Title: Retired Professor Becomes Driving Instructor for Afghan Women in California
In Modesto, California, retired professor Gil Howard has found a new calling as a driving instructor for Afghan women in the local community. With driving being off-limits for most women in Afghanistan, Mr. Howard has taken it upon himself to teach these women the valuable skill of driving, free of charge.
Having taught around 400 women from the Afghan community in Modesto, Mr. Howard has become a go-to teacher for those looking to gain independence and mobility through driving. For many Afghan immigrants, driving is not just a rite of passage but a lifeline in a country where public transportation is limited and distances are vast.
The recent return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan has only heightened the importance of driving for Afghan women, as they face restrictions on education and mobility in their homeland. In the United States, these women are eager to assimilate and learn to drive, not for reasons of gender equality or empowerment, but simply to be able to get from point A to point B.
Through simple English and hand gestures, as well as key words in Dari, Mr. Howard guides his students through the intricacies of driving in the United States. His dedication to teaching these women has made a significant impact on their lives, allowing them to navigate the roads with confidence and independence.
As the Afghan community in the United States continues to grow, Mr. Howard’s waitlist for driving lessons keeps expanding. His commitment to helping these women learn to drive has not only changed their lives but has also brought him a sense of fulfillment and purpose in his retirement.
With each successful student passing their road test and gaining their driver’s license, Mr. Howard’s impact on the Afghan community in Modesto is undeniable. Through his selfless dedication, he has become a driving force for empowerment and independence for Afghan women in California.
