From dangerous ground to brighter futures in Zimbabwe
In brief
See how mine clearance and literacy support are helping transform Kasika Primary School and create new opportunities for children in Zimbabwe.
For years, children in Zimbabwe faced daily danger on their way to Kasika Primary School, with routes passing dangerously close to minefields. Parents worried constantly, and attendance at the school was often disrupted.
HALO’s mine clearance in Ward 20 removed this threat, restoring safe access to education and giving families greater peace of mind.
The impact was clear. With safety restored, children could walk confidently to school and focus on learning.
But there was another challenge to overcome. Many children had already missed too many school days, and many were not yet literate.
Turning safety into opportunity
While HALO’s deminers continued clearing land around the community, an opportunity arose to address this challenge alongside a local organization.
With previous support from United States Department of State funding, HALO and Happy Readers, a local organization specializing in literacy and education, developed an English-language learning book called The Minefield. The book uses Zimbabwean minefields as the context for its stories and learning.
The books help children improve their English comprehension and build confidence while also providing vital risk education in a child-friendly way.
In this way, the impact of mine clearance extends beyond the journey to school. Children can arrive safely while gaining the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of their education.
Happy Readers also provides training for teachers, helping them understand how best to use the new resources in their classrooms.
Together, mine clearance and inclusive education support are helping transform Kasika Primary School. Children are not only able to arrive safely, but are learning with enthusiasm and building stronger foundations for their futures.
And the benefits are designed to last. Schools are expected to continue using the books for years to come, ensuring the impact of the project continues even after clearance is complete.
Measuring the impact
The Happy Readers initiative continues to grow. The Minefield books are being read by more and more children within the school.
HALO has also started working with the University of Zimbabwe to assess the literacy levels of students who have received the books.
The assessment indicated that students using the books showed a significant increase in literacy, with rates of 75–90% after 18 months, compared to 10–25% among those who did not use the program.
Thanks to you
Your support primarily funds HALO’s demining programs, but its impact can reach even further.
By helping restore safe access to land and education, your support creates opportunities for children and communities to learn, grow and build brighter futures.
Thank you for helping restore the livelihoods and opportunities of people affected by landmines and remnants of war.