Vice-President Jane Ansah says the acquisition of driving licences by two people, one of whom has short stature, should translate into employment opportunities and greater economic independence.

Ansah was speaking after the two, who had been supported through driving lessons, completed their training and obtained driving licences.

She said the development demonstrates the importance of providing marginalised groups with opportunities to earn a living rather than relying on handouts.

“I am very, very happy to see that these two have completed their driving school. And now they have driving licences,” Ansah said.

“It is my strong belief that that will be translated into jobs. It is my prayer that very soon they should get jobs so that they will have the full meaning of their getting licences.”

Ansah said one of the beneficiaries, Mr Handsome, should not face discrimination when seeking employment because of his short stature.

“He will not be rejected because he is short. He has demonstrated here that he has got those extensions. He has talked about 3.10, reverse, so he is even able to do reverse. It means he is just as good as any driver,” she said.

Ansah said the initiative reflects the philosophy of the Dr Jane Ansah Foundation, which she said seeks to equip people with skills that can enable them to become self-reliant.

“This is not about giving Mr Handsome 5,000 here, 1,000 there, but he should be able to earn. You know, when a man earns and is able to give others, there is value added to his life,” she said.

She said the beneficiary had pursued the dream of becoming a driver for four years, describing the completion of his training as the fulfilment of a shared goal.

“It was his dream for four years. It is also the dream for Jane Ansah Foundation that people should be given the fishing rod. And today I am so excited that those two dreams are being unfolded before our very eyes,” Ansah said.

The Vice-President said the initiative will be extended to other groups, including older people and people with disabilities who are capable of driving.

She said Chabwera Driving School had opened its doors to accommodate more people from such groups.

“One or two, that they will go through the same driving school,” Ansah said.

Ansah also highlighted the role of people with disabilities in the driving school, saying one of the instructors has a disability herself.

“She is not only a driver, she is an instructor. So I believe that’s why they were encouraged, knowing that in driving there is no limitation,” she said.

Ansah said the two beneficiaries came to her attention after she assumed the office of Vice-President through an association that introduced them to her.

She said she later became interested in their situation after seeing a Facebook video involving Mr Handsome and a girl from the community, which highlighted challenges faced by people of short stature when seeking employment.

“When I saw the video, I became interested and invited them for interaction. It is when Mr Handsome assured me of their capabilities despite being of short stature,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chabwera Driving School owner Augustine Chabwera said the school remains committed to helping more people acquire driving skills.

Chabwera said the institution believes in the capabilities of individuals and is willing to provide opportunities for people who demonstrate the ability to drive.

The completion of the training has also been welcomed by relatives of the two beneficiaries, who say the acquisition of driving licences could open new opportunities for their loved ones to become economically independent.

The beneficiaries are now expected to pursue employment opportunities using the skills and qualifications acquired through the programme.