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, helping them to 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 last July.
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, who lives in Launceston with his wife and three children, studies at TAFE.
Mr Ashrafi said that gaining his driver’s licence through the Drive 4 Life program was invaluable, and the experience had 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.
