Safety Information
Tools & Resources
Get Involved
Donate Now
Recent Blog Posts
Students aim their cameras at pedestrian safety
In 2008, with support from FedEx Express and Safe Kids Worldwide, children around the world participated in Photovoice projects which involve taking photos to highlight local child pedestrian safety issues. They were eagerly joined by Canadian students at Havenwood P.S. in Mississauga Ontario. Over 100 photos were captured by the students, and 12 pictures were chosen that best represent the behaviour, obstacles and conditions that pose a risk to child pedestrians.
View their Children's perspectives on road traffic safety (pdf)
In 2009, Grade 5 and 6 students at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances Ontario embarked on their own Photovoice project with cameras in hand and pedestrian safety in mind. With the help of their teachers and under the expert guidance of police officer Anne McCoy, the students reviewed pedestrian safety guidelines and then took to the streets, taking photographs of their pedestrian environment, noting unsafe conditions and spotting speeding drivers.
"It is important to get the input from the students with issues of pedestrian safety, and it was obvious in doing this project that students see things differently and interpret safety concerns particular to their age groups" observed Officer McCoy.
Photovoice was enthusiastically received by the students, who had fun taking pictures but also realized the importance of being alert while negotiating Fort Frances roads. Indeed, their keen eyes found much to be concerned about, as reflected in their presentation Children's perspectives on road traffic safety. Equipped with the students' photos and their infectious enthusiasm, local groups in Fort Frances are advocating for changes to improve pedestrian safety for the community's children.
