The University of Science and Technology (USTM), Meghalaya, as a part of its outreach initiatives, has launched a driving school for women on Wednesday.
Christened as “USTM Women’s Driving School: An outreach initiative of ERDF”; the programme aims to provide theory and practical driving lessons for women and equip them to become professional drivers.
While everyone is welcome to join the outreach programme, people from an economic challenged background, school-dropouts, widows and single mothers will be given preference.
“With the view of empowering women by making them self sufficient, the enrollment of students will begin from Thursday, i.e International Womens’ Day. We have also roped in efficient female driving instructors. Classes will begin from March 15.” Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM and Chairman of ERD Foundation said in a statement to the press.
Meghali Bora, the Managing Director of a city based driving institute is adjusted as the Chairman of the Driving school.
Addressing a press conference, Bora said that the driving course is aimed at empowering women, especially those that belong to the low income strata and cannot afford higher education.
Joint Director of HR for the ERD Foundation, Mehjabeen Rahman said that the minimum age for joining the driving course is 18 and no exceptions will be made in that matter.
Apart from the driving, the course will also include basic training on how to change a tire, oil and taking care of the vehicle.
After the driving course is completed, the University will also help the students to get placements with women employers.