Yango Zambia, a subsidiary of the global technology company Yango Group, has joined hands with the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST) to launch the Safer Journeys to School initiative, aimed at reducing road traffic injuries among school-going children in Lusaka.
The program focuses on improving road safety education and upgrading infrastructure around high-risk schools to make daily commutes safer for children. So far, the initiative has provided structured road safety training to more than 8,000 pupils and implemented several key safety features, including zebra crossings, speed humps, warning signs, and road markings at five government schools: Arthur Wina Primary, Mumuni Primary, Twatasha Primary, New Mandevu Primary, and Chilenje South Secondary.
Speaking during the launch, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali — represented by Eng. Nkumbu Siame, Director for Transport — praised the initiative as a major step toward saving young lives.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I stand before you with immense pride and a profound sense of duty to celebrate the launch of the Safer Journeys to School Program, which is a transformative initiative that protects our children and secures bright futures for our nation,” he said.
Tayali noted that Zambia’s roads, while vital for economic growth, have become increasingly dangerous for children. “Over a quarter of all road traffic fatalities in Zambia involve children — a reality we cannot and will not accept,” he added.
According to official statistics, Lusaka recorded 19,180 road accidents in 2024, resulting in 2,199 deaths, including 201 children under the age of 16. The high number of casualties underscores the urgent need for stronger safety interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups like school children.
Yango Zambia’s Country Head, Kabanda Chewe, emphasized the company’s dedication to building safer communities. “Every child deserves to walk to school without fear. Every parent deserves the peace of mind that their child will return home safely. And every driver must embrace the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel,” Chewe said.
He added that Yango’s role goes beyond being a mobility service provider, highlighting the company’s efforts to become a true development partner to Zambia. “We are proud not only to have delivered this project but to set a new standard — safer schools, safer roads, and safer communities,” he said.
The Safer Journeys to School initiative will also create “Road Safety Champions Clubs” within schools, where teachers and student leaders will be trained to promote safety awareness and maintain advocacy even after the project ends. The program aims to achieve a minimum 3-star International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) safety rating for school routes and encourage community involvement in maintaining these standards.
To further support this mission, Yango has introduced a voice alert feature on its mobile app that notifies drivers when approaching a school zone, reminding them to slow down. The company has also distributed reflective wristbands and T-shirts to students, enhancing their visibility during early morning and late evening hours.
Yango has a history of supporting community-focused initiatives in Zambia, including driver health screenings, courier training, and road safety awareness campaigns. The Safer Journeys to School project build on these efforts, reinforcing the company’s commitment to road safety and sustainable community development.
Through this partnership, Yango and ZRST are helping ensure that Zambia’s children can travel to and from school safely — paving the way for a safer, more responsible road culture across the nation.
