MDPI Trains 13 NGOs to Support Fishing Families
- June 19, 2025
by M. A. Indira Prameswari
Karangasem (19/6)—MDPI continues to strengthen fisher households by training 13 local non-government organizations (NGOs) to become financial literacy facilitators. Held in two sessions—April 16–17 and June 16–19, 2025—this program expands the reach of MDPI’s financial education model through a collaborative, peer-to-peer approach.
More than just theory, the training involved tool-sharing and hands-on learning. Participants mapped out the economic realities of the communities they serve, explored local income potential, and discussed real-life financial challenges. The goal: equip NGOs with the skills to guide fisher families in managing household finances more sustainably.
Turning Financial Talk into Family Conversations
As part of their fieldwork, participants visited families in Karangasem and introduced two interactive learning tools—Si Keong Nelayan and Si Kompas Nelayan. These games opened space for honest money conversations between husbands, wives, and even children.
Read also: Introducing financial literacy to fishing communities
For many families, it was the first time financial planning felt approachable. They began thinking about saving for education, starting small businesses, or investing in social protection like BPJS. “When families talk openly about money, decisions become healthier,” one participant noted.
Quoting SAHARI Foundation, “This Might Be the Tool We’ve Been Waiting For”
Noni Tuharea from SAHARI Foundation in Maluku said the MDPI approach filled a long-standing gap. “We’ve always wanted to improve financial literacy in our communities, but never found the right tools. This model might be exactly what we need,” she shared after trying the facilitator toolkit.
By training local NGOs, MDPI aims to make financial literacy scalable—reaching more coastal families through trusted community actors. MDPI will monitor how NGOs implement Si Keong Nelayan through the end of 2025 to assess long-term impact.
Read also: Si Kompas Nelayan: Empowering Fishing Households to Achieve Long-term Financial Goals