The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, has heaped praise on the “Be Road Safe” programme initiated by Puma Energy Zimbabwe.
The programme, which aims to educate young students on road safety, is set to be incorporated into the national school curriculum to promote inclusivity.
Speaking during an art competition prize-giving ceremony at Hatfield Primary School, Gata said the programmes can be integrated into the school curriculum.
“We are determined to integrate road safety education into our school curriculum to protect our future generations,” she said
The “Be Road Safe” club, established at Highlands Primary School following a tragic accident that claimed a student’s life, is training children to become ambassadors of road safety.
The young ambassadors are tasked with educating their peers on the importance of road safety, a mission supported by the Zimbabwe Republic Police through initiatives like the ‘Kids Court’.
General Manager of Puma Energy Zimbabwe, Donatien Kodog, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is not just a policy but a core value at Puma Energy. We are dedicated to rolling out the ‘Be Road Safe’ programme nationwide as part of our long-term commitment to support the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety.”
The programme has been successful in Zimbabwe, with Neema Swai, Programme Manager at Amend, expressing satisfaction with the inclusion of children as young as four in the training.
Schools participating in the programme received road safety materials and awards for their contributions to promoting road safety awareness.
Mrs. Dhlakama, Headmistress of Hatfield Junior School, shared that the programme has been a revelation for students, teaching them the importance of cautious road use. “The ‘Be Road Safe’ programme has been a vital educational tool, especially given our proximity to a busy highway,” she said.
With road traffic accidents occurring every 15 minutes and claiming five lives daily in Zimbabwe, according to UN statistics, the “Be Road Safe” programme’s expansion to Zambia and Mozambique is a beacon of hope.
The initiative has already reached over 100,000 children across Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant stride in the battle against road fatalities.
