Westpac has introduced online financial literacy training for Fijians, enabling participants to learn from home or their workplace. This program, reportedly a first in the Fiji market, initially engaged community groups, customers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through face-to-face sessions.
Shane Smith, Chief Executive of Westpac Fiji, stated that the bank is leveraging social media to reach more Fijians and motivate them to enhance their skills in budgeting, planning, saving, and overall financial management throughout different life stages. He expressed pride in being one of the first banks in Fiji to offer virtual training sessions and encouraged individuals to take advantage of these complimentary courses.
Participants in the program receive a certificate and additional resources upon completion. Before launching the online program, Westpac hosted an internal virtual session that attracted over 50 employees, confirming the initiative’s potential.
From October 2023 to July 2024, Westpac has provided free financial literacy training to nearly 6,000 Fijians. Participants had the option to choose between two training programs: Financial First Steps for Families and Business Basics.
The bank emphasized that this effort underscores Westpac’s dedication to promoting sustainable business practices and economic development in Fiji.