RECONCEPTUALISING FINANCIAL EDUCATION WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE PACIFIC

This thesis explored the contextualisation of financial education for Pacific Island communities, focusing on Samoa, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands. While financial literacy is increasingly recognised as a critical life skill, conventional financial education programmes often rely on Eurocentric, one-size-fits-all models that fail to consider the socio-cultural, environmental, and economic realities of Pacific nations. The study applied qualitative, participatory approach employing culturally appropriate methodologies such as Tok Stori and Talanoa, with students, staff and alumni from the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), an organisation offering financial education as part of some of their programmes. Talanoa and Tok Stori discussion took place in each country with numerous people involved. This study identified two central themes that were key to understanding effective financial education: Environment and Socialisation. The environmental context, encompassing physical, economic, and digital environments, illustrates the logistical, financial, and technological barriers faced by Pacific communities for both financial education and financial inclusion. Socialisation encompasses familial and community dynamics, cultural traditions and obligations, and unique learning pathways, highlighting the collective nature of financial knowledge transfer in Pacific societies. Drawing from these narratives with groups in each of the countries, I developed a culturally responsive framework for financial education in Pacific Islands communities, grounded in core components and guiding principle that emphasise local realities. I also outline an implementation plan for this framework drawing on my own experience from working in the Pacific; through which I recommend stakeholder collaboration, capacity building and adaptive policy strategies for implementation. This research not only contributes to the scholarly discourse on financial literacy but also offers practical insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders aiming to foster financial resilience in the region. Further directions include refining the proposed framework through pilot programmes and expanding research to other Pacific contexts.