We were fortunate to have Sabri Hamza join us as a volunteer intern at iRAP recently. It was a pleasure to have Sabri as part of the #RAPTeam and very much appreciate his contribution, in particular to the Training and Accreditation activities.

We asked Sabri to share his experiences with us, here are his responses:

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

A: My name is Sabri Hamza, a 24-year-old from Sfax, Tunisia. I hold a master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering and am fluent in Arabic, French, and English. My journey into road safety was sparked by my passion for triathlons and the realization of the dangers faced by vulnerable road users.

Q: How did you first become interested in road safety?

A: My personal experiences with road safety issues, particularly while cycling and running, ignited my interest. I saw firsthand the risks faced by vulnerable road users and was determined to make a difference.

Q: What role has iRAP played in your journey?

A: iRAP has been instrumental in shaping my career path. I was introduced to the iRAP methodology through my professor, Ahmed Ksentini, and was immediately drawn to its focus on data-driven road safety solutions. With Professor Ksentini, I had the opportunity to work on an iRAP project for the World Bank (which I then presented as my master’s thesis at the University of Sfax). After that, I completed my iRAP Star Rating Essentials accreditations and began working on iRAP projects.

During my two-month internship with iRAP, I had the opportunity to assist with the Training Accreditation Coordinator, Franco Azzato, with updating the Star Rating Essentials course and the Star Rating for Schools course in different languages. These activities taught me a lot about paying attention to detail. I also had the opportunity to work on the PHOEBE project, where I was able to use my skills and update coding files to show changes from an old road to the new one in Athens.

My internship at iRAP further solidified my passion for road safety and allowed me to contribute to global efforts.

This experience was rewarding and one of the best things I’ve done. I met amazing people, formed lasting friendships, and learned a lot about road safety.

Q: What are your future goals in the field of road safety?

A: I aspire to continue working towards a future where roads are safer for everyone. I plan to use my skills and knowledge to improve road infrastructure, participate in iRAP projects, and share road safety knowledge globally. I’m particularly interested in innovative solutions and youth engagement to drive positive change.

Q: What advice would you give to young people who are passionate about road safety?

A: My advice is to seize opportunities, be proactive, and network with like-minded individuals. Don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations like iRAP and volunteer your time. By working together, we can make a significant impact on global road safety.

Thank you Sabri for your help and support over the past few months – greatly appreciated!

Want to reach out to Sabri? You can connect with him on LinkedIn here