For the past four years, Sikeli Toroca, a 66-year-old retiree, has been a dedicated presence at a busy traffic light near Vishnu Deo Primary School in Raiwaqa, where he spends his weekdays helping children cross Grantham Road safely. With homemade road signs in hand, Toroca acts as an unofficial traffic guide, driven by deep concern for the safety of young students.
“No one asked me to do this,” Toroca stated, emphasizing that his actions stem from a desire to protect children he frequently saw crossing the road without supervision. He often takes on this volunteer role during busy school hours, assisting teachers to ensure that students navigate the road safely, allowing the educators to focus on preparing for their day.
Toroca’s dedication is rooted in his compassion for the families of these children. “I think of their parents who would be at home or work, hoping their children are safe on our roads,” he reflected. His commitment to community safety feels like a shared responsibility, as he believes every citizen should contribute to ensuring their neighborhood’s well-being.
Having previously worked as a safety officer for the Public Works Department, Toroca draws from his extensive background in quality control to identify potential hazards on the road. His unique perspective allows him to spot and address dangerous situations caused by careless drivers who fail to prioritize pedestrian safety.
In addition to his volunteer efforts, Toroca has established relationships with the local police and school officials, who appreciate his contributions to community safety. “They’ve thanked me for my contribution, and I told them I would always assist them,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in keeping neighborhoods secure.
Toroca is also known for following parliamentary sessions, using this engagement to discuss matters important to him, including his compensation from the Public Works Department. Despite challenges in his life, he maintains a positive outlook, declaring, “No matter what life throws my way, I will continue to help out in communities because no man is an island.”
This heartfelt commitment to volunteering illustrates the impact one individual can have within their community and serves as an inspiring example for others to engage in acts of kindness and support. Toroca’s story reinforces the belief that dedicated citizens can create safer, more nurturing environments through their selfless actions.