Fijian seasonal workers preparing to head overseas will now be required to undergo financial literacy training to better manage their finances. The Ministry of Employment has adopted the ANZ Bank’s Money Minded Training Program as a compulsory step before departure, aimed at equipping workers with essential skills in budgeting and saving.
This initiative, which has been active for five years, will be expanded through a formal agreement between the Ministry and relevant stakeholders. Maritino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, emphasized that while the training provides valuable guidance, the ultimate responsibility lies with the workers themselves to save and invest their earnings wisely. He pointed out that some participants have already reported success in utilizing their earnings to improve their living standards back home.
ANZ Fiji Country Head Rabih Yazbek highlighted the timing of the training, which is conducted just before workers leave, ensuring that the financial lessons are fresh as they begin their jobs abroad. The program focuses on individual financial goals, encouraging participants to define their desired outcomes and work towards them. Furthermore, it addresses the cultural challenges many Fijians face regarding financial expectations from family and friends, offering strategies to navigate these situations without compromising their savings.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Employment and ANZ Bank aims to help workers’ overseas earnings lead to long-term financial well-being for both them and their families. This effort not only empowers individuals with knowledge but also signals a growing recognition of the importance of financial education in creating sustainable livelihoods.
Previous initiatives, like Westpac’s online financial literacy training, have demonstrated a similar commitment to empowering Fijians through financial knowledge. These collaborative efforts across the banking sector reflect a broader movement towards enhancing financial literacy across Fiji, fostering skills that are crucial for economic empowerment and stability.
The hope is that as more Fijians gain access to financial education, they will cultivate the ability to make informed financial decisions and achieve better financial outcomes in their lives.
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