THE Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania’s Drive 4 Life Program is making an incredible difference in the lives of refugees and local volunteers.
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Volunteers are partnered with migrants who require driving supervision, and help them gain the 50 hours of practice required to sit their P1 licence test.
After arriving in Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan in May 2014, Mohammad Ashrafi participated in the program and obtained his overseas conversion licence in July 2015.
He now holds a full Tasmanian driver’s licence.
Mr Ashrafi is now mentoring a refugee from Afghanistan, who speaks limited English, as a supervisory driver.
‘‘Due to the language barrier, these people are facing day-to-day difficulties which I have experienced myself,’’ Mr Ashrafi said.
‘‘I am delighted and grateful to the MRC for accepting my request and offering this opportunity to volunteer as a driving mentor.’’
Mr Ashrafi lives in Launceston with his wife and three children, and studies at TAFE.
Mr Ashrafi said that gaining his driver’s licence through the Drive 4 Life program was invaluable, and the experience has had a significant impact on his life.
‘‘When I got my licence, I felt the freedom to go everywhere I want ... I can go with my family to parks, I can access services that weren’t available to me before,’’ he said.
The MRC is looking for volunteers to assist with the program.
If you are interested in offering your services as a supervisory driving mentor, call Janice Molineux on 63322211, or visit the MRC at 95 Cameron Street and fill in an expression of interest form.
