PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – November 25, 2021

Building on the success of Eco-Safe Driver Training Program Phase I, completed in 2020, AIP Foundation and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH – with support from VF Corporation – launched Phase II in September 2021. The program aims to change drivers’ behavior by providing them with the knowledge and skills on defensive driving, fuel-efficiency, and vehicle safety, to empower drivers regarding sustainability and safer roads.

The powerful impact of the first phase of the program benefited collective transport drivers who provide transportation services to factory workers at major provinces in Cambodia. Thanks to 21 local trainers of the Eco-Safe Program, collective transport drivers were equipped with life-saving safety skills as road users.

Phase II has now expanded to include vulnerable drivers from other factories to participate in the program. All training modules, case studies, simulation exercises, and practical techniques will be specifically tailored to address the unsafe driving behaviours of garment & footwear sector transport drivers. The second phase will focus on changing behaviour and building knowledge and skills through experiential learning principles using real case studies and participatory approaches.

On November 25th, 2021, AIP Foundation kicked off the first event of Phase II by gathering 25 collective transport drivers to begin training on safer driving behaviours, risk reduction and reducing fuel consumption. Phase II of the Eco-Safe Driver Training is expecting approximately 15-30 factories to participate – with almost half of the selected factories being suppliers of VF Corporation, with the aim to improve driving skills and reduce fuel cost for 1,000 drivers over 40 training sessions.

AIP Foundation is also delighted to announce that VF Corporation, as a part of its support, has commissioned a built-for-purpose digital App that is currently designed by a specialized tech firm to improve the assessment of the program and the reporting data.

“VF Corporation is proud to launch the Phase II of the Eco-Safe Driver Training together with AIP Foundation and GIZ, providing drivers who serve our supplying factories with the necessary skills and resources to ensure safe and sustainable commutes for factory workers. We are especially excited to introduce the digital assessment App which will strengthen our measurement and guide our program in becoming even more effective in generating positive impacts for transport safety in Cambodia”, said Graham Cronshaw, Country Director Cambodia for VF Corporation.