A first-of-its-kind program will be available soon for refugee women and mothers here in San Diego.
You have the opportunity to help and to make this program a success. We have a marvelous community here of women who believe in empowering each other! To get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, read on.
The Women at the Wheel endeavor is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in our fair city. This program is the first of its kind.
You may not be aware of it, but San Diego has played host to tens of thousands of refugees. They come primarily from Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and the Congo. “There are about 1,200 refugees here from Syria alone,” explains Syrian Community Network Community Engagement Coordinator Sofia Deak. “That’s about 200 families.”
While resettlement agencies work closely with families to help them assimilate into daily life here in SD, there are always challenges. The challenges are particularly big for female refugees. Many women often resettle here with sizable responsibilities – including the traditional roles of raising children and running the home.
“About 1/3 of Syrian women drive here in San Diego, compared to nearly all of the men” notes Sofia. “When we asked women which factor in their lives here they are most eager to change, the overwhelming response was that they wanted to drive.”
The cost to train one of these lovely ladies is $250. If enough money is raised, 50 refugee women will receive instruction with translators, training behind the wheel, and guidance through the certification and licensing process. All throughout the month of July, the Syrian Community Network is fundraising to meet their goal.
A driver’s license can mean the world to these women. It will provide access to education, to jobs, and to all of San Diego County as they explore and assimilate.
How You Can Help:
Donate at the link here. Just $25 dollars covers an hour of driver training.
Run your own Facebook fundraiser!
Share this article on all of your social platforms!
Learn more by contacting Sofia Deak at Syrian Community Network or follow the network’s Facebook page.
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