ECCQ is collaborating with the Amani Community Centre and the Banyamulenge community to foster intergenerational harmony. A significant need identified by the women in this community, is support in acquiring driving licences, which are key to remove barriers to employment and independence.
Women and youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face significant hurdles in obtaining their driving licences. To tackle this issue, ECCQ partnered with Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) and Kingdom Community Life Care (KCLC) to organize an information session for the community on 27th May 2024 at Amani Conference Centre, Slacks Creek.
Supporting Learner Drivers
KCLC, through in-person workshops, will help community members acquire their Learner Licences. These workshops are tailored to assist those facing challenges such as English as a second language. Violet Langan, KCLC’s Board Member and Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “I understand the challenges you are facing. Do not lose hope because this partnership is here to address barriers to obtaining a driver’s licence”. Community members have been supported to register for the workshop scheduled for the end of June 2024, complete referral forms, and obtain customer reference numbers from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Breaking the Cycle (BTC) Program
Logan PCYC’s Breaking the Cycle Coordinator, Nitesh Raj Pant, highlighted their program’s role in supporting learner drivers who lack access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their 100 logbook hours. BTC aims to provide increased employment opportunities and promote driver education. Nitesh invited members of the African community to become Mentor Drivers to help those who struggle with English to become confident on the road. “We need more volunteer mentors from the African community to help young people develop positive road safety attitudes”.
Pastor Asa Namajana of Jesus Gate of Peace International thanked ECCQ for connecting the community to the driving service providers: “Let us continue to work together, I know we will overcome these barriers and create more opportunities for women and youth in our community”.
Become a Mentor Driver: Volunteer to help young community members gain confidence and independence on the road. Braking the Cycle – PCYC Queensland – PCYC Queensland.
