BUSINESS: 553 PRACTICES
IMERYS Group is the world leader in mineral-based industrial solutions, offering specialized solutions necessary for its customers. IMERYS INDUSTRIAL MINERALS GREECE SINGLE MEMBER SOCIETE ANONYME mines and processes industrial minerals, mainly bentonite and perlite.
With the central aim of promoting responsible driving behavior and preventing road accidents, IMERYS, in collaboration with the Road Safety Institute “Panos Mylonas” and within the framework of the European program AVENUE, designed and implemented a comprehensive educational experience for students of Milos and Kimolos. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and experiential activities, more than 300 students stepped into the driver’s seat,both literally and metaphorically,learning to recognize road hazards and move with greater safety, both as pedestrians and future drivers.
The educational initiative sought to raise awareness and inform participants on key issues of road safety through a balanced approach combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences. It aimed to increase participants' understanding of traffic-related risks and enhance their driving competence and behavior by promoting adaptability to diverse road conditions. Emphasis was placed on reducing the likelihood of traffic incidents and fostering a deeper understanding of their causes and consequences, ultimately cultivating a sense of responsibility in navigating ever-changing driving environments.
Lastly, the initiative sought to establish a sustainable foundation for future efforts through awareness campaigns, volunteer actions, and additional community-based activities promoting safety education and accident prevention.
More than 300 students from Milos and Kimolos, attending local middle schools, high schools, and vocational schools, participated actively in a training program that went beyond theory to promote a life-changing mindset. Alongside them, key figures from the local community, including representatives of the Milos Police Department, the Mayor of Milos, and municipal councilors of Kimolos, were present not merely in a supervisory role but to demonstrate that road safety is a collective responsibility.
At a time when speed often dominates and distraction comes at a high cost, the youth of these two islands embraced a different message: a conscious commitment to safety, respect for life, and accountability on the road. Traffic education was not limited to rules; it was transformed into a culture—a shared commitment to protection
The training was held from March 28, 2024, to April 2, 2024, with daily 3-hour educational sessions at the IMERYS Milos facilities.
IMERYS, as one of the main pillars of the local economy and society of Milos, continues to lead efforts that extend beyond business operations, focusing on meaningful contributions to community development and life preservation. Within the context of its corporate social responsibility strategy, a pioneering and comprehensive road safety training initiative was implemented, tailored to the specific needs of the student communities of Milos and Kimolos.
The importance of this initiative is particularly notable given the geomorphological characteristics of the islands, which present unique challenges in terms of road safety. Milos, with its steep gradients and narrow, winding roads, poses elevated traffic risks. In this context, the need for education, prevention, and awareness becomes critical.
Recognizing this, IMERYS developed a program aimed at educating students from all secondary education levels, middle school, high school and vocational school, reaching over 300 young individuals. During the first week of April, a hands-on training program on road safety and traffic behavior was held at IMERYS’s facilities, in collaboration with the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute.
Statistically, unsafe driving practices and failure to adhere to traffic regulations are among the leading causes of youth fatalities from road accidents. This educational week was designed to raise awareness and offer essential information on critical topics such as adherence to traffic laws, awareness of risks, and fostering responsible driving behavior and a mindset attuned to real-world road conditions.
Over 300 students and their teachers attended the ''AVENUE'' (Actions for Vulnerable, Elderly, Novice drivers and road Users in Europe) for Traffic Safety program. The initiative integrated theory with practical education using modern driving simulators. This approach allowed students to safely experience the consequences of risky driving behaviors, thereby strengthening their capacity to respond calmly and responsibly in real traffic scenarios.
A Mobile Road Safety Unit provided by the Panos Mylonas Institute was stationed at IMERYS’s facilities in Milos, enabling all participants to experience first-hand the dangers of driving under the influence, the impact of seat belt use during crashes and rollovers, as well as a range of other simulated driving challenges including distracted driving, collision impact forces, and slippery road conditions.
Through this initiative, IMERYS demonstrated the vital role that corporations can play in society beyond their financial footprint. This action affirms that corporate social responsibility is not merely a concept but a tangible commitment that can change lives and meaningfully improve the well-being of local communities.
The strong collaboration with educational institutions and local authorities enhanced the initiative’s outreach and effectiveness, ensuring that the road safety message reached across all segments of society. The response and engagement of students, families, educators, and local stakeholders highlighted both the positive impact of the initiative and the strong demand for such actions on the islands.
Post-initiative discussions and the community’s continued support underscore the need for further programs that reinforce a road safety culture and contribute to accident reduction and education.
https://milosvoice.gr/ekpaideysi-odikis-asfaleias-tin-ekpaideytiki-koinotita-miloy-kimoloy/
The initiative had both immediate and significant impact on the target audience. More than 300 students from Milos and Kimolos actively participated in experiential workshops. All participants engaged with at least one of the simulators (crash, rollover, or alcohol impairment), and over 90% reported a shift in their perception of driving responsibility and the importance of prevention.
The initiative also strengthened the trust between IMERYS and the local community, with educators and parents recognizing the program as a rare opportunity for high-quality training on a vital issue, particularly in island communities with increased traffic risk. The presence and support of local authorities amplified the initiative’s social impact, paving the way for future collaborations and expanded efforts.
Milos – Cyclades
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute, leveraging the institute’s expertise in road safety training and awareness to ensure the program's quality, reliability, and experiential impact. The Institute provided the full AVENUE (Actions for Vulnerable, Elderly, Novice drivers and road Users in Europe) for Traffic Safety program.
Employees from the IMERYS Health & Safety Office, along with Public Relations and Community Affairs staff, actively supported the implementation and success of the initiative.
Through this initiative, IMERYS showcased its commitment to the communities of Milos and Kimolos, reinforcing its image as a responsible employer dedicated to prevention, safety, and youth education. The participation of over 300 students, the support of local authorities, and the media coverage strengthened the company’s visibility as a socially engaged entity with meaningful local impact.
Additionally, the collaboration with the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute enhanced IMERYS’ connection with reputable social organizations, adding credibility and authority to its efforts. The initiative’s success and enthusiastic reception also created strong momentum for the institutionalization of similar programs in the future, positioning IMERYS as a pioneer and active advocate of human-centered sustainable development.
