Crossing the cultural divide with rainbows at SECL

From left to right: Marzia, Jaheda, SECL Program Coordinator Sienna and Translator Hussein

SECL has undergone a period of transition recently. However, new Program Coordinator Sienna, with the support of Senior Settlement Practitioner Ruanthe, proved that she was more than up to the job of pulling together a well-prepared group for the Changing Gears program.

Changing Gears educating educators

Participants Bibijana, Jaheda, Karima, Marzia, Noorina, Waris and Zainab proved to be very motivated and intelligent. Jaheda had actually been an educator in her home country of Afghanistan and many of the students were actively engaged in various forms of study.

Facilitator Nikki was delighted when Sienna was able to secure the translation services of Hussien, who has worked with the program for the last four years.

The program provides clarity

The group moved quickly through the subject of “Your driving attitude.” Participants provided anecdotes from their family members’ experiences on the road. For some, their learning provided clarification of rules that had been poorly understood and hence contentious. Many of the students left with information for their wider community and were thankful to have light shed on these aspects of driving.

“You’re like a rainbow,” Jaheda told facilitator Nikki through translator Hussein.

Some of the group, once they had received the empowerment of the classroom-based translation and facilitation, were able to complete their learning and testing early. Sienna followed up with information about attending VicRoads.

From left to right Marzia, Jaheda, facilitator Nikki and SECL coordinator Sienna

Those less used to computers worked the final unit of instruction together and completed their test om the last day. Nikki noted that Marzia, who had been very quiet at the beginning of the course was speaking in English far more and appeared far more confident. There were many high fives as Nikki praised the cleverness and engagement of all her students.

Knowledge and success shines out into the community like a rainbow

Ultimately, all students passed with flying colours and there were hugs and presentations all round.

“SECL is such a wonderful organisation to offer the Changing Gears program,” facilitator Nikki commented, “Not only are they creating connections between people, but the learning from the course flows out through the community, creating better driving practices all over Victoria.”

Changing Gears would like to thank Ruanthe, Sienna and translator Hussein for all their hard work and support.

Changing Gears facilitator Nikki presenting educator Jaheda with her L plates.

Possibilities open up

Driving opens up so many possibilities for migrants and people of all ages. Classes are supportive, students and trainers inspire each other, showing the way for young people to overcome their obstacles to driving and experience success.

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Call 1800 766 361 to find out more about Changing Gears.

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