First Self-Help Group Training for Carers of PWDs

Caring for a person living with a disability requires extra care and attention, especially in the area of finances. Unfortunately financial literacy is a skill which many of our people who earn an income through the informal sector do not have or cannot attain easily. Fortunately for 27 parents and caregivers of people living with disabilities in the Wildlife Settlement of the National Capital District, this training has become available from the first Self-Help Group Business Training provided for in the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program funded by Digicel PNG Foundation and the National Capital District Commission. The Self-Help Group Business Training is the first of its kind to be organised by Cheshire and aims to give parents and caregivers of people living with disabilities financial literacy and management training so that they can manage their income generating activities and financially support their people living with disabilities. The training program was delivered by Joel Yang, the parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy, who volunteered his time to conduct the training. The 27 participants are part of a group which was formed 2 years ago during the pilot phase of the CBR program and were selected through a criterion that enabled them to be attend the training. Parents and caregivers who attended the training expressed satisfaction and look forward to going back to their respective communities to apply the skills and knowledge gained to improve their small businesses and marketing activities so they can be better able to manage their income to provide the best financial care and support to persons with disabilities.