Making land safe so children can return to school
All children should be able to go to school without fear, to learn and reach their full potential. However, landmines and the explosive debris of war mean that thousands of girls and boys around the world cannot reach their lessons safely. Sometimes they risk their lives crossing mined land to get to school, whilst elsewhere classrooms remain closed—buildings and playgrounds contaminated by dangerous explosives.
By removing landmines and making land safe, we enable new schools to be built, empty classrooms to be filled with chattering voices and give children the chance to thrive. In Cambodia, Toul Krous primary school was once surrounded by landmines, in Afghanistan, there was no school for Shogofa and Ahmad to attend until HALO destroyed the mines, allowing a brand new building to be constructed. In Kosovo, Yllka, Bleron and Kaltrina had to walk along a road scattered with cluster bombs until it was cleared by HALO.
Together we are creating safe access to education for thousands of students. As schools return this week, meet the children who are now able to realise their ambitions thanks to your support.
Yllka Gashi, age 11, Fan Noli Primary School, Kosovo
"I feel great. There are no bombs anymore. I can go out whenever I want to play with my friends without worrying about it."
Hong Sok Mara, age 12, Toul Krous School, Cambodia
“Now the land is safe I feel happy. I can walk up to my friend’s house and visit him after school.”
Ahmedyassim, 10 years old, Carayaambo School, Somaliland
"I enjoy Arabic studies the most. I want to be a teacher when I am older."
Kaltirina Gashi, age 8, Fan Noli Primary School, Kosovo
“I was frightened to walk along the road before it was cleared. Now I go to school by myself or with my cousins. I feel safe to walk there. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.”
Abdirazak, age 17, Carayaambo School, Somaliland
“I am very happy because I have somewhere to learn. My favourite subject is science and I would like to be a doctor one day.”
Beauty Tsingano, age 14, Ganganyama School, Zimbabwe
"We used to cross the minefield to get to school but we were scared because one of our friends was killed by a landmine. Now we are very happy that the area is free of mines."