Implementing ASRTS in a low-income community: experience

from BangladeshSamiul Hassan Shajib

Naima AkterKristie Daniel

Email: kdaniel@healthbridge.ca

Bangladesh Situation

•Only 5% of trips are by car but roads are clogged with cars

•Low-income children usually walk to school

•But walking is an unsafe activity:•Few sidewalks and those that do

exist are in poor condition•No safe ways to cross the road•Teasing and harassment

ASRTS IN BANGLADESH• Wanted to work on a pedestrian

program and focusing on children was an obvious choice

• Chose three schools close to their office

• Conducted a study in 2014 and found that

• Most children walked (93%)• Uneven roads, garbage,

harassment, and cars were identified as major problems

• 99% of students said they thought ASRTS should be implemented in their school

LOW-COST STRATEGIES - SCHOOLS

• Survey• Capacity building: reports,

presentations, seminars, trainings

• Meetings with school authorities at their schools

• Workshops to interest, involve students

LOW-COST STRATEGIES - CREATING POLITICAL WILL

•Direct advocacy to officials•Rally demanding safe routes

to school•Letter campaign to authorities:

letters written by students•Media events

•Gaining public awareness and support including of parents

•Reaching the ear of policymakers

LOW-COST STRATEGIES - INVOLVING PARENTS

•Used the schools to connect with parents

•Focused on organizing activities with school children, who then involved their parents

•Invite parents to meetings, events

RESULTS AND WHAT NEXT• Results:

- 1500 students are involved- 40 teachers are involved- 10 local leaders are involved- 1 school committee- Chief town planner of Dhaka North

City Corporation supports the program

• What’s next?• Continue to increase media visibility• Continue to improve streets (advocacy to

authorities)• Address needs of children with special

abilities

Contact information:

kdaniel@healthbridge.ca

info@wbbtrust.org

www.healthbridge.ca

www.wbbtrust.org

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