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School teaches us many things.
Most of the time, these are these things that are applicable in real life. Whether it’s Math, English, or Science – we get to apply them in the “real world” one way or another.
But there are also other things that we learn in school that are more valuable in our day-to-day lives.
We also learn different skills from our other subjects like Home Economics (cooking, baking, sewing) and Physical Education classes (first aid, self-defense). We realize that these things may seem all fun and games while in school, but they are much handy when we’re all grown up.
The sad thing is we tend to categorize these skills by gender.
Decades ago, people would only attribute cooking, baking, and all the housekeeping stuff to women while men did the dirtier, heavier work like handling machinery. At least we don’t have to deal with much trade or skill sexism now – at least not as much as before.
This Australian school gained praise for teaching young girls car maintenance.
Stella Maris College in Manly, New South Wales, Australia, takes pride in being ahead in the game in training their young girls to be independent, self-reliant, and confident. One of the ways they’re doing so is to teach them basic DIY car maintenance skills.
They partnered with car maintenance training group Gal Matic.
The founder, Eleni Matikos, once learned to tinker with her car way back and realized that learning to deal with simple repairs was life-saving. Hence, she thought of creating a program to train young girls and pass her car knowledge to them.
It is their goal to partner with schools in doing this training.
And Stella Maris College is one of those schools they worked with for years. The trainers don their ‘Rosie the Riveter’ attire – and a very apt outfit in this matter because of the symbolism Rosie holds.
Students from years 11 and 12 were taught basic car maintenance skills like changing the tires, identifying what’s under the car hood, doing a 10-minute service check (oil, water, tire, battery), and responding to minor car accidents.
The school said that these skills are important for girls their age.
This is a period in their lives when they start getting (driving) learner’s permits and would soon be driving their car without their parent’s supervision. The school aimed to help them become more confident in their maintenance skills and do basic troubleshooting on their own.
Plus, this also keeps these young girls safe while on the road.
We often ask for help from strangers when our car breaks down – something that is deemed dangerous in recent times. Knowing these skills would mean you don’t have to ask for a stranger’s help; strangers that might take advantage of your vulnerability.
People praised the school for its efforts, and some alumni could attest to that, too!
Mother and SMC Alum, Kathryn Bran, commented:
“As a mum of one of those year 11 girls today and ex Stella student myself, a really worthwhile session. Table topic tonight at dinner! Here’s to safe, knowledgeable drivers.”
Another Facebook user, Vicky Jones, applauded the school:
“This is fantastic! Wish I could have joined in & learned this skill! Well done, Stella, for teaching our girls how to be strong & independent.
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