By Julia Tibbetts | Philanthropy & Communications
Following the 1998-99 Kosovo war, much of the village of Arllat was left in ruins after heavy fighting and air strikes. Even though the fighting ended 25 years ago, the threat posed by cluster munitions remains.
Naim is a retired teacher living in Arllat with his wife, Drita. During the war, Naim worked as the head of the civil-military relations in the 121st “Ismet Jashari” Brigade while Drita and their four children took refuge in the Berisha Mountain, along with many other families.
Refusing to let the war deprive their children the right to community, safety, and education, the teachers from the local “Abedin Bujupi” primary school in Arllat continued to teach children throughout the conflict. Moved by their dedication, Naim would eventually take over as the principal of the school following the war. As the school was about 127 yards from a hazardous area, Naim explains that the school was one of the victims from the conflict. “The school was burnt down; the entire courtyard was destroyed and filled with cluster munitions. 57 of them exploded during a military demolition, causing an accident between several soldiers and a local resident.”
HALO started working in Kosovo immediately after the withdrawal of Yugoslav troops in 1999. Since then, we have cleared cluster bombs and landmines and employ local men and women. We have also employed local men and women, creating opportunities in a country where there are few formal job prospects, particularly for women. HALO is committed to creating a safe future for the people of Kosovo.
Even though the fighting ended 25 years ago, Naim and Drita are still acutely aware of the continuing threat of contamination in the village, and Naim admits that he still fears finding explosives while planting and considers himself to be lucky to have had no accidents.
Despite the threat, Naim remains optimistic. He feels relieved when he sees HALO’s teams clearing his land and his neighbors’ and looks forward to getting his blueberries planted once HALO has finished its work.
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