Driver-Mentor Program Revs Up
Up to 60 young First Nations people will achieve their Ps over the next two years thanks to a government grant* for On-Country Pathways’ Driver-Mentor Program.
The funding, from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, will keep two cars on the road full-time, for two years.
“We have been able to employ two full-time driver-mentors from the local Aboriginal community who are already out and about with our young participants,” explained Darren Moffitt, On-Country Pathways’ Program Manager.
He added: “A driver’s licence is life changing but Indigenous youth can experience extraordinary challenges in obtaining a licence. 120 logbook hours seems impossible to those without access to a vehicle or supervising driver.”
On-Country Pathways’ Driver-Mentor Program is the only culturally safe learn to drive program in the border region. It is run by First Nations community members and is free for young Indigenous drivers aged 16 to 24.
Darren explained: “It is much more than just getting hours up and being coached how to drive, it’s also about getting ‘job ready’ with mentoring and age-appropriate advice and guidance around life skills, social and emotional wellbeing, and our Indigenous culture.”
There’s more about the program here.
*Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.
Thanks to government funding we have been able to employ two full-time driver-mentors – Richard and Chloe – from the local Aboriginal community, pictured here with Jebb and Darren from On-Country Pathways.
