Westpac has helped upskill around 6,600 individuals in the last financial year through its free Financial Literacy program, surpassing its annual target.

The training sessions made up of Financial First Steps for personal budgeting and Business Basics for entrepreneurs were conducted in both urban and rural communities, as well as with corporate customers and in schools across the country.

“I’m so grateful that Westpac is doing this in our community. I certainly have taken back points and learnings to change my finances and help others,” Veronika Naiwaqa, a participant from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Centre, said.

Westpac is committed to providing free financial literacy training to empower members of our community.

This training helps Fijians make wiser financial decisions by providing essential business finance knowledge and practical tips for saving and managing money effectively.

“Now more than ever before, the need to upskill people on financial literacy is vital. We’re proud to continue to offer this training free of charge. We believe everyone deserves access to financial literacy and education and we’re pleased to offer these trainings virtually as well,” Westpac Chief Executive Shane Smith said.Another participant, Suliana Elizabeth Wise from the Navua Women Farming Group, said: “I learned things that I usually ignore, especially in noting down all expenses no matter how small.”

Asenaca Raikoti, from Natokowaqa Estate, shared that she had always wanted to start a small business to sell food parcels, and the training encouraged her to start saving for that goal.

“This is my first time attending this training, and I will recommend it to others because it will help their business as well,” she added.

The financial literacy training is open to individuals, community groups, customers, and corporate clients and their staff.