ENHANCING SCHOOL SAFETY WITH FIA’S SUPPORT

The Armenian Automobile Federation (FAA), in collaboration with the “Association of Official Representatives of Automobile Manufacturers” NGO, launched a school safety initiative through the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) Mobility Grant Program in September 2023, evaluating the safety ratings of approximately 40 schools in the cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor. Based on the findings, one school from each community was selected for future safety improvements.

Using the iRAP program's Star Rating for Schools methodology, areas surrounding the schools were assessed. Following consultations with the RA Ministry of Territorial Management and Infrastructure, as well as local self-government bodies, Gyumri Community School No. 24 and Vanadzor Community School No. 10, which now hosts "Eureka" school, were chosen.

The assessments revealed a star rating of 1.5 for Gyumri School No. 24 and 2.3 for the selected Vanadzor school. In response, tailored safety interventions were implemented at each location.

In Gyumri, a pedestrian-activated traffic light was installed, significantly reducing potential hazards. The road was further enhanced with appropriate signage, and the speed limit was set at 30 km/h. These measures raised the safety rating for Gyumri School No. 24 to the maximum of 5 stars.

Similarly, at the school on Aghayan Street in Vanadzor, improved road markings, essential signage, and a new 30 km/h speed limit were introduced, resulting in an elevated safety rating of 4.7 stars.

According to representatives from the FAA and the “Association of Official Representatives of Automobile Manufacturers” NGO, this initiative marks only the beginning of a larger effort to assess the safety ratings of all schools in Armenia and, ultimately, to enhance their safety levels.