The Contribution of PTP (Parent-Teacher Partnership) in Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Children in School -
At Mbigili Primary School, located in the Lugalo ward in Iringa region, there was a recurring issue of traffic accidents involving young students from standard (1-3). These accidents tragically resulted in the loss of students’ lives between 2020 and 2024, with others sustaining injuries. The situation was a major concern for the school community, and it was clear that something had to be done to protect the students. This is where the Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP) stepped in to find a solution.
Recognizing the urgency of the problem, the PTP took action by collaborating with the Road Safety Unit of the local police force. Together, they launched an educational campaign aimed at teaching both students and parents about road safety, with a focus on how children should safely cross the roads on their way to and from school. The involvement of the police helped raise awareness of the seriousness of road safety and added authority to the campaign.
In addition to the awareness campaign, the PTP, in collaboration with the school administration, identified students from standard 6 and 7 to receive specialized training on road safety. These older students were tasked with assisting younger students (standard 1-4) in safely crossing the road during peak hours—both in the mornings as they arrived at school and in the afternoons when they were heading home. The trained students were provided with special road safety equipment, including traffic signs, to use while supervising this critical task.

Since the initiative was implemented, the impact on student safety has been significant. The following are some of the notable outcome
- Increased Awareness of Road Safety: Through the collaboration with the police and the educational sessions held for both students and parents, the school community has become more aware of road safety practices. Parents are more vigilant when dropping off and picking up their children, and students now demonstrate greater caution when crossing roads.
- Empowerment of Older Students: The older students who received road safety training have not only helped to safeguard their younger peers but have also gained valuable leadership and responsibility skills. These students serve as role models within the school, showing that even children can play a part in making their environment safer.
- Stronger School-Community Bonds: The success of the initiative has fostered a stronger relationship between the school, parents, and the broader community. The PTP’s leadership in this effort has shown that community-based solutions can be effective in addressing local issues. The partnership with the police has also strengthened trust between the school and law enforcement.
- A Culture of Safety and Inclusion: The initiative has contributed to creating a school culture where the safety and well-being of every student are prioritized. The focus on inclusivity is also evident in how all students, regardless of age or ability, are involved in ensuring the school’s environment is secure and welcoming for everyone.
The success at Mbigili Primary School can serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges. The PTP’s initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in problem-solving. By bringing together parents, teachers, students, and local authorities, the PTP was able to address a critical safety issue in a way that has made a lasting impact.
The educational component of the initiative is particularly important. Road safety education is not always part of the regular school curriculum, but this project has shown that when students and parents are informed, they are better equipped to navigate potentially dangerous situations. By educating the community, the PTP has laid the groundwork for long-term behavioral change, ensuring that road safety becomes a routine consideration for everyone involved.
Furthermore, the involvement of older students in the initiative adds a layer of peer-to-peer support that strengthens the impact. Younger children often look up to their older peers, and seeing them take on leadership roles reinforces the importance of safety in a way that younger students can understand and respect.
Conclusion
The road safety initiative at Mbigili Primary School is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. Through the leadership of the PTP, collaboration with the police, and the active involvement of students, the school has created a safer and more inclusive environment for all children. The prevention of further accidents is a clear indication that this initiative is working, and it stands as a success story that can inspire other schools and communities to take similar actions in protecting their children.
This initiative not only saved lives but also strengthened the school community and empowered students, showing how a simple yet thoughtful approach to a local problem can create a lastin