In their bid to maintain that living in Slum Communities does not mean one is miserable, the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) has certified and distributed driving licenses to over 60 youth drawn from over ten Slum Communities in Freetown.
According to the beneficiaries, the Distribution of certificates and Licenses which took place on the 5th February, 2016 at the YMCA Hall, Fort Street is the end of less than six months training in Driving and Machine Operation which was fully sponsored by the YMCA. It aims at ensuring that youth make sense of their youthfulness.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Barrie said, “To show how important and Valuable we are to the YMCA, we were registered in one of the best training schools; Brightest and Best Driving School and Youth for Reconciliation and Development (YUFORD) Industrial Mission Sierra Leone were we were taught best practices in driving and professionalism in operating heavy duty machines including bulldozers and excavators.”
Speaking at t the programme, the Proprietor, Brightest and Best Driving School; Desmond George said YMCA has been sponsoring youth on such training for a long time now.
He said driving is not just about operating the car, but knowing the ethics of driving and understanding it as a profession.
Mr. George said they have given the beneficiaries professional skills and that it is left with them to be role models to other drivers.
The Proprietor advised the beneficiaries to find a job stating that effort and perseverance makes the difference.
The Director of YUFORD, Mr. Solomon Kamara maintains that they care less about someone’s educational background rather; they are concerned with his or her willingness..
He said now the beneficiaries are called educated operators stating that they have trained and packaged them for the world.
Mr. Kamara who advised the beneficiaries to be steadfast in their work also advised Sierra Leoneans to “stop looking for a job and start looking for a career.”
Making a statement, Rehana Merali; a representative from one of YMCA sponsors; Y Care International congratulated the beneficiaries and advised them to be patient and calculated in moving forward with the profession.
By Emmanuella Kallon
Monday February 08, 2016
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