By: Geraldine Kalabai – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Joyce Bay, previously known as Horse Camp, is the biggest settlement in NCD.
It has been coined as one the most notorious places in NCD, and a no-go zone for many. Being well aware of the names they have been called, the youths are working to change all of this.
With the help of Youth Empowerment Foundation PNG Inc (YEFPNG), the people, not only youths but elderly man and women came together to attend a two day basic financial literacy training offered by Bank South Pacific.
The training was conducted on ‘how to budget and save’- a very important life skill for many. 90 young people, majority of them youths graduated with certificates from BSP.
Elizabeth Pirika, a 24-year-old UPNG student who graduated from the program expressed her gratitude towards BSP and YEFPNG for making this possible.
“Most of the youths and even adults in this area did not have the opportunity to go to school like some of us, and this training has helped them understand the basic concept of saving, and budgeting,” said Pirika.
Joe Vali Tau, Ward Councillor for Joyce Bay Community stated that Joyce Bay has the largest number of unemployed youth in NCD, compared to other settlements and these types of training is needed to empower the youths to help themselves.
“As a community leader I am happy that YEFPNG in partnership with BSP has carried out this training,” said Mr Tau.
“These are skills that will be carried on throughout their lives,” Mr Vali added.
YEFPNG committee member Ronald Yori said that YEFPNG has the main objective to drive change using the youths.
“Tomorrow belong to the youths,” said Robert Yori Thomas, YEFPNG President.
“We cannot wait for the government to help us; we have to help ourselves,”
Apart from giving training, staff at BSP also opened general savings account for the participants.
Most of them have never owned bank cards in their lives and were very happy.
