‘Your voice is essential’

Omar Wright, lead, environment and community development programmes, at the JN Foundation, says students should take an active role in advocating for road safety, emphasising that youth voices are essential to addressing the global crisis of road traffic crashes.

Wright made the call at the Manchester Beliefs Values and Attitudes Youth Symposium hosted by Custos of Manchester Lt Col Garfield Green. The event was held recently at the Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Manchester.

Pointing to statistics from a 2019 UN study, Wright underscored that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young people worldwide. Locally, Jamaicans age 15 to 29 years account for a third of road fatalities, a statistic that he said emphasises the urgency of youth involvement in fostering change.

He encouraged students attending the symposium to stand up as representatives of the age group most affected by road crashes and emphasised the importance of their taking personal responsibility and cultivating leadership to advocate for safer roads.

“We need your belief, your values, and your willingness to take action,” he stated.

He urged students to see themselves as key agents of change, and shared tips on how to become road safety advocates. He advised them to model safe behaviours, such as wearing seatbelts, using crosswalks, and avoiding distractions, like the use of mobile phones when on the road.

Wright encouraged participants at the youth forum to educate their peers and community members about the risks of speeding, drunken driving, and other unsafe practices.

He recommended that young people join or initiate local road safety campaigns, such as walks or events, honouring road crash victims, as powerful ways to build awareness. Students were also advised to partner with schools, community leaders, and the police to advocate for measures, such as better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Acknowledging the power of digital platforms, the JN Foundation manager urged youths to leverage social media to spread positive messages about road safety.

The symposium also highlighted ongoing efforts by the JN Foundation to address the crisis. “We are here to empower you with knowledge and opportunities to create change,” he said. “But, we cannot do it alone. Your voice is essential.”

Students were inspired to see their advocacy as also honouring their potential. “We want to celebrate your achievements, not mourn your losses,” Wright reminded attendees.

The symposium was hosted under the theme, ‘Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement’. Established in 2021, the Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes initiative emerged in response to the pressing social challenges facing Jamaican communities. It aims to facilitate attitudinal change and social revitalisation. The JN Foundation was a sponsor of the symposium.