Protect Cambodian Children from Brain Injury

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to prevent students from attending in-person classes. While school-based activities have been limited during this reporting period,  AIP Foundation continues to focus its efforts on pushing for legislative changes that ensure safer school zones for Cambodian children. 

Continuing the dialogue set forth by the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week in May, we are actively contributing to the drafting of the new Cambodian Road Traffic Law that can provide better protection to vulnerable road users -- including students. In addition to promoting awareness about speed reduction, AIP Foundation is advocating with Cambodian government to set the maximum speed limit to 30km per hour for all types of vehicles around school zones, an initiative which was supported in principle by the Secretary General of the National Road Safety Committee at a Coordination Meeting between the government and non-government stakeholders held in 2020. In addition to quality helmets playing a significant role in reducing the risk of serious injury and fatality in the event of a crash, a 5% cut in average vehicle speed can result in a 30% reduction in fatal crashes. 

As our approach to social change entails targeting road safety comprehensively, we not only engage with our beneficiaries, but also with policy makers, our community and relevant stakeholders that can amplify our cause. Please click here to see how you can make your impact on safer roads for Cambodian children. 

From December 2020 to May 2021, as part of our Helmets for Families program in Cambodia, AIP Foundation organized numerous activities to increase community helmet use and road safety knowledge through a training workshop to empower teachers to become road safety models. Educational murals were painted around school gates and walls to encourage helmet use and safe practices among students. Parents, students and relevant stakeholders were engaged in both the training workshop and educational murals.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation in Cambodia with its 4th wave of outbreaks in February 2021, AIP Foundation continues its efforts to make roads safer for the communities in Cambodia. In addition to various activities implemented to make commuting safe for Cambodian workers, AIP Foundation joined global efforts to raise awareness on road safety, particularly among children and their parents. During the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week from May 17 to May 23, AIP Foundation worked closely with schools and target communities to implement road safety awareness activities. Training was conducted for students about the importance of helmets and speed limits. Together with strengthening commitment from government stakeholders and the local communities for active participation to protect Cambodian children from road crashes and brain injuries, AIP Foundation also campaigned for the additional action to protect children in Cambodia from brain injuries resulting from road crashes and the 30km/h speed limit around school zones. 

The journey to improve road safety for children is one that needs continuous attention and engagement. Read on to know more about our activities across Asia to advocate for safer roads, and what we can achieve together.

UN Global Road Safety Week 2021: A global celebration with a united message

Links:

• https://www.aip-foundation.org/un-global-road-safety-week-2021-a-global-celebration-with-a-united-message/