The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), in partnership with Yango Zambia and Government stakeholders, has launched the Safer Journeys to School Initiative – Replication Phase 2026 at Chelstone Secondary School in Lusaka.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Emmanuel Sampa noted that nearly 30 percent of accidents involving school children occur within 500 meters of schools. He stressed that more than 1,000 children under the age of 15 have died in road crashes over the past four years, with thousands more injured.
“Every child has the right to travel to school without the fear of injury or harm. The safety of our learners is not just a matter of statistics; it is a moral and societal obligation,” he said.
ZRST Executive Director, Daniel Mwamba, explained that the programme, which began with a pilot in 2025 benefiting five schools and 8,000 learners, has now expanded to 15 schools across Lusaka, reaching over 24,000 learners.
“Road safety around schools is not only a transport issue but also a matter of child protection and public health. Road safety cannot be left to driver behaviour alone, but must be built into the roads themselves,” he emphasized.
Zambia Police National Road Safety Coordinator, Elias Ngululu, reported that 9,772 road traffic accidents were recorded in the first quarter of 2026, with 681 lives lost.
“Road crashes are now the leading cause of death in Zambia, surpassing malaria. This reality demands stronger and more coordinated efforts by all stakeholders, because road safety is everyone’s concern,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Yango Zambia Country Head, Ms Kabanda Chewe, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to child safety, highlighting its role in funding crossings, signage, and road safety education.
“A safe journey to school is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Every Zambian child deserves to arrive home safely,” she said.
The Safer Journeys to School Initiative is expected to improve safety for thousands of children commuting daily, with stakeholders pledging continued collaboration to make safer school journeys a permanent feature of public policy.
