Getting Behind The Wheel For The First Time

PRINCE GEORGE- Khaled Ktaish is learning to drive for the first time. It’s not something he learned in his home country of Syria, but it’s a necessity in a city spread out like Prince George. The driving lessons are one of many things a local church has provided to Ktaish and his family since their arrival in the city as refugees a few years ago. “Being a part of his life and being able to see him progress, two of their children have been born here so we’ve been able to be a part of that which has been really special,” said pastor, Fleming Blishen.

Driving For Life has donated the lessons, and it hasn’t been easy as the language barrier makes it hard for instruction. For the first time, the company has brought in a translator to help. “The first lesson was like five minutes to get him to show me his drivers license,” said instructor, Thomas Townrow, “you have to tailor it to the person. It’s definitely a challenge but I enjoy it.”

The hope is to give Ktaish the tools he needs to gain employment and provide for his family while he’s living in Canada. “It’s a big part of a persons identity and value,” added Blishen, “to come to a new place and not have work can be very difficult. This is a big part of Khaled being able to gain some self-confidence.”