Life-changing youth driving program equips participants with keys for success

A youth driving training program in Bunbury is changing lives by putting participants on the road to employment and further education.

Since receiving funding from the South West Development Commission and Department of Justice in 2019, the End to End Young Driver Training program has assisted more than 150 participants to achieve their driver’s licence.

Almost all participants who have obtained their driver’s licence through the Investing In Our Youth program have gone on to secure a job or take part in further study and training, as a benefit of being able to drive.

Through the program, 16 to 25-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds are given free mentorship and supervised driving practice after being referred to the program via partner agencies, as part of efforts to remove barriers to getting a driver’s licence.

The popular program, which usually has a waiting list, has been well-received by participants who have sung its praises.

SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede congratulated Investing In Our Youth and the participants who have so far successfully completed the program.

“This program is successfully getting participants on the road to where they want to go in life,” Ms Teede said.

“Being able to drive gives young people the independence they need to get to training or classes or a job, as well as participate in more life activities.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of Investing In Our Youth, as well as the volunteer driving mentors teaching young people in our community to drive, and the community service providers who refer youth to the program.”

The End to End Young Driver Training program, which incorporates the RYDE program,
is supported by the State Government through the Department of Justice and South
West Development Commission, and delivered by local community organisation
Investing In Our Youth.

 

Participant 1 said:

 “The End to End Program helped me so much in order to get my licence. It was a really amazing program and everyone involved was lovely and helpful. It was a really great program to be a part of and I would definitely recommend it to others. It changed my life.”

Participant 2 said:

“Honestly, without end to end I genuinely don’t know if I would be where I am today, with my licence, living in Perth, a new job, and finally free. I met such awesome mentors, and the staff are the sweetest people who supply endless amounts of support. I truly believe that without end to end I would have never passed so thank you so much and I highly recommend”.

Participant 3 said:

“I couldn’t have done it without End to End. I was hanging on by a thread when my sister told me about the program and how much it helped her. We haven’t always gotten on super great, but she pretty much saved me. The program gave me the chance to fix my relationship with her and start to focus on what I wanted to do with my life because this wasn’t it. Now I have my licence I can get to work and have got more shifts and I’m waiting to study. The kids are happier and healthier because we can go to the park, mothers group, doctors’ appointments, and everything else they need. I can do what I want when I want, and the freedom is awesome. Thank you to the staff for all the support, and *DoJ & SWDC* for giving the money to help people like me.”

 

Media Release by
Teneille Watson | Communications Adviser
South West Development Commission