FGAE has been working with the Police in gender based violence (GBV) intervention, road safety and HIV prevention. Today, the 4th of October 2022, the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia and the Kirkos Sub-City Traffic Control Division marked a special event at Washington DC Square, often called Gazebo. There and around, a newly branded Traffic booths were pulled-up. The new branded booths are portable and as such a breakthrough to FGAE’s partnership advancing joint intervention with the Police. Pulling up of the booths serve their usual purpose for traffic polices, as shade and station. To FGAE, they imply more attributes. They direct visitors and clients towards the MCH Center and head office premise of FGAE. Because they are pulled-up in strategic location. As such they are also by default information desk: promoting messages on SRH as well as traffic safety. These are, indeed, part and parcel of positive youth health development as emphasized in the Adolescent & Youth Reproductive Health Strategy 2021-2025 of the MoH. The traffic booths are assembled with quality material with their external finishing bears FGAE’s branded logo. The display of FGAE’s tall-free short call number #8155 visibly printed on these booths.
Mr. Getachew Habtie, the Executive Director of the Association, and his counterpart Commander Nigatu Tsega, Head of the Traffic Control Division of the Sub-City were both present to inaugurate the event. At the Ceremony, Mr. Getachew said that the roles of Traffic Police are very tiresome as it requires staff to stand for long hours and stressful as they are accountable to life saving and prevention of property damage. The Association now has covered the production of three booths as a pilot. Yet, the ED remarked continued commitment to play its role to the management of consequences of road accidents and enhance conducive environment for the healthy and safe flow of passengers, Mr. Getachew explained. Then, he recalled that the Association has an experience of supporting the nearby Community Police office by donating computer, office chairs and table. Mr. Getachew explained that the Association would strengthen its support for similar Social responsibility services. On behalf of the Police office, Commander Nigatu Tsega expressed his gratitude that “the support of the Association is important to members of the Traffic Police in the control of traffic accidents.”
