TBL, TRCS launch motorcyclists education and training initiative

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 07:49 PM Sep 24 2024
Michelle Kilpin, Managing Director of TBL, addresses the media during the launch of the Motorcyclists Education and Training Initiative in Dar es Salaam today.
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Michelle Kilpin, Managing Director of TBL, addresses the media during the launch of the Motorcyclists Education and Training Initiative in Dar es Salaam today.

Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), in partnership with the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS), is excited to announce the launch of the Motorcyclists Education and Training Initiative.

The project will take place from September to December 2024 and aims to decrease road accidents involving motorcyclists through a comprehensive education and training program focused on raising awareness, improving driving skills, and promoting safe riding practices.

 The primary beneficiaries of the initiative will be motorcyclists providing transportation services in Dar es Salaam. These motorcyclists will be reached through their associations located across four districts in Dar es Salaam: Kinondoni, Ubungo, Ilala, and Temeke. 

The initiative will develop and implement a targeted curriculum, form strategic partnerships with riding schools, engage communities through workshops, and conduct widespread awareness campaigns. Additionally, the project aims to increase the awareness of first aid services among motorcyclist associations and establish motorcyclist communities that support the provision of first aid to accident victims.

1
The program has the following goals: - 

Increase knowledge: Enhance motorcyclists' understanding of road safety rules and safe riding practices by 50% within the first year. - Reduce accidents: Achieve a 30% reduction in motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities within three years. - Engage motorcyclists: Involve at least 10,000 motorcyclists across Tanzania in the training program within the first two years. 

To achieve these outcomes, the project will involve various stakeholders including local government authorities, motorcyclist associations, police forces (Road Safety Unit), the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), and community leaders. 

Planned activities include: - Introduction meetings with government authorities - Stakeholder mapping - Baseline survey to assess current awareness and capacity of motorcyclists - Stakeholder meetings and mapping of motorcyclist groups - Road safety and first aid training for motorcyclists - Designing and positioning of road safety signs at motorcyclist stations - Media sessions and awareness campaigns - Distribution of road safety leaflets - Monthly and quarterly monitoring visits - Procurement and distribution of first aid kits - Lessons learned workshop The project will adopt a participatory approach, placing the community at the center of all interventions and ensuring coordination with different government levels, community development officers, and police. A community feedback mechanism will be deployed to gather opinions and ensure accountability. 

2
Michelle Kilpin, Tanzania Breweries Limited Managing Director, said, “Tanzania Breweries Limited supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030. We believe our company has a unique opportunity to improve road safety and make a significant positive impact in our communities. 

This road safety initiative is part of our Smart Drinking and moderation efforts and is a deeply personal issue for us as our colleagues, their families, and our consumers travel the world's roadways every day.”

 Reginald Mhango, Director of Organization Development at Tanzania Red Cross Society, emphasized the urgency of this initiative: “The increasing number of motorcycle-related accidents in Tanzania calls for immediate action. This project aims to address these challenges through comprehensive education and training, ultimately reducing fatalities and injuries.”