By Foday Moriba Conteh
Africell Sierra Leone in collaboration with MuMaj Driving School on the 16th October, 2021 certified 11 female Riders/Drivers through their Riders/Drivers Scheme 2021 with the theme: “Be the Game Changer”. The certification event took place at the Africell American Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Human Resources Manager of Africell Sierra Leone, Patricia Jangah, noted that in July 2021 the company decided to create a scheme geared towards empowering women with riding and driving skills, adding that in order to achieve that goal they decided to partner with a local driving school, the MuMaj Driving School, in order to train certain young women to become female riders/drivers.
She maintained that during the process they had over 40 female applicants that applied for the scheme but said Africell conducted a vetting process in order to get the most eligible applicants of which she revealed only 11 of them emerged successful to undergo a six weeks training program leading to graduation.
Patricia Jangah further informed that two (2) former applicants completed the process and they are currently employed by the company.
Underscoring the motive behind the Riders/Drivers scheme 2021, the Human Resources Manager pointed out that the move by the company to undertake such project is part of its efforts towards women empowerment and development of women in the country especially with the aim of enabling them perform male dominated roles in society.
She continued that Africell happens to be a big employer with over 1000 staff both through direct employment or through other sources firms, adding that after their graduation these female riders/drivers would go through out sources firms for them to be employed.
She ended by congratulating the beneficiaries for their tireless efforts and dedication during the six (6) weeks intensive training process and wished them well in their future careers.
On his part, the Senior Instructor at MuMaj Driving School, Abu-Bakarr Ibrahim, commended Africell Sierra Leone for the partnership which he described as a laudable venture towards the empowerment of women in the country.
He said that cthe six (6) weeks training program was intensive and that the graduates now have the required skills and knowledge in terms of riding and driving.
Abu-Bakarr Ibrahim also encouraged them to ensure that whatever has been learnt during the training must be put into practice.
One of the beneficiaries, Ramatu Suma expressed appreciation to Africell Sierra Leone for introducing the female riders/drivers scheme 2021 which she described as not only important but very timely.
She ,on behalf of her colleagues, assured Africell that they will make the difference in terms of driving in the country, adding that in most cases driving is been considered as a male dominated profession but said they will demonstrate to all that women can be good drivers too.
