Shepparton's Thierry Shalalo has been given a new lease on life after recently graduating from the St Paul's African House Licence2Work program.
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Mr Shalalo is the first graduate of the program, spending the past two months ensuring his driving skills were up to scratch before being tested for his licence.
Mr Shalalo said he is now able to travel to and from work and is able to complete daily tasks without having to rely on other people or public transport.
"To get my licence I am very excited," he said. "I wasn't able to go to work alone ... without driving you aren't able to go to work, you aren't able to go to appointments.
"The (program) is making it easier for everyone to settle in the Australian society and to be independent."
Launched earlier this year, the program gives African Australians who are over 21 an opportunity to learn how to be a capable driver and gain the necessary experience.
The program is funded through a Victorian Government Capacity Building and Participation grant and supported by the Berry Street driving school.
African House volunteer Bob Watts said the aim was to give newly settled and newly arrived people greater job opportunities.
"It's essential for these young people and older people to be able to get their licence so they can get a job ... and go to appointments," he said.
"If someone has got a job they’ve got self-esteem and they can support their family, and many of them wish to bring more members of their own family from central Africa here to Australia."
With 25 participants currently on the list to complete the program, Mr Watts said more volunteers were needed to take the drivers out on the road.
"Training is provided here at African House for volunteers, which we need more of," he said.
For more information, email Kate at partnerships@stpaulsafricanhouse.org