Page 38 - Operation Lifesaver Estonia Annual Report 2011

Railway Safety in Estonia - 36 - Annual Report 2011
In recent years OLE has trained volunteers to be OL
presenters sharing on a daily basis their railway safety
knowledge in class and lecture rooms, as well as at public
events. Similarly to the previous years we attended last
year trade fairs, organised training courses for emergency
responders, competitions and events for a large variety of
target groups.
Traditionally, we trained two new groups of OL’s
presenters. We are glad to see that both the new trainers
and the ones we trained already several years ago have
plenty of work. They continue to be our most valuable
messengers who promote railway safety all around
Estonia. As of the end of last year, we had in our list of
presenters 49 names. They are not equally active, as more
work is done by those presenters in whose region has
recently taken place a serious railway accident. It is sad
that often people think about the value of human lives
only after a tragic event has already occurred. OLE is still
hopeful that some day people will understand that they
should be more aware of safety related issues in order to
preserve lives and that young people can attend an OLE
presentation before it is too late.
Our symbolic is based on the idea that there is a Traffic
Light Boy always present at railway level crossings and
there are “Sparkies”, apples of Traffic Light Boy’s eyes, who
go around in the world and share knowledge. In my view,
our presenters are true embodiment of the “Sparkies”, as
they have helped us in establishing a
network covering the entire country. I am
convinced that campaigns are not enough
for penetrating people’s minds – we need
discussions, exchange of opinions and
thorough explanation of topics, as this is
what makes people think. This is exactly
what our presenters have helped us to
achieve by making railway safety presentations in schools,
camp and public events, addressing around 2000 young
people each year. The size of our target group is quite
impressive and I hope that each of our presenters can be
proud for his/her personal contribution. I am also happy
that in addition to the presentations made, our presenters
have also presented their creative ideas for improving
the presentation materials and for finding other ways for
communicating the railway safety message – creativity
contests, tours, etc. I hope that our presenters will have
fantasy and courage for making their ideas into reality
and keep their presentations fresh.
I am convinced that campaigns are not enough for
penetrating people’s minds – we need discussions,
exchange of opinions and thorough explanation of
topics, as this is what makes people think.
GETTER TOOME
Training Manager
OLE trainings
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME