Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
A child-led awareness campaign dubbed, ‘Be Seen, Be Safe-Child Safety has been launched with the aim to raise awareness about child pedestrian safety and visibility on the roads.
The campaign was initiated by Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA) in partnership with Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe.
The campaign targets safety of children, who walk long distances to and from school every day.
According to PICA Executive Director Chipo Basopo, thousands of children navigate busy roads, highways and poorly lit streets across Zimbabwe especially in underserved and marginalised communities.
“Many children walk during early morning hours or late afternoons often without any form of visibility aid, placing them at greater risk of road accidents and hit-and-run incidents.
“The campaign introduces a simple but powerful message, every child deserves to be seen and every child deserves to arrive home safely.
“Through reflective child safety vests, arts, music, dance, school activations, social media engagement and child participation PICA and Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe aim to transform children from passive recipients of safety information into active ambassadors of their own safety,” she said.
Basopo also said, road safety is often discussed by adults and children are rarely given a platform to contribute to conversations that directly affect their lives.
“The Be Seen, Be Safe campaign recognises that children themselves are powerful agents of change.
“If children do not speak up for their own safety, many of their daily challenges can remain invisible.
“This campaign therefore creates a platform where children can use their voices, creativity and leadership to advocate for safer journeys to and from school,” added Basopo.
At the heart of the campaign is a social impact initiative called “Light Up A Child’s Journey.”
This initiative calls upon companies, organisations, schools, communities and individuals to sponsor reflective safety vests for children from marginalised communities who walk long distances on busy roads every day.
“By supporting one child with a safety vest, supporters are helping make that child’s daily journey brighter, safer and more visible.
“A small act can make a life-saving difference. The campaign encourages everyone to become part of a child’s journey home.
“The campaign will be implemented through several engaging activities including distribution of reflective child safety vests.
“We will be carrying out school road safety awareness programmes. Child-led performances using music, dance, poetry and theatre among other activities.
“We want children to be ambassadors of their own safety. One of the unique aspects of the campaign is its child-led approach,” said Basopo.
