Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA), in partnership with Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe, are this Monday launching a jingle and video as part of their ongoing child-led safety awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness on child pedestrian safety and visibility on the country’s roads.
In a statement, PICA and Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe said the 'Be Seen, Be Safe' campaign particularly focuses on children who walk long distances to and from school every day.
“Across Zimbabwe, thousands of children navigate busy roads, highways and poorly-lit streets, especially in underserved and marginalised communities. Many walk during early morning hours or late afternoons often without any form of visibility aid, placing them at great risk of road accidents and hit-and-run incidents,” the statement read, in part.
The 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.”
PICA and Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe said several activities will constitute the Be Seen, Be Safe campaign.
“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,” the organisations added.
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Noting that children from marginalised communities are more at risk because they walk long distances on busy roads every day, the initiative calls upon companies, organisations, schools, communities and individuals to sponsor reflective safety vests for this group of children.
“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."
PICA executive director Chipo Basopo added that they are banking on communities’ opinion leaders to push the message.
“When a child speaks, there is no way that one can ignore it ... There is power in children, just like trending news, challenges the same way it will reach. It is our aim and hope that we reach out to underserved and marginalised communities as well for they happen to be the most affected," she said.
"These are the children we are targeting. The voice has started speaking and the more the movement gains traction - through teachers, local communities, business people, chiefs, village heads - the voice shall be heard and the journey of the child shall be lighted on,” Basopo added.
One of the unique aspects of the campaign is its approach where children will become ambassadors of their own safety through speaking up about road safety issues, educating fellow children, participating in awareness activities, creating positive behavioural change within their communities and encouraging adults to prioritise child safety.
This is mainly because the campaign believes that when children are empowered, communities listen.
PICA and Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe also appealed for support for the campaign.
“We invite corporates, schools, development partners, local authorities, media houses, community organisations and members of the public to join this movement. Together we can create safer roads, safer communities, and safer futures for our children.”