Westpac and iTaukei Affairs Board Partnership helps Tailevu Villagers
Excitement filled the air when Silana villagers saw the Westpac branded Everywhere Banking truck coming up the Silana Primary School driveway in Dawasamu, Tailevu.
It was a big day for these villagers as they were looking forward to Westpac’s financial literacy “Business Basics” workshop.
Westpac’s Microfinance officer, Maryangela and Everywhere Banking officer, Mariana, the two facilitators for the workshop were greeted warmly and taken into one of the classrooms to commence the work.
Majority of the 37 participants were already in business running canteens in the village, selling produce at the Suva Market, and farming.
There were also some participants who were currently employed and wanted to get into business.
Each participant received a copy of their own Business Basic Booklet which they can always refer to after the training, to revise and reinforce what they have learnt in their own time.
During the interactive four hour workshop, facilitators divided participants into groups and got them to present on some of the exercises.
During the presentations laughter and confidence filled the room and there was also applaud from the participant for those that were presenting. There was also healthy competition amongst the groups, to do a better presentation than the other. The workshop concluded and the aim of the workshop was met with participants now having a better understanding of how businesses operate, the importance of financial record keeping and how they can start to make more confident financial decisions.
This learning will help them to make their business operation more effective and potentially more profitable and sustainable. General manager, Westpac Fiji, Brett Hooker said: “We are grateful to the iTaukei Affairs board for giving us the opportunity to conduct this workshop for Silana villagers.
“Westpac understands the enormous strength of the rural communities and the unique challenges they face and that is why we are committed to financial inclusion.” Westpac has a Memorandum of Understanding with the iTaukei Affairs Board and are their preferred facilitators for Financial Literacy Training.
This is to help Fijian traditional leaders, communities and micro entrepreneurs from the 14 provinces to help build sustainable and profitable futures.