Yango Launches ‘Safer Journeys to School’ Initiative in Lusaka
Yango Zambia, a subsidiary of the global technology company Yango Group, in partnership with the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), has launched the Safer Journeys to School initiative, a transformative road safety programme aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries among schoolchildren in Lusaka.
The initiative combines structured road safety education with critical infrastructure upgrades around high-risk schools, including zebra crossings, speed humps, road signage, and markings. To date, more than 8,000 pupils have received road safety training, and safety improvements have been implemented at five government schools: Arthur Wina Primary, Mumuni Primary, Twatasha Primary, New Mandevu Primary, and Chilenje South Secondary.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, represented by Eng. Nkumbu Siame, Director for Transport, commended the initiative as a vital intervention.
“Over a quarter of all road traffic fatalities in Zambia involve children — a reality we cannot and will not accept. The Safer Journeys to School Programme, proudly sponsored by Yango and implemented by the Zambia Road Safety Trust, is our determined response to this crisis,” he said.
The initiative comes in response to concerning statistics from 2024, when Lusaka recorded 19,180 road traffic accidents, resulting in 2,199 fatalities, including 201 children under the age of 16.
Yango Zambia Country Head, Ms. Kabanda Chewe, emphasised the company’s commitment to child safety and community development: “Every child deserves to walk to school without fear. Every parent deserves peace of mind that their child will return home safely. At Yango, we are proud to move beyond being a mobility provider — we are a partner in Zambia’s development journey, building safer schools, safer roads, and safer communities.”
The project also includes the establishment of school-based Road Safety Champions Clubs, which will train teachers and peer leaders to sustain education and advocacy efforts. In alignment with international standards, the initiative aims to achieve a minimum three-star iRAP safety rating for school routes, while encouraging community ownership of the improvements.
Yango has further enhanced its safety measures by introducing a new voice prompt feature on its app to alert drivers when approaching school zones, encouraging reduced speed. The company has also distributed reflective wristbands and T-shirts to improve the visibility of children walking after dark.
Building on previous community-based programmes, including driver health screenings, courier training, and road safety education campaigns, the Safer Journeys to School initiative highlights Yango’s long-term commitment to Zambia’s road safety and sustainable mobility goals.
