Bangalore, 29th September, 2016 – India’s track record with road safety has been such that today we have the dubious distinction of having some of the most dangerous roads in the world. Even while the Government is taking multiple policy and legislative measures, a multipronged approach is essential, involving the youth and local communities at the grass root level. As a global leader in safety science and as an organization with Public safety at the core of all that it does, UL has prioritized road safety as its top agenda in India.
As one of the youngest nations, demographically speaking, it is natural and necessary that the youth are actively engaged and supported in India’s efforts to tackle the Road Safety challenge. Encouraged by the results of 2015, UL has again partnered with Youth Service America (YSA) for 2016. YSA is a Youth Service organization of international repute that helps young people find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital community issues.
Through the “Safer Roads, Safer India” campaign, UL calls for creative solutions from young Indians to ‘work towards’ safer roads and in turn, a safer India. A select 31 educators and 26 Youth Ambassadors would be awarded grants to organize youth-led micro projects, awareness campaigns, advocacy and other effective measures that are locally relevant, are tangible and measurable for impact. All awarded volunteers will be trained by YSA in project management and youth leadership. The training will be conducted across Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad, starting last week of August through mid-September.
The SRSI Campaign comprises two programs (1) Classrooms with a Cause program—an opportunity for teachers to mentor a group of students to lead a project on Road Safety. (2) Youth Fellow program—an opportunity for young people between 15 and 25 years to work with their peers and improve road safety in their communities. Both of these programs are aimed at creating a sense of ownership and active citizenship among young people, equipping them to recognize issues in their immediate neighborhoods and attempt to solve them.
“It is really encouraging to see young people come forward and collaborate with others in their community to acknowledge and act upon one of the largest Public Safety challenges in India”, said Chris Wagner from YSA.
About YSA
Founded in 1986, YSA (Youth Service America) supports a global culture of engaged children and youth committed to a lifetime of meaningful service, learning, and leadership. With half the world’s population under age 25, YSA’s mission is to help young people find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital community issues. For more information, visit www.YSA.org
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, www.ul.com