He’s run the New York City Marathon, but Wade Mongta hit some speed bumps on the roads back home. The learner driver said having his licence will help with getting a job, achieving independence, buying groceries and helping his family.
“It will be legit life-changing,” Mr Mongta said.
He is one of the participants in the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Y Drive program – which pairs mentors with learners who struggle to accumulate the required 120 hours – ready to hit the road after AMH Autogroup donated a Kia Rio this week.
AMH dealer principal Jade Cowan said he jumped at the chance to get involved: “This program is really good for the community and it was something that AMH wanted to be a part of to support youth in Eurobodalla”.
Wade Mongta lives in Bodalla and has often resorted to hitch-hiking: “If you don’t have a licence in Bodalla you’re stuck”.
He was one of six learners who attended Y Drive orientation on Wednesday and will receive lessons from a qualified driving instructor and then sessions with a volunteer mentor.
Y Drive coordinator Angie McMillan said she was grateful to AMH and to the mentors – “We couldn’t do it without their support” – but more mentors were needed. For more information contact the council’s Y Drive Coordinator Angie McMillan on 4474 7456.
