategies. He underscored the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing, emphasizing that these practices should extend beyond business to personal finances and community development.
This initiative aligns with FDB’s dedication to empowering women in the region through accessibility to small business loans, which have positively impacted living standards. Kaliova highlighted the importance of financial literacy as a means of empowering individuals and fostering sustainable practices within the community.
Additionally, the training complements the ongoing mission of Homes of Hope, focusing on empowering young women and girls by providing safe environments and promoting economic independence. Collaborations like this are enabling communities in Rakiraki to make significant progress toward financial empowerment, cultivating a promising future powered by knowledgeable and self-assured entrepreneurs.
This program reflects a broader movement toward financial literacy initiatives across Fiji, including efforts from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, which aim to equip women with essential business skills. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering resilient communities and advancing sustainable economic development, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
The emphasis on financial literacy is creating a hopeful transformation in the lives of individuals, providing them with the knowledge necessary for enhanced economic independence and the development of stronger communities.
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