Landmines and explosive war remnants are a constant danger in more than 85 countries, and children are the most vulnerable victims of that danger due to these weapons attractive and colorful shapes which make them look like toys to the kids, and draw their attention and curiosity. That's why, the continuous awareness-raising efforts, contribute significantly to limiting the possible threats.
Key concepts
In order to know how well informed the public was regarding war remnants, the volunteers asked people on the first day the following questions:
What do you know about war remnants?
How can you avoid war remnants?
What is the number to report them?
The volunteers got different answers, through which they were able to correct misconceptions for295 participants.
Fun contests and physical games to educate the children
The second day targeted the children, and it included various activities and games like face painting and question games, which the volunteers used to convey useful information on safe behavior, and to correct misconceptions for (732) children, that in turn contribute to protecting them against the possible risks by keeping them away from any strange object.
And through coloring the safety messages with the kid’s handprints, and taking photos within the frames that contain the messages, three fundamental warnings and recommendations were promoted:
1⃣Do not come close.
2⃣Do not touch
3⃣Report
The second day ended with the distribution of educational brochures, biscuits, and sketchbooks with coloring pens as gifs for the participant children.
Awareness messages targeted all age groups
On the third day, the volunteers presented a theatre show for children aged between 6 and 18 years, which contained an educational story about the safe behavior in case of encountering war remnants, they presented a video as well, showing children who have been injured by explosives, and explained the warning shapes of war remnants, with the emphasis on not approaching them.
Also, an exhibition of handmade crafts was held by the volunteers, and a special corner within it was dedicated for the war wounded in order to enhance their role in society.
Life-saving messages were delivered by the volunteers
on the International Day for Mine Awareness for (1828) people of all age groups; during a three-day activity, in which they got to learn about the different kinds and shapes of mines and explosive remnants, the safe behavior when seeing a suspected object, and to instantly report it.
The volunteers, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, will continue to spread awareness messages about landmines and explosive remnants in the contaminated areas.
