Meet Bashir, a Volunteer with SydWest Multicultural Services sharing their journey as part of our ‘Share Your Story’ series.
Two hours every week, Bashir can be found in the passenger seat of the SydWest Multicultural Services Learner Driver car, patiently instructing newly arrived refugees so that they can obtain a NSW drivers’ licence.
The qualified driving instructor, who runs his own driving business, has been doing this for 7 years and was recently recognised with SydWest’s Volunteer of the Year award.
Bashir’s voluntary work with the Learner Driver Mentor Program helps alleviate the cost of driving lessons for new arrivals to Australia. Having a driver’s licence means greater independence and self-confident, and greater chances of getting a job.
A migrant from Afghanistan, Bashir speaks Farsi and Pashtu, so can communicate in language with refugees and humanitarian entrants who come from countries including Afghanistan, Iran and Northern Pakistan.
SydWest caseworker Khatol Ahmadzay said Bashir has helped many people over the years, including a sole parent from Afghanistan who could not read or write, and was struggling to get her children to school, or to get to a job, by public transport. With the dedicated help of Bashir, she was able to obtain her licence, opening up a world of opportunity for her and her family.
‘I am honoured to be making a small contribution to this fantastic organisation,’ said Bashir, saying that being a volunteer gave him a great deal of satisfaction.
‘His selfless commitment and positive impact on our organisation and community make him a truly deserving candidate for this year’s award,’ said Saurav Shrestha, SydWest’s Settlement Services Team Leader.
Photo Description – SydWest Board member Prof Peter Zelas presents the Volunteer of the Year award to volunteer Bashir, with HR Manager.
