A driving examiner from North London travelled 15,000 miles to teach road safety skills in Tanzania as part of Transaid's Professional Driver Trainer Project.
Ron Capper, who works for bus company Metroline, spent two weeks at the National Institute of Transport in Dar es Salaam teaching three driver trainers lessons on vehicle checks, driving techniques and safety procedures. A blog detailing his experiences can be found at: http://fromcricklewood2tanzania.blogspot.com.
Transaid CEO Gary Forster says: "There are very few formally trained bus drivers in Tanzania - most learn from a family member or friend and as a result the crash statistics are worryingly high.
"During the first three months of 2011 alone there were 6,000 road crashes in Tanzania, resulting in 829 fatalities. We are keen to reduce that number significantly.
"Ron has been a fantastic ambassador for this project and I know that the three driver trainers he has helped have gained valuable skills which they will pass on, and which will help produce a generation of safer and better skilled drivers."
More than 2,000 drivers operating trucks, buses, motorcycles and forklift trucks have already benefitted from Transaid's support in Africa.
The charity hopes to continue this work by raising a record-breaking £30,000 through its Christmas appeal, which asks companies to make a donation in exchange for an e-card incorporating its name and logo. For more information on the Christmas appeal visit: http://www.transaid.org/christmas-appeal-2011