More than 40 members of the Eastern Highlands-Simbu Mission (EHSM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have successfully completed a two-day Financial Literacy Retail Training, receiving certificates during a ceremony held last week in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province. The training, organized by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), focused on equipping participants with essential financial management skills, including budgeting, saving, emergency planning, and time management. Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter MP, addressed the graduating participants and encouraged them to apply what they had learned with discipline—while also staying committed to their spiritual responsibilities. “Never forget to give your tenth [tithe] to the Lord. Leave your worries with Him. He is the provider of all that you have and will have. Trust Him in all your plans,” the Minister said. DfCDR Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase and representatives from the PNG Council of Churches were also in attendance to witness the official presentation of certificates. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ms. Angele Verefu said the training had boosted their confidence in managing household finances. She shared her enthusiasm for potentially launching a small informal business using the skills she had gained. In a gesture of gratitude, participants presented small tokens of appreciation to the training facilitators, recognizing their support and dedication throughout the program. The event coincided with the second Church Development Council meeting, which was held on 27 July at the EHSM headquarters. The Department’s Informal Economy team reaffirmed its commitment to expanding this community-based training initiative to other regions of Papua New Guinea in the coming months.