By Casey Neill
Aziza Razia is enjoying newfound freedom behind the wheel.
The refugee was among 50 women to celebrate obtaining her driver’s licence through CatholicCare’s driver education program on Tuesday 14 February.
The not-for-profit also offers the learner drivers social support and encouragement through the project, thanks to a RACV Good Citizen Program grant.
Each participant is eligible for up to 10 driving lessons with driving instructors proficient in their first language.
Aziza and her husband feared for their lives in Pakistan, where being part of the persecuted Hazara ethnic community made them the subject of targeted killings and daily bomb blasts.
They fled to Indonesia, then in December 2012 travelled by boat with their six-year-old daughter to Christmas Island.
“When I look at the sea now, I can’t believe I’m the same person who crossed such a large and dangerous sea,” she said.
Aziza is “very fond of learning,” and obtaining her licence has given her a practical skill she plans to use to work and support her husband, when her children are older.
For now she is driving her children to medical appointments and after-school activities.
“From the depth of my heart, I am thankful to all Australians that let us get ahead and give us support to stand up,” she said.
Jane Whiter from RACV said the club was pleased to be involved with the project.
“CatholicCare demonstrated how well-placed the organisation is to implement the program specifically aimed at this group, assistance with their integration into the broader community and strengthening already-established links with refugee women in the area,” she said.
