Puma Energy launches Road Safety Programme for pri...

Puma Energy launches Road Safety Programme for primary schools

**Guest of Honor MD TSCZ Mr Munodawafa officially launches #BeRoadSafeCampaign**

Oscar J Jeke

Global energy company, Puma Energy Zimbabwe, together with partner organisations, launched a road safety programme targeting primary schoolchildren at an event in Sunway City last Wednesday.

The programme “Be Road Safe”, has a selection of five Harare schools participating namely; Ardbennie Primary, Highlands Primary, Hatfield Primary, Mberi Primary and Kuwadzana 6 Primary.

The programme aims to engage children at an early stage during their formative years and cultivate a culture of road safety through various activities such as a drawing competition and a kid’s court, which holds drivers accountable for reckless driving near schools.

In his remarks, guest of honour, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Managing Director, Munesu Munodawafa, commended Puma Energy Zimbabwe on launching a necessary and timely initiative, stating that it is in line with the global rally towards “A Second Decade of Action For Road Safety,” which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030.

“These numbers we are talking about are not mere statistics, they represent fellow citizens, our family members, friends and loved ones. Road traffic accidents have profound implications on the future, especially of our children. The negative impact on their lives will be felt through generations, and has the potential to affect the nation’s overall development,” Munodawafa said.

Implementing partner, Amend, represented by Project Manager, Neema Swai, also noted that a lesson plan, themed “See and be Seen”, has been developed with the assistance of primary education specialists, tailored to address the specific situations and risks faced by children in different schools and communities.

“This will culminate in 'Be Road Safe' clubs at participating schools and will see children graduate as 'Be Road Safe' ambassadors, enabling them to provide peer-to-peer training on road safety awareness.”

Director for Learner Welfare Psychological Services and Special Needs in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Hannah Maisiri recommended the integration of road charts in classrooms and the need for schools to conduct road safety drills, to ensure that children are adequately equipped with essential knowledge and skills in safe road practices.

**Puma Energy Zimbabwe GM -Donatien Kodog giving opening remarks**

Road safety is a pillar of Puma Energy’s corporate social responsibility strategy with Zimbabwe’s “Be Road Safe” programme being part of a wider ‘Be Puma Safe’ initiative, which also includes citizen and youth empowerment, which is being rolled out sequentially in Africa, building on a programme initiated in 2013 by Puma Energy Tanzania.