Dubai kindergarteners learn the rules of the road

It might be a few years before they’re eligible to apply for their licences, but budding motorists at The Kindergarten Starters - Dubai are already learning the rules of the road at their very own ‘Traffic Park’.

The Al Garhoud primary school has recreated a miniature road system within its grounds, replete with traffic signals, zebra crossings, a roundabout, a police station, a filling station, and a supermarket.

The GEMS Education school is working in conjunction with Dubai Police Traffic Department and Total Marketing Middle East (TMME) to instil a culture of road safety from an early age.

“Road safety continues to be a major concern in the UAE, and schools play a vital role in raising the next generation of responsible road users,” commented Dubai Police’s Brigadier Jamal Al Banai.

“The Traffic Park is a wonderful idea to drive home the road safety message, and will hopefully inspire similar school projects across the UAE,” he added.

Pupils aged four to six are able to navigate the purpose-built traffic park on pedal cars and bicycles. They are taught to keep their eyes on the road and to avoid getting tickets from their fellow kindergarten cops.

“It’s never too early to learn the ins and outs of road safety, which is why we came up with the idea of The Kindergarten Starters Traffic Park,” said the school’s principal, Asha Alexander.

“The park is a scaled-down version of a real high street, designed to be authentic while also appealing to young minds. It’s an environment where pupils can learn the road safety lessons that will hopefully stay with them until adulthood – and have fun with their friends, parents, and teachers at the same time,” she added.

Covering 1,000m2, the outdoor Traffic Park is now a permanent fixture at The Kindergarten Starters, and will remain open throughout the year. Total will help to run and maintain the facility, which is expected to be used by more than 2,500 youngsters annually.

“Co-managing the Kindergarten Starters Traffic Park is an opportunity to build on our involvement by helping to create and maintain a permanent site for road safety in schools,” commented David Kalife, managing director of TMME.

“We’re pleased to be working with Dubai Police Traffic Department and GEMS Education on this fantastic project,” he concluded.

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