The Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA) has launched a free driving and road safety programme aimed at empowering the girl child and young women with essential life, mobility, and leadership skills.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCoZ), offers free provisional driving lessons facilitated by qualified instructors. The programme provides structured training in road traffic rules, practical road safety awareness, and responsible driving; ensuring participants gain confidence and competence behind the wheel.
Speaking at the launch, ZLGCA Director Annah Mabena said the programme is designed to remove barriers that prevent young women from accessing critical life skills.
“This initiative is about empowerment, independence, and safety. Driving is a life skill that opens doors to education, employment, and leadership opportunities for the girl child,” said Mabena.
She also extended an invitation to CZLWVA to attend and support the free lessons, emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and collective empowerment. Mabena noted that the programme aligns with His Excellency the President’s mantra of ‘leaving no one behind’ and contributes toward the attainment of Vision 2030 and NDS2.
“We are investing in confident, capable young women who can actively participate in national development,” she added.
Beneficiaries of the programme welcomed the initiative, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
One participant, Tariro Moyo, said access to free driving lessons had been beyond her reach before the programme.
“I have always wanted to learn how to drive, but the costs were too high for my family. This programme has given me hope and confidence that I can be independent and pursue my goals,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Rumbidzai Chikore , highlighted the importance of road safety education.
“We are not just being taught how to drive, but how to be responsible and safe road users. This knowledge can save lives, including our own,” she said.
Beyond driving lessons, the programme adopts a holistic empowerment approach, incorporating road safety, personal safety, study skills, and leadership development. This model is intended to equip girls with discipline, self-confidence, and leadership qualities that extend beyond the road.
Nyasha Dube, a tertiary student enrolled in the programme, said the leadership component stood out.
“The mentorship sessions are inspiring. They remind us that as young women, we can lead, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to our communities,” she said.
ZLGCA said the programme will continue to be rolled out to reach more girls and young women across the country, reinforcing its mission to promote education, independence, and leadership for the girl child in Zimbabwe.
