Led by young people concerned by the continued use of landmines and the lack of awareness surrounding their use, 'Adopt a Landmine' seeks to educate people and raise funds for the humanitarian removal of landmines in developing regions around the world.
Every year, over 4000 people are killed or injured by landmines. Of these victims, 75% are civilians and 33% are children. Minefields also present significant obstacles to economic and social development creating cycles of poverty for local communities. At the current rate of removal, it would take three centuries to clear existing minefields.
Adopt a Landmine will use funds to maintain and develop a website and conduct public awareness campaigns in order to educate people of the severity of issues that landmines cause daily. The website will collect donations from donors wishing to 'adopt landmines'. These funds will then be distributed to landmine removal projects across the world. Adopt a Landmine will also reinvest in further public awareness campaigns and education projects.
The long-term impacts of removing landmines are immeasurable. With thousands of acres cleared of landmines, economic and social improvements such as farms, schools, highways, playgrounds, and homes can be built and maintained. Individual and communal qualities of life will be improved substantially through better access to education, transportation, food, and healthcare. Removing landmines eliminates immediate threats to the lives and limbs of those living or travelling near minefields.
