After moving from Somalia to New Zealand, Amino Omar has proven that with the right support, language and being deaf was not going to be a barrier to gaining her independence.
A big part of that independence for the single mother was getting her driver’s licence, so took lessons at the Puketapapa Community Driving School (PCDS). The school is run in association with the Migrant Action Trust, which receives funding through Puketāpapa Local Board’s Strategic Relationship grant.
With the help of patient instructors and volunteer mentor Kevin McCready, who offered sign language support, Amino now has her restricted licence.
“I really wanted to get my licence so I could drive my young daughter to school and go shopping. Carrying heavy shopping from the supermarket was hard, so I was delighted to finally pass the driving test,” says Amino.
The COVID-19 lockdowns interrupted her lessons meaning she couldn’t practice and had to start over.
“I'm getting more confident and drove 73 km to Long Bay to meet friends recently. I love driving to the zoo to walk there and see the ducks,” Amino shared.
Her mentor also had plenty of praise for his student.
“Amino was fun to teach. She's a lovely person and was very determined. I felt very happy when she got her licence,” says volunteer mentor Kevin McCready.
PCDS has successfully trained more than 200 migrants and former refugees towards gaining their restricted and full driver licences this year.
Before the August 2021 lockdown, 97 programme participants passed their practical tests and are now able to access New Zealand’s roads safely and independently, while also increasing their chances of getting jobs and reducing social isolation.
“At the moment, for many people, having access to a car is needed to participate fully in the community, so PCDS’s work is essential. Congratulations to Amino, Kevin and the team, for what they are doing locally to give people independence and skills,” says local board Chair Julie Fairey.
This service has proven a lifeline for refugees and migrants who may not have language barriers and cultural traditions that can lead to isolation.
“Our refugee-background learners face financial, literacy and language barriers. Getting a licence means a world of difference for all of them,” says Amie Maga, PCDS Manager.
Being able to drive gives people a sense of independence and freedom, which goes a long way in fostering belonging and well-being.
Instructor Rina Capila gets emotional when sharing her experience teaching an Afghani learner.
“I had tears of joy when she passed. She had very little English, so I tried to use Google translation for instructions.
“I draw and even walk with her around the intersections for her to understand what safe driving is. Her struggles as a single mum and refugee touched me a lot, and I know having a licence will ease the burden.”
Find more about the local board’s grant programme here.
Read more about the Migrant Action Trust here.
About Puketapapa Community Driving School (PCDS)
The school is a community-owned social enterprise and subsidises the cost for those who can’t afford to pay full-price for lessons from those who can.
To book driving lessons and/or donate towards subsidised lessons for former refugees, please check out pcds.co.nz
