determined: Getting a driver’s licence will make life easier for Southern Sudanese refugee Nyanriak Ayuel.
FOR refugee Nyanriak Ayuel, a driving licence is a passport to a better future for herself and her three children.Leaving her parents behind, she escaped from what is now South Sudan with her brothers when she was just eight. After a stint in Egypt, Ms Ayuel arrived in Australia in 2003 unable to speak English.“It was a bit scary,” said Ms Ayuel, who is now 25.Now quite fluent in the language, she wants to get behind the wheel.“I can’t do anything at the moment,” she said. “I am locked up in the house. “But if I could drive, I will be more independent.”It is mothers just like these that Lead On Ballarat, Driving Help for African Mums, is aiming to help.The initiative is the outcome of a RACV grant under the 2011 Community Grants program.Project officer Rebecca Stewart said the program helped the women obtain their probationary licence.“We found that many of the children were being disadvantaged because the mothers were not able to get to them to the activities.“Once they get their licence, the mothers will be able to better participate in the community.”Ms Stewart said Lead On Ballarat were currently looking to match African women who have their Learners Permit with an L2P Program mentor.“All you need is patience, a full Australian driving licence and be able to commit for a year,” she said. For more information, contact Rebecca on 5332 3896.