2 days ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Team's work to support learner drivers recognised
Y Drive team members (from left) Sharyn Kake, Liz Law, Ange Rattray, Jacinta (Jax) O'Connell-Shanks and Dave Blaikie, show the ''The Y that Catches the Eye'' award. Absent: Driving Instructors Kate Williams and Via Kaufana. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Following the Y NZ conference held in Wellington recently, The Y Central South Island's CSI Y-Drive team were recognised for their outstanding Driver Licence Support work across Oamaru, Timaru and Ashburton over the past 12 months.
The team was awarded "The Y that Catches the Eye" award.
"Y-Drive is a programme designed to open doors to members of our community who might otherwise miss out, it gives them the chance to be independent, self-sufficient, progress into employment and be socially connected," a YMCA spokesperson said.
"Supporting job seekers, MSD clients, local Syrian refugees, local people and those that present barriers to success to become independent and safe drivers on our local roads, as well as our local taiohi [youth] with our public driving school with the proceeds of this social enterprise being re-invested back into Community Driving Scholarships.
"Y-Drive has grown from 2022 when three driving instructors were employed, delivering more than 100 Class 1 driver licensing test passes.
"Today, Y-Drive employs five active driving instructors, we have delivered to more than 1500 driver licence clients and in this last year we have helped more than 700 Class 1 driver licence hopefuls to pass their tests," the spokesperson said.
"For the participants of this service, a driver's licence is the gateway for many to independence and creates wider opportunity.
"[It is] more than just a licence to safely drive on our roads. Our successful participants gain confidence and empowers them to become independent, contributing and connected members of our local communities.
"They can now transport themselves or family members to school or work commitments, sporting activities, doctor's appointments, undertake the grocery shopping and a myriad of other activities that those of us with a licence take for granted."
— APL
