A training manager from The Malcolm Group has recently returned from Zambia, marking his fourth secondment with Transaid.
- John Heirs spent two weeks working alongside heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver trainers in Lusaka, Zambia.
- Heirs has previously completed three secondments in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, significantly contributing to local driver training initiatives.
- The Malcolm Group, a corporate partner of Transaid since 2014, supports operations through financial aid, expertise, and resources.
- This collaboration underlines the ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety and driver skills in diverse regions.
John Heirs, a training manager affiliated with The Malcolm Group, has completed his fourth secondment with the international transport charity, Transaid. This recent stint in Lusaka, Zambia, involved a fortnight dedicated to improving the capabilities of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver trainers. Heirs remarked that while the fundamental skills imparted are crucial for road safety, the experience itself is a learning curve for both participants and trainers, himself included.
In previous years, Heirs’ expertise was harnessed during secondments at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Between 2015 and 2020, his involvement was pivotal in reinforcing Transaid’s long-term commitment to professional driver training projects within the region. Reflecting on these experiences, Heirs articulated the unique opportunity he had to engage with diverse groups across different countries, which he described as both challenging and enriching.
The relationship between The Malcolm Group and Transaid extends back to 2014, encompassing a variety of supportive measures ranging from financial contributions to the provision of vehicles and personnel secondments. Additionally, employees from The Malcolm Group have actively participated in fundraising activities such as cycling challenges to further support Transaid’s mission.
Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, expressed profound appreciation for the contributions made by Heirs and The Malcolm Group. She highlighted that such collaborations are instrumental in effectuating vital change and saving lives through improved driver capabilities and road safety measures.
Transaid recently secured grant funding aimed at enhancing health services and road safety awareness for HGV drivers at the Mombasa port enclave in Kenya. This initiative, similar in its purpose to efforts in Zambia and Tanzania, underscores the broader mission of Transaid to extend crucial safety messages and practices across different transport ecosystems.
This partnership continues to play a vital role in promoting road safety and driver skills internationally.
