Clearing Landmines & Helping Refugees in Syria

Millions of refugees and displaced people have been returning home in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. In many cases, hidden and dangerous explosives are waiting for them.

A road, schoolyard, or field where someone once walked freely may now hide a landmine or leftover explosives from fighting.

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education teaches adults and children how to spot explosive dangers and what to do, including who to contact, if they come across one. Risk education is critical until the landmines and explosives can be safely cleared. It saves lives. 

Ahmad jumps into action, saving lives:

When 10-year-old Ahmad came back with his family to Daraa, Syria, he wanted to resume a normal childhood. He wanted to go back to school, settle back into his childhood home, and play outside with his friends.

But the physical reminders of war had not completely left daily life. Along familiar streets, landmines and other explosives still lingered.

Ahmad attended a risk education session with a HALO team. Risk education is especially important for children. Eager to go outside and naturally curious, they often mistake explosive devices for toys.

A few days later, as he played outside, Ahmad spotted a suspicious item. Remembering the training, he stopped his friends and alerted his father. The Civil Defense then swooped in to remove the item: an anti-vehicle landmine.

Ahmad’s quick thinking saved his life and several others.

Today, he dreams of becoming an architect to help rebuild his country. Thanks to risk education, that future feels one step closer.

Thanks to you:

Ahmad, his friends, and children all over Syria are now free to dream that a safer future is possible. With help from our GlobalGiving donors, essential knowledge is reaching communities nationwide, saving lives and giving them the confidence to rebuild without fear. Thank you.