When Katharina Dausch holds up a mini traffic sign, it only takes a moment for the first answers to come. "Stop sign", shouts one of the children. "Stop", shouts another. The Year 4 children at a primary school in Stuttgart recently completed their cycling proficiency test. Now it's once again about signs, rules and situations they encounter on the way to school.
Not just learnt by heart
Almost twenty children are sitting in the classroom this morning. At the front is Katharina Dausch – teacher and former traffic police officer – who is visiting as a MobileKids expert. She doesn’t just test knowledge; she continually involves the whole class. What does the red triangle mean? How long do you have to stop at a stop sign? And how can you tell whether a cycle helmet fits properly?
The children already know a lot. But the discussion with Dausch is about more than just repeating the rules; it's about how to negotiate road traffic safely.
How a helmet fits correctly
A boy uses a bicycle helmet that Dausch has brought along to show how to tell that it fits correctly: low on the forehead, tight on the head and firmly fastened. One of the pupils shares her experiences of cycling practice at the traffic training park. This turns the lesson from a dry set of rules into a discussion about something that affects the children in their everyday lives.
"Road safety doesn't just start the moment a child is out and about alone", says Dausch. "It starts much earlier, namely when children learn to assess situations correctly and remain attentive." That's exactly what this particular morning is all about. The children not only need to know what a sign means; they also need to understand why it's important.
Moki's grand entrance
At the end of the session, Dausch hands out a small reward. The children immediately leaf through their colourful Moki booklets, discovering puzzles and colouring pictures. There are also reflective key lanyards for everyone.
After the main break comes the moment that many have been waiting for. Dausch announces a special guest, briefly goes to the door and returns with mascot Moki. She's carrying a large birthday cake in her hands. There's silence for a brief moment, then cheers. The children call out the mascot's name several times; some wave, while others move closer to the table on which the cake is placed.
Farewell with a suitcase
Finally, there's a suitcase ready and waiting. Because Moki is set to continue his long journey. His goal is to experience how road safety education works in many other countries, and find out which aspects are important. The children learn that, after the launch in Germany, there will be further stops – including Hungary, the US, China and India. Moki will also visit schools and kindergartens there – and take part in a volunteering programme and safety camps. Moki walks towards the door, suitcase in hand, and the pupils say goodbye to him. Have a good trip, Moki!
MobileKids has been supporting children and young people on their way to safe and independent mobility in road traffic for 25 years. Mercedes-Benz thus combines its claim to safety with social responsibility for the next generation.
What once began with local road safety campaigns is now an international education programme. School visits, special experiences, teaching materials and digital formats have shaped MobileKids over many years and made it visible in numerous countries.
To mark its anniversary, MobileKids is now going on a world tour. In the coming months, activities from various countries will be presented and linked together. The first stop is in Germany, followed by further stops in Hungary, India, China and the US, among other countries.