From the Classroom to the Streets: Empowering Communities to Create Safer School Journeys

At the Africa Road Safety Seminar on 8-9 October, two interactive “Safer School Journey Walkshops” equipped participants with innovative tools including the iRAP Classificação por estrelas para escolas (SR4S) e a Aplicativo de envolvimento juvenil (YEA). These sessions aimed to empower participants to enhance road safety for school journeys through hands-on learning and data-driven approaches.

The Walkshops began with an overview of SR4S and YEA, including step-by-step guidance on downloading and using the apps by iRAP. Divided into groups and led by AA Kenya volunteers or Parceria Global para a Segurança Rodoviária (GRSP) Policing Team members, participants then set out to assess a route between the seminar venue and a nearby school. Using YEA, they flagged locations they perceived as safe or unsafe along the route, while SR4S helped them evaluate pedestrian infrastructure near the school entrance.

After gathering data, participants reconvened to review their findings, fostering discussions on how these tools can support safe school initiatives. The session concluded with an example of a successful safe school programme by Emendar and its partners, highlighting the value of evidence-based interventions.

“As Kenya’s leading mobility service provider, ensuring safe mobility is our top priority. We’re committed to improving road safety for children in our community. Volunteering for the Walkshops is a rewarding experience. By helping participants use innovative tools like SR4S and YEA, we gather vital data and empower communities to take charge of road safety. Together, we can create safer journeys for our children and make a lasting impact,” said Wangari Kihori, Corporate Affairs Manager at AA Kenya.

See images below: Participants engaged in Walkshop sessions with support from AA Kenya, GRSP, and Amend. (Images credit: KRC, GRSP, iRAP)

Later that week, on 11 October, Emendar, em parceria com FIA Foundation, AA Kenya, ASIRT-Kenya celebrated the installation of vital infrastructure at Kayole One Primary School in Nairobi, as part of the “Safe and Healthy Journeys to School” Programme. Selected from six Nairobi County schools, Kayole One was prioritized for safety upgrades following a history of road crashes, including a child fatality in 2023. With more than 3,000 students, 90% of whom walk to school, the school entrance initially had a low star rating of 1.5 stars due to insufficient pedestrian facilities and signage. New footpaths, zebra crossings, speed humps, and signage have since been installed, providing much-needed protection for student pedestrians. The star rating has now increased to 3.6 stars.

The Walkshops highlighted the vital role of community engagement and data-driven solutions in improving road safety for school journeys. The successful safety upgrades at Kayole One Primary School demonstrate how targeted interventions can enhance protection for schoolchildren. With ongoing commitment from various stakeholders, we are making strides to ensure that every child’s journey to school is safe and healthy.