The work of an East London NPO which specialises in road safety awareness will give 50 pupils in the Buffalo City Metro an opportunity to further their personal growth through a free K53 learner driver campaign.
The Behired Grooming Project, which is based in Parkside, teaches pupils about road safety as pedestrians and as drivers.
In November 2020, the NPO began the first leg of its campaign, teaching the theory of road safety.
Early in 2021 it implemented the second leg, which included pupils writing their learner’s test for free and then being given free driving lessons.
The NPO’s Kamvelihle Kalani said the initiative would assist pupils when leaving school, especially when trying to find employment.
There is a high rate of youth unemployment in our country and driving is an important skill that can allow young people to make ends meet
“There is a high rate of youth unemployment in our country and driving is an important skill that can allow young people to make ends meet.
“These days people can make a living by driving. It is a lifetime opportunity,” Kalani said.
He said most of the pupils in the programme were from underprivileged homes.
The pupils involved in the learner driver initiative are from Qaqamba, Alphendale, Greenpoint, Good Hope, Sinovuyo, John Bissaker and Mzokhanyo secondary schools and Kusile Comprehensive.
Kalani said the Behired Grooming Project conducted workshops on how to abide by the rules of the road, the importance of wearing reflective clothing and car inspections.
Kalani said their work also involved taxi drivers at local taxi ranks including the East London CBD and Kwelerha.
“When we conduct talks at taxi ranks it often infiltrates to the locals and commuters about the ranks as well.
“This then allows us to spread the message of road safety further,” Kalani said.
I always remember the words of our coach, Mr Musa, who always says ‘The road is communicating with us and the real question is, are we listening?
Lisa Ngele, headgirl at Greenpoint Secondary, said the NPO’s initiative would empower her for life.
“I am now very educated on the rules and the signs of the road and I am very alert whenever I use the road.
“I always remember the words of our coach, Mr Musa, who always says ‘The road is communicating with us and the real question is, are we listening?’
“I am on my best behaviour as a pedestrian and I believe that when I leave the programme, I will also make the best driver too,” Lisa said.
Lisa said she had not only learnt about road safety but things which were not taught in the classroom, such as ubuntu.
“Every day we have discussions at workshops that leave us wanting more.
“It’s how learners from different schools came together and embraced their backgrounds and differences by forming friendships that will last for life,” she said.
“Behired Grooming is empowering the youth for life,” she said.
Kalani said the NPO celebrated its seventh anniversary in 2020.
“The founder, Mama Charlotte Giba from Mdantsane, started this organisation as she is passionate about uplifting young people to be better versions of themselves,” Kalani said.
He said the organisation had also worked with local clinics and Masimanyane Women’s Rights International on issues surrounding gender-based violence.
Workshops and counselling sessions had been conducted by the organisations for victims of gender-based violence.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.