Events

October 2011

October 2011 is International Walk to School Month celebrated in over 40 countries. The event allows children, parents and schools to be part of a global campaign to keep kids safe on the road.

Last June, during the 7th National Safe Kids Week, Safe Kids Philippines launched a recognized endeavor to keep children safe as they walk to and from school. This is the Walking School Bus. A walking school bus simulates the function of a school bus which picks up and conducts children to and from school. The driver’s role will be taken on by a parent or guardian who is contracted to pick up the students in the neighborhood on particular days of the week and who takes them to and from school the way a school bus driver would -- minus the bus. The task of conducting the children to and from school is distributed among the guardians of the children. Advantages of this practice include assured supervision of children under one or two adults, and the lessening the burden of a parent of bringing a child to and from school daily leaving more time for household chores.

We are encouraging everyone to get involved in keeping kids safe as they walk to and from school. Schools including the nursery, primary and elementary schools can organize “Walking School Buses” and start the practice on October 5, 2011, the first Wednesday of October which is recognized as International Walk to School Day. Once organized, this can be adapted as a common practice among neighbors.

Support can be expressed by hanging tarpaulins in strategic places outside schools, offices, transport terminals and other prominent places with the suggested theme “Sa Walking School Bus, tayo’y ligtas sa daan!” Or, pedestrian and traffic safety tips can be incorporated into the curriculum and highlight these during the month of October. Contests to introduce then popularize the practice of the Walking School Bus can be held with culminating activities held at the end of the month.

The concepts of the Walking School Bus and the celebration of International Walk to School Month can be part of the subject matter in assemblies like during flag ceremonies or large school or barangay meetings.

Materials for download:
Concept and Mechanics of the Walking School Bus
Walkability Check

Links:
Iwalk … The Official Website of International Walk to School
http://www.iwalktoschool.org/index.htm

Safe Routes to School
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/safe-routes-to-schools