Region G ECDs teach children about road safety

Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Region G marked Transport Month with a road safety awareness event at Sherfield Park in Lenasia South on Tuesday, 13 October.

Organised by the Sisonke ECDs Forum in partnership with Community Safety, the event brought together ECD practitioners, children and community stakeholders to promote safer roads and teach young pedestrians how to protect themselves. Agnes Ramosela, vice-chairperson of the Sisonke ECDs Forum, said the programme provided a valuable learning opportunity for practitioners and children.

“It has been a great pleasure for us as Early Childhood Development practitioners to learn about road safety,” Ramosela said.

She raised concern about children losing their lives in road accidents and called on motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly near schools, residential areas and places where children gather.

“Children are being killed by motorists at all times,” she said.

Ramosela said the event was the second consecutive year that ECD centres in Region G had hosted a large-scale Transport Month celebration. Last year’s event took place in Orange Farm, while this year’s programme was held in Lenasia South.

The initiative focused on teaching children to recognise traffic lights, identify pedestrian crossings and understand road signs. Organisers used interactive activities to help young learners understand the importance of following road safety rules when crossing streets.

Participating ECD centres also showcased the children’s talents through drama, music and other creative performances, using entertainment to reinforce road safety messages. ECD centres outside the Sisonke Association were also invited to participate. According to the event information, each centre was expected to arrange transport and food for its children, with participation set at 20 children per centre.

Ramosela thanked the organisations and stakeholders that supported the initiative, including SmartStart, the Department of Social Development, Community Safety, the traffic department, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Netcare and the Lenasia South community.