Adolf Kaure
Hilaria Erastus has taken on a dynamic role to empower young women along the coast through free driving training.
In partnership with Patrick Nashandi of Serenity and Nashville Investments, the two share a commitment that has birthed an initiative aimed at equipping unemployed individuals with practical life skills.
Speaking to WOEMA this week, Erastus said she was inspired by the challenges many young people face, particularly unemployment and lack of access to opportunities.
“This is the case, especially when some of the youth graduate from universities. I noticed that many young people in Walvis Bay are eager to improve their lives but cannot afford driving lessons,” she said.
This initiative was born out of a desire to give back to the community and to equip young people with a practical skill that can open doors for them,” she noted.
Her most recent training day in Walvis Bay was attended by more than 15 youth, most of whom were women.
“It has boosted their confidence and given them the knowledge they need to pass their learners’ tests. I tutor from the learners’ manual book, and I tutor them on all sections and make practical examples for them to understand easily. The book is boring to many. Being a driving instructor, it makes it easier for them to understand.
“Beyond that, it has shown them that they can achieve more. Many come in unsure of themselves, but leave motivated, empowered and ready to take the next step toward independence,” she added.
Erastus is the owner and instructor of a driving school, Hilaria’s Driving Academy, for the past nine years.
While the full driving lessons are paid, she supports students from the free programme by offering flexible options where possible.
Some of them continue with lessons in stages or at reduced rates, allowing them to complete their journey and obtain their driver’s licences.
She also said that the pass rate at NaTIS has been very encouraging for trainees in the free driver training.
“Many participants successfully pass their learner’s licence tests because they are well-prepared through the training. Those who proceed to practical lessons also perform well in their driving tests, as they already have a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence.
“I have an 80 % pass rate. Clients always come to my academy simply because they feel safe with me being a woman in a male-dominated industry,” Erastus said.
Serenity and Nashville Investments have helped the cause through collaboration, expanding the programme’s reach.
Owned by Patrick Nashandi, the foundation also assisted the initiative by improving the overall quality of the training.
Nashandi highlighted the importance of learners’ and drivers’ licence training, saying it should become part of the school curriculum.
“Introducing learners to road safety and driving knowledge at an early stage would better prepare them for adulthood.
Learners should start at the required age of 17 years already to be trained for learner’s licences and then driving. So, we do sit with learners or tertiary graduates who are being rejected for employment opportunities when applying for jobs because employers are more interested in candidates with driver’s licences. Our youth are unemployed because of these documents,” he said.
He added that the training breaks barriers and fosters independence for women.
“Having a professional female instructor like Erastus further inspires participants, showing that women can succeed and lead,” said Nashandi.
The collaboration goes a step further by creating a direct link to employment opportunities through Serenity and Nashville Investment’s soup kitchen, their first step towards financial independence.
He encouraged young people, especially women, to believe in themselves and take advantage of opportunities that come their way, further imploring corporates to financially support such noble causes.
One of the trainees from the programme, Tyra Snyders, expressed gratitude for the free training.
She said it has helped her understand the learner’s license booklet better.
“The class was enlightening. I initially found it difficult to understand the learner’s material on my own, but the method you used to guide us through the book helped me gain much better understanding. I was able to successfully pass my test,” she said.
Another trainee, Monica Andreas, shared the same sentiments. ‘
She said: “I passed my learner’s licence. I am so thankful for your classes, your kindness and patience. I really appreciate it”.
With more sessions to come in future, similar sessions were also held in Swakopmund Okahandja.