The Ministry for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations (MEPWR) has formed a significant partnership with Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ Bank) to launch a financial literacy training program targeting Fijian seasonal workers. The initiative, named the ANZ Money Minded training program, aims to support workers involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Program and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) Program.
Maretino Nemani, the permanent secretary at MEPWR, expressed appreciation for ANZ Bank’s dedication to equipping Fijian workers with essential skills in budgeting, saving, and effective financial management. He emphasized the vital role of understanding personal finance for achieving financial stability and success in new environments during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Suva.
Rabih Yazbek, ANZ Fiji’s country head, emphasized the necessity of such training, especially since many seasonal workers will encounter a significant increase in disposable income while abroad. He warned that without proper financial management skills, these workers might return to Fiji without any meaningful change in their financial situations. The Money Minded program focuses on empowering participants to establish financial goals and develop personalized strategies regarding their savings and spending.
This program builds upon existing financial literacy efforts in Fiji, which have previously proven successful through other training initiatives supported by ANZ and various organizations. The collaborative effort aims to enhance overall financial literacy across the nation, allowing individuals to make informed financial choices that could lead to improved livelihoods.
This commitment to financial education offers a promising future for Fijian seasonal workers. As more individuals gain access to these essential resources, they are expected to better navigate financial challenges, positively impacting their lives and the communities to which they return.
This partnership illustrates an increasing recognition of the importance of financial literacy in elevating the economic prospects of Fijian workers and fostering sustainable improvements for their families and communities.
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