Westpac reaches 50,000 through financial literacy programs

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Westpac community and engagement specialist Julie-Ann Tuikoro conducting training for children and teachers at Ratu Saimoni Raseru Memorial School outside Lautoka. Picture: SUPPLIED

WESTPAC Fiji has delivered free financial literacy training to more than 50,000 Fijians nationwide through its financial literacy programs.

In a statement yesterday, the red bank said it has managed to deliver a total of 104 training sessions through two free programs: Financial First Steps and Financial Basics for My Business.

“We consider it a privilege to share knowledge and upskill Fijians, whether they are seasoned professionals, young university students, or secondary school learners,” Westpac Fiji community and engagement manager Keni Baro said.

“At Westpac, it’s about making a real difference and creating meaningful impact in the lives of people in our community.” Of those trained in financial year 2025, 4045 were women.

Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said the strong female participation reinforces the bank’s focus on empowering women through its programs.

“At Westpac, we are committed to empowering communities through education; particularly women, who contribute significantly to small business and the Fijian economy,” he said.

“These free financial literacy programs, delivered both virtually and in person, provide essential money management skills and practical business knowledge to help Fijians make smarter financial

decisions.” Westpac has also engaged Women and Girls Education Grant Ambassador and Miss Hibiscus 2024 Melania Tora who has joined its team to encourage children to adopt positive saving habits.

The bank will continue its focus of expanding the reach of financial literacy even further in 2026, it said, and will partner with more schools, community groups and businesses.

 

Note: This article was first published under the headline: 50,000 now financially literate in Page 18 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Saturday, September 27, 2025