World Bicycle Relief Donates 40 Bikes to Boost Road Safety for Malawi School Children
Investment aims to enhance safety along busy Lilongwe-Karonga M1 Road
By Jamal Jamal, Correspondent
The Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF) has received a significant boost in its mission to protect school children along Malawi’s dangerous roads. World Bicycle Relief has donated 40 bicycles valued at K20 million to support the organization’s vital work.
Timely Support for Road Safety Volunteers
Aggie Kanthambi, Programs Manager at World Bicycle Relief, explained their motivation: “ROSAF is playing a pivotal role in championing the safety of children on Malawi roads. We’ve been motivated to make this donation to boost their efforts.”
The bicycles will help ROSAF volunteers who previously walked long distances to reach their posts along the busy M1 Road between Lilongwe and Karonga, near the Tanzanian border. This strategic highway sees heavy traffic and poses significant risks to school children crossing daily.
Transforming Volunteer Mobility
ROSAF Executive Director Joel Jere welcomed the donation as a “huge boost and timely gesture.” He noted: “Our volunteers have been walking long distances to reach their stations — but with these bicycles, they can travel faster and farther, helping reduce accidents involving children.”
With 1,000 volunteers currently working along the M1 corridor, ROSAF has been making significant progress in reducing road accidents involving school children. The volunteers position themselves at key crossing points to assist children navigating the dangerous highway.
Sustainable Solution for Community Safety
The bicycle donation represents more than just transportation — it’s an investment in sustainable road safety solutions. The sturdy bicycles will enable volunteers to cover more ground efficiently while maintaining their crucial safety patrols.
This partnership between ROSAF and World Bicycle Relief demonstrates how targeted support can enhance community-led safety initiatives, potentially saving young lives on Malawi’s roads.