Ironically, when children have a close call with UXO we must ask them to immediately return to the site. This video is a tribute to children who walk in harm’s way to keep others safe.

In Laos 40% of victims of accidents with unexploded ordnance are children. That’s because children spend much of their time in the places where UXO can be found: gardens, pastures, walking trails, fields and forests. And, children are by nature more inquisitive and adventurous than other age groups.

And here’s an irony!

Immediately after we learn that a child has found a life-threatening piece of ordnance (and quite possibly had a brush with death) we must ask that same child to take us to the location where the mine, bomb or other dangerous device was found.
As much as we hate putting children in harms way, we have no alternative but to ask them to re-trace their steps and lead us to the ordnance.

Usually, the child that we ask to guide us will insist that friends or family members come along, to instill confidence and to help find the correct location. As a consequence, we often find ourselves being led by a troop of child guides.
When village women find ordnance, there is a different problem. No respectable woman would let herself be seen traveling unaccompanied with strange men.

The solution? Inevitably, our adult female guides will insist on bringing one of her children along!

The following slide show was created as a tribute to the brave children and adults who have put themselves at risk to make their community safer and, to the members of our team who on hundreds of occasions have followed guides into harm’s way.

Please watch our heart-felt tribute!

Children Lead The Way