The Honda Foundation Educates Young Drivers in Australia

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – August 31, 2009: Mr. Lindsay Smalley, Chairman of The Honda Foundation, presented a cheque for $116,000 to Ms. Vittoria Borazio, Chief Operating Officer of Youth Off The Streets for their young driver training program.

The program provides a number of disadvantaged young people associated with Youth Off The Streets the opportunity to learn to drive a car responsibly and develop road skills to ensure they gain their licence, including the 120 hours of log book training required.

The program, now in its second year, is conducted by Honda Australia Roadcraft Training (H.A.R.T) at their facility at St Ives in Sydney. Three young people graduated from the program in 2008 and a further 12 hope to gain their licence in 2009.

Honda recognises the importance of driver education and road safety, which is an issue that embraces all facets of the community.

Lindsay Smalley, also Honda Australia’s Senior Director said, “The Honda Foundation is pleased to support this young driver training program by Youth Off The Streets and H.A.R.T.

“This program assists disadvantaged young people to obtain their licence, thus providing mobility, education and employment opportunities.

“The most important issue facing young drivers is the lack of experience. In-depth training on driving techniques and the 120 hours behind the wheel with an experienced instructor will help prevent accidents,” Mr. Smalley said.

Father Chris Riley, CEO and Founder of Youth Off The Streets said, “We are very grateful to The Honda Foundation for recognising the barriers that our young people face and for helping us to assist them in overcoming them. The ability to drive will help our young people by improving their self confidence and making them mobile so that they can access further education and employment possibilities.

“I am very proud of this partnership that ensures that young people accessing our services are not only receiving driver training, but they are learning with the emphasis being placed on safety,” said Father Riley.