Safe school zone implemented at Lê Quý Đôn Secondary School, HCM City. — Photo from AIP Foundation

HCM CITY — AIP Foundation, in collaboration with the HCM City’s Department of Transport and the HCM City Traffic Safety Committee, on Thursday inaugurated the first school zone modifications carried out at four project schools using the Safe School Zones Guide (SSZ Guide).

Việt Nam’s Safe School Zones Guide brings safe school zones a step closer to being a reality for students nationwide. Developed in two years, the guide is a comprehensive technical blueprint for urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to address the issue of safe mobility around schools across the country.

The four project schools – Lê Quý Đôn Secondary School, Trần Quang Khải High School, Phú Lâm Primary School, and Mạc Đĩnh Chi High School – were identified as high-risk following a city-wide assessment under AI&Me, a parallel programme that incorporates youth participation to identify unsafe school commutes.

The results showed that 57 schools in HCM City will require critical safety upgrades with a majority receiving 1-2 star ratings using the Star Rating for Schools methodology (with 1 being the lowest and least safe rating and 5 being the safest).

"The AI&Me programme embodies the power of collaboration, especially with our youth, who have proven that they are passionate about playing a role in improving the safety and well-being of their peers. In parallel, the Safe School Zones Guide is a vital tool that will help us implement vital changes to better protect the thousands of students who rely on our roadways every day," Deputy Director of the Special Division of HCM City Traffic Safety Committee Nguyễn Thành Lợi said.

In addition, this collaboration aims to support the Ministry of Transport's action plan to implement Prime Minister’s Directive No. 31/CT-TTg – released on December 21, 2023 –to enhance and ensure order and traffic safety for school-age children in the future.

This directive, calls for all relevant agencies to review and amend Việt Nam’s current technical standards and regulations for school zones.

Following the announcement, the Ministry of Transport issued Decision 64, instructing all 63 provinces in Việt Nam to provide detailed reports on their local assessments and action plans for enhancing school zone safety within their respective jurisdictions.

“Together with the HCM City Department of Transport, the Traffic Safety Committee, and the invaluable support of AIP Foundation, we are not merely renovating infrastructure; we are solidifying a culture of safety and empowerment for every student at the project schools. With each school zone modification, we inch closer to realizing the vision outlined in Directive No. 31/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister of Việt Nam, ensuring a future where every journey is a safe one for every school student across Việt Nam,” Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the FIA Foundation, said in a statement.

The inauguration ceremony of Safe School Zone on Thursday at Lê Quý Đôn Secondary School in HCM City. — Photo from AIP Foundation

Safer School Zones made into reality

The modifications around the four project schools represent the start of a series of life-saving actions to improve commuting safety for the millions of students, parents, teachers, and communities that travel to and from school daily. The modifications include new pedestrian traffic lights, raised crosswalks, rumble strips, steel railings to separate the footpath and the parking area for parents, road signs, and markings.

The improved school zone modifications also encourage families to walk and ride their bicycles to school, paving the way for healthier and greener transportation.

For students in HCM City, these modifications will not only safeguard them on their commutes to school but will also ensure that all students have safe and equitable access to education and life opportunities.

Building upon the project’s assessment results, the HCM City Department of Transportation will develop a plan to improve infrastructure for other school zones in the city.

"Today's unveiling of school zone modifications at Lê Quý Đôn Secondary School signifies practical adjustments to safeguard the welfare of students, educators, and families. Allocating resources towards enhancing school zone safety infrastructure, as demonstrated today, is an essential measure in securing the safety and success of our future generations," Chief Executive Officer at AIP Foundation Mirjam Sidik remarked. — VNS