CHILDREN’S safety is a prerequisite for creating a positive and supportive learning environment where learners can thrive emotionally, socially and academically. These are the views of Merebank resident, Neil Pather, who initiated the scholar patrol programme in Merebank.

Pather said after noticing a high number of children crossing busy roads in the mornings and afternoons on their way to and from school, he decided to volunteer to help them cross safely.

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“We urgently need an official scholar patrol to assist school children crossing Krishna Rabilall Road outside house number nine in Merebank.

“Children jump out of the buses and taxis, eager to cross the busy road. These children come from three different schools, with each school being far from where they are dropped off.

“This issue needs urgent attention as members of the public are currently stepping in to help the children cross the road. If not addressed, this area could soon witness a serious accident where a child might get injured. Scholar patrol helps foster closer ties with the community and increases the school’s visibility in the community. Learner patrollers are visible ambassadors for their school and assist both parents and their children at school crossings,” said Pather.

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Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman confirmed that the issue was brought to his attention.

“Taxis are dropping children under the bridge along Krishna Rabilall Road in an area that is not designated for crossing as there are no traffic lights. A meeting with metro police has been scheduled to address this issue,” said Snyman. He applauded the swift reaction of the local community police forum members who took it upon themselves to safeguard the children.

According to the Arrive Alive website, the scholar patrol programme benefits the school, the community and the learners’ safety patrollers. The programme provides quality training and recognition for student safety patroller efforts.

Arrive Alive indicates that apart from providing safer access to schools at nearby crossings, this programme inspires patrollers to develop positive relationships with peers and authority figures and develop leadership skills, teamwork, maturity and a sense of responsibility.

Why is scholar patrol crucial?

• Each year, children travel to and from school almost 200 times.
• Dangerous traffic congestion occurs around schools when many parents drop their children off in the morning and fetch them after school.
• Traffic authorities, school teachers and principals recognise that this congestion creates the most dangerous location on a child’s journey to and from school.
• Scholar patrol performs a very important and responsible public service by controlling traffic and by safeguarding scholar pedestrians. Student patrollers guide fellow students and prevent them from entering traffic when it is unsafe.

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