Helping Samoan workers better manage their money

By Ulimasao Fata 03 March 2018, 12:00AM

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) has set out a new programme to assist Samoa’s seasonal workers to make better decisions in managing the money they earn from their work.

Funded by Australia, the Seasonal Worker Reintegration Programme was launched on Thursday.

It is being run by MC.I.L and the Small Business Enterprise Center (S.B.E.C), funded through Australia’s Labour Mobility Assistance Programme (L.M.A.P).

It offers Samoans travelling to Australia under the Seasonal Worker Programme an opportunity to learn how to manage their income from their work as well as setting long term goals prior to their return.

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour C.E.O, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, believes the programme will help Samoans in the long run.

“The money our seasonal workers in Australia and New Zealand earn is huge and this programme will assist them before leaving the country,” he said.

“The Seasonal Worker Programme Reintegration Programme will demonstrate to them other ways in which they can invest their money when they return home.”

The training will be conducted both before and after working in Australia and participants’ spouses are also invited.

Pulotu said S.B.E.C. will help workers with business plans and financial planning in monitoring their money.

“We have been working with 18 people from last week with the partnership between the Ministry and Australia Government as well as the Small Business Enterprise Center.

“At the training before departing for the Seasonal Work, Small Business Enterprise staff will provide participants with information on goal setting, financial planning and budgeting development.

 “When they return to Samoa after their work in Australia, M.C.I.L. and S.B.E.C. will coordinate a reintegration meeting to review their experiences and their individual plans.”

Pulotu emphasised the programme at the moment is only for seasonal workers travelling to Australia.

The Ministry is working on a programme with the same outcomes for the seasonal workers travelling to New Zealand.

 “When they return home from seasonal work, contribute on the families, villages and church, while still having a business to continue making money.”

By Ulimasao Fata 03 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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