Afghan Women On The Move are providing swimming and driving lessons to new arrivals in Western Sydney.

Migrant Council of Australia has provided Afghan Women On The Move (AWOTM) with new life skills funding which will be used to teach 20 new arrival Afghan women how to drive and swim by the end of June 2022.

“We are so excited; twenty newly arrived Afghan women will be taught how to drive in the next two months. The first one started today in Blacktown,” Maryam Zahid, Founder of AWOTM, announced today.

“Afghan men and women in our Afghan community who have been here longer also need to learn to drive and the costs are difficult for refugees. This funding is so vital for our community.” Maryam went on to say.

“Swimming classes will start in May, and we will have a very special fun filled program for Afghan women.”

We are inviting newly arrived Afghan women to register their interest via the contact form on our website, www.afghanwomenothemove.org.au.

AWOTM will advocate for more funding for these activities as more registrations are received.

Driving Skills: Driving is one of the key skills for most Australians in accomplishing crucial life tasks including getting to work, shopping, getting to places of faith, meeting relatives, childcare/school drop-offs and holidays.

Swimming/Water Safety Skills: Our water/beach culture is something Afghan women need to learn for their children and family. 288 people drown in Australia each year; many were born overseas. It's important the Afghan community has water safety and swimming education. Targeting women means they will encourage their children and family to learn to swim.

Afghan Women on the Move supports the health, mental wellbeing, growth and development of Afghan women. We are focused on new arrivals from Afghanistan and their economic situation, social circumstances and mental health. We provide Afghan women with opportunities to heal, grow and develop in a safe place.

AWOTM Founder & Director, Maryam Zahid is available for interviews.