Laerskool Birchleigh learner patrollers keep school roads safe
Residents say potholes, broken streetlights and neglected parks remain unresolved, with calls for urgent action and accountability from the City of Ekurhuleni.
Laerskool Birchleigh has long-running learner patrollers to improve road safety, particularly during peak times before and after school.
This is when traffic congestion and unsafe crossings pose risks to learners.
The programme was established to reduce accidents and ensure that students cross roads safely.
The main objectives are to protect learners, promote road safety awareness, manage traffic around the school, and develop responsible young leaders who contribute positively to their school and community.
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The programme is coordinated by Engela van Greunen, an Intermediate Phase Afrikaans EAT and Natural Sciences teacher, and Logan MacKay, an English Home Language teacher.
“Learner patrollers contribute to safety and discipline at the school by helping learners cross roads safely and ensuring that traffic rules are followed.
“They encourage other learners to obey road rules at all times and act as positive role models by demonstrating responsible behaviour. In addition, they promote discipline and maintain order, especially during busy periods before and after school,” said Van Greunen.
The programme aims to build a safe school environment and develop confident, responsible leaders who can positively influence others.
Learners must be in Grade 6 the following year and demonstrate responsibility, trustworthiness, good behaviour, punctuality, leadership qualities, and physical fitness to become patrollers.
Challenges include learners not taking their duties seriously, adverse weather conditions, and traffic not always obeying instructions.
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These are addressed through continuous training and supervision, rotating duties among learners, teacher and community involvement, and support from local traffic authorities.
“They receive training based on Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) guidelines, which cover road safety rules, managing traffic safely, using patrol signs and signals, understanding roles and responsibilities, and following adult supervision procedures.
“The programme helps learners develop leadership skills, build confidence and responsibility, improve communication and teamwork, and become role models in their school and community,” MacKay said.
Through the learner patroller programme, Laerskool Birchleigh continues to ensure safer roads while nurturing the next generation of responsible leaders.
