Financial Literacy Workshop
“I never knew that saving $2.00 a day would accumulate to $3650.00 in five years”. Those were the words of one of the participants who attended the financial literacy workshop organised by the Fiji Rugby Personal Development Programme (PDP) for rugby players. The workshop was open to all current players who fall under the High Performance Unit umbrella teams (both male and female, 15s and 7s), and ex-players.
Held on Wednesday 29th September, at FASANOC HQ, the workshop focused on budgeting, savings, and borrowing. It was superbly facilitated by the Westpac Banking Corporation Microfinance Officer, Ms. Maryangela Berwick. 38 current and ex-players attended the workshop.
The PDP has been in existence in Fiji now for 3 months. Similar to the New Zealand Personal Development Programme, the focus is to have a positive impact on players for life – during and after their playing career. The programme focuses on five key areas, which includes career and education, financial literacy, professional rugby development, family and culture, and personal development. The goal of the programme is to support, guide and assist players in identifying and navigating their individual pathways to success, both on and off the field. Player education is provided at the individual, and team level. It is envisaged that to cater for the dispersed player population, workshops of this nature will be conducted from time to time throughout Fiji.
The PDP is supported by the Pacific Islands Players Association (PIPA) in partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union. It is the culmination of support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, World Rugby, New Zealand Players Association, Massey University, and The Reserve Bank of Fiji.
By Gaylene Finekaso, Personal Development Manager, Fiji