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.