Sharjah: Meet expat who dances to manage traffic outside school

Ebai Brilliant has turned traffic management into a full-blown performance, captivating audiences with his electrifying dance moves.

Instead of just directing cars, he bends, grooves, and shakes a leg, using a signboard to signal stops, all while putting on a daily show outside Wesgreen International School, Sharjah.

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His unique approach proves that any job can be fun with the right attitude. By adding his own style, even routine tasks can become something extraordinary leaving a lasting impression.

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Speaking to Khaleej Times, the 26-year-old Traffic Marshall said, “What inspired me is that I often see parents and children with glum faces in the morning. I wanted to bring a smile to their faces and brighten their day by spreading joy. Managing traffic isn’t easy; I can’t stop anyone from going where they need to but through my work, they see me, and I hope to make a difference. Through my act I am trying to share joy.”

Meanwhile, the school’s social media pages are flooded with praise, with comments pouring in about his energy, enthusiasm, and ability to turn an everyday duty into a spectacle worth watching.

The man, who has been with the school for the past four months, added, “I learned to dance when I was young, back in my home country, Cameroon. I listen to music through my earphones and just jive to the rhythm.”

On the days the children don’t see him, they become curious about his whereabouts. “The kids even come looking for me, asking the security about me. My role is to help keep things organised while adding a bit of energy.”

As concerns about traffic safety near schools has been a perpetual discussion, Brilliant realised that more needed to be done to protect the children and pedestrians in the area.

After noticing the risks first-hand, he knew it was time to take action.

“I hadn’t seen this initiative anywhere before, so I approached the school’s Principal and expressed my desire to take it on. Managing traffic is extremely risky; some drivers speed and drive recklessly, often stopping with little distance to spare. With so many children around, I feel a strong responsibility to protect them from these dangers.

“My vision is to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and pedestrians alike, and I am committed to protecting them at all costs, both in the mornings and afternoons. More schools should be incorporating creativity in these everyday roles. I feel that helps having a greater impact on people,” added the expat who has been in the UAE for the past six months only.

Brilliant added that when he first started his journey here, he never anticipated the kind of support and recognition he would receive.

“My company has been supportive, and I’ve received positive feedback from them. My team has also been a great source of motivation as I transitioned to Dubai and embraced this opportunity. My parents have also been appreciative of my work. I make sure to maintain order and follow the rules, not allowing anyone to create disruptions.”

He added, “The school reached out to acknowledge not only my contributions to Wesgreen but also my impact on the broader community. The feedback I've received highlights the strong support they've given me, pushing me to excel. I advise parents to always respect traffic signs and exercise patience and drive safely when heading to school.”

Thinking creatively about everyday roles

School leaders stressed that his innovative method has inspired the school community to think creatively about their own roles and the impact they can have on overall wellbeing.

“The children are quite fond of him. Many parents have told me that their kids want to ride their bikes through the bylanes or service roads just to see him. Some children even ask their parents to take the service road so they can catch a glimpse of him along the way," Revelino Fernandes, manager of school operations at Wesgreen International School, said.

“The post on the school’s Instagram has gone viral, and the comments below it are full of praise, with everyone expressing how much they love him in the mornings. We have an International Day event on Saturday, and the parents have specifically requested him to be there, so I’ll need to assign him to that duty,” he added.

Even the school principal pointed out that Brilliant's dedication to work is evident in the way he manages traffic with a flair that is both entertaining and effective.

“In the bustling Sharjah educational zone, one man stands out for his unique approach to keeping traffic moving and ensuring the safety of the community. Known simply as Brilliant, he has become a morning highlight for many, bringing smiles to children and adults alike," said James McDonald, principal/CEO at GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah.

“His dance moves, seamlessly integrated into his traffic control duties, have made him a beloved figure at GEMS Wesgreen. The school community has embraced his unique style, and he frequently appears on social media feeds, spreading joy far and wide. Before incorporating dance into his routine, Brilliant often went unnoticed. Now, his lively approach not only captures attention but also ensures that cars move efficiently during drop-off times, helping the majority of students arrive on time.

"Brilliant's work is a testament to how a positive attitude and a bit of creativity can transform everyday tasks. The community is grateful for the light he brings to their mornings.

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.