Azaneth is equipped to complete education through the WOVEN S4T Program

Azaneth is full of passion in pursuing her education despite financial constraints and limited resources, Azaneth's determination and commitment have led her to overcome these hurdles through the Woven S4T Program.

We spent 4 hours driving from the World Vision Area Program office in Arawa. Along the way, we encountered 9 wet crossings and drove through rough, muddy roads. Despite the challenging drive, we were warmly welcomed by the Munnu community, situated deep within the forest of Siwai District in South Bougainville. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as men and boys played bamboo flutes, providing a musical background to the community members gathering for the opening ceremony of the Munnu Savings Group share-out celebration.

The event brought together the entire community, along with Mr. Charles Kopana, the Woven project manager of World Vision PNG based in Arawa in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), and the diligent project staff to witness this special occasion for the Munnu Savings Group Third Cycle Share Out ceremony.

Azaneth was among the group, and a sense of excitement filled the atmosphere as the members eagerly awaited the distribution of their savings. With her heart pounding, Azaneth receives her envelope containing her hard-earned savings. She took a moment to compose herself, realising the massive impact this money would have on her life. Emotions welled up within her as she thought about the countless possibilities that lay ahead

The Savings Group has come a long way since 2021, comprising 45 dedicated members, it had just celebrated its third cycle of share-out on 26 January 2024, a bright Friday morning, marking another successful milestone and the largest share-out ever recorded in the S4T program in Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The Savings Group was initially established by Mrs. Ruth Hongpo, an enthusiastic member of a savings group in the neighboring Tonu village. Mrs. Hongpo had a strong desire to introduce the S4T program to her small community but faced a significant challenge due to the lack of road accessibility for service providers.

However, Mrs. Hongpo refused to accept these limitations and took it upon herself to create road accessibility for her community. Recognizing the importance of this endeavor, the entire community came together to support her cause. They worked tirelessly, using basic tools and their own hands, to clear pathways and construct a road that would connect their village to the outside world.

It was a labor of love, with each member contributing their time, energy, and resources. They understood the road would not only allow organizations like World Vision to visit but also bring additional benefits to their community. Months of hard work paid off when the road was completed. Mrs. Hongpo and the community rejoiced, celebrating their achievement. It was a moment of pride and joy as they saw the fruits of their labor unfold before their eyes. Their determination and perseverance had paid off. 

World Vision was invited to offer awareness and training on the Savings 4 Transformation program (S4T) in the community to educate households on financial management and saving in a box to become self-reliant and financially stable.

Azaneth values S4T training, which has given her vital knowledge for saving to support her education. With this knowledge, she assists her dad's cocoa farming and piggery and sells produce at the market after school and during holidays. She saves regularly, confident this training will help her overcome financial challenges and achieve academic success.

“I have always had a dream to pursue higher education, and the S4T program has enabled me to fulfill my dream. Thanks to this program, I can continue my final year of higher education and aim to go beyond tertiary institution because education is the key to unlocking a better future filled with opportunities and possibilities”, she adds.