Award-Winning Financial Literacy Programme Ends
The Financial Capability Graduation ceremony at the Samoan Methodist Church in Panmure last night was one of mixed emotions. For the 37 graduates from 11 families, it marked the completion of the eight-week programme and the beginning of a financial journey.
“We thank God we have been able to do this programme… And as Christmas approaches, we will use the spending, saving, decision-making, entitlements and health and wellbeing knowledge we have gained,” graduate, Reverend Fatuatia Tufuga, shared in his opening address.
Graduate Toleafoa Tuimauga said the programme was timely, with many families affected by COVID-19.
“The programme is a very good reminder… inspirational… and also a great operational tool for the young ones… so they have that knowledge.”
For Vaka Tautua, however, the ceremony was bittersweet because it also marked the end of its award-winning financial capability programme. The organisation was notified in September by the Pacific Whānau Ora commissioning agency, Pasifika Futures Limited, that its three-year contract would not be renewed when it expired on 31 December 2020. This is despite its success, with over 625 Pacific families in the Auckland region completing the programme. Many families have since become debt-free, started small businesses and even moved into home ownership because of the programme and the ongoing support from Vaka Tautua.
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, said the organisation was disappointed by the commissioning agency’s decision, particularly given the increased demand for financial programmes because of the impact of COVID-19.
“Now, more than ever, there is a need for proven, evidence-based and culturally appropriate programmes like ours to help increase our Pacific families’ financial literacy and capability, and influence positive financial behaviours,” said Dr Dunlop.
The decision, however, has wider implications for the families and communities Vaka Tautua engages with.
“… for us [Vaka Tautua] financial capability is a door into our communities… If the families [in the programme] also need mental health, disability, older peoples, social work or social services support, then we are able to provide that support on the spot because of the suite of services we offer… it’s about responding to the needs of our families so they are able to thrive and prosper… Unfortunately, we now have one less door, one less opportunity to do so,” said Dr Dunlop.
Vaka Tautua is seeking alternate funding so it is able to deliver the programme in 2021. It already has church and community groups on a waiting list, and expects the demand to increase as the impact of COVID-19 continues.
“We hope and pray that someone will fund our programme, because a lot of our people are in need… and we know that our programme makes a difference in their lives,” said Senior Financial Coach, Pelenatete Lam Sam.
Vaka Tautua has been delivering financial literacy and capability programmes since 2015. The programmes, designed in partnership with the Commission for Financial Capability, comprise eight workshops on money management, goal setting, asset-buying, health and wellbeing and legal information; and group mentoring support. The programmes are delivered in English, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands Māori.
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.
The Salavao family celebrating their success.
Graduate, Sareli Tufuga, with Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop and Commission for Financial Capability Deputy, Peter Cordtz.
The graduates and guests celebrating the occasion.