Refugee women on road to independence in new home

Jessica Benton
TWO Geelong refugees are behind the wheel after mastering a new learner-driver program.
Aluet Deng and Nybol Mach, both from Sudan in northern Africa, have earned their P-plates after completing the leaner-driver course.
Program coordinator Carmel Carroll said the achievement gave the women additional independence and freedom.
“It means they can drive their children wherever they need to drive them,” Ms Carroll said.
“Both the women and the volunteers are very excited. It’s a great achievement.”
Geelong multicultural services provider Diversitat launched the Skills to Empower program for migrants from Sudan, Liberia and Burma last year with a focus on single mothers.
The program aimed to educate them about road rules as well as giving practical experience behind the wheel.
Some participants, who fled war-ravished countries, had never been inside a car before arriving in Australia.
Police and Vicroads ran classes while volunteers provided driving lessons.
Ms Carroll said 21 students were still enrolled in the program and a second group of 12 had recently signed up.
However, the enthusiasm for lessons was overwhelming the program’s ranks of volunteers.
“We’re calling out for more volunteer driving instructors – we desperately need help,” Ms Carroll said.
“We’re also in need of another car.”
Ms Carroll asked anyone who could help to phone her on 5221 6044.