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Children stand around a flag pole at Thlat primary school, Cambodia

Celebrating a milestone: 500 square kilometers of land made safe in Cambodia

The HALO Trust first came to Cambodia in 1991 to clear the landmines and explosives left behind after the Cambodian Civil War. Situated on one of the first minefields HALO cleared in Cambodia now stands Thlat Primary School in Svay Chek village, Anlong Veng district. Mine clearance finished on this site in 1999 and now 336 boys and girls attend the school.

Among those who cleared these fields almost 25 years ago is HALO Operations Manager in Cambodia, Ny Ra.

Ny Ra, Operations Manager stands outside of the primary school gates
It's incredibly fulfilling to witness the profound impact of our work on people's lives. One of the first minefields I saw during my early days with HALO, while training in explosive ordnance disposal, is now a school.
Ny Ra, Operations Manager, The HALO Trust

When HALO began operations in Cambodia, it was one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Today we celebrate having made a total of 500,000,000 square meters of land in Cambodia safe—an area greater than the size of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, since 1991, HALO has reached almost one million Cambodian people to educate them on the risks posed by landmines and other remnants of war.

Children study at their desks at Thlat Primary School in Cambodia

Anlong Veng holds historical significance as the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, coming under government control in 1998 and serving as the resting place of Pol Pot. Formerly a symbol of conflict and danger, the area has been revitalized and serves as a symbol of hope and progress.

At Thlat School in Svay Chek, a 33,573 square meter minefield was cleared and over 200 explosive devices were found and destroyed. Today, this school stands as a testament to HALO's impact. Children can now learn without fear, paving the way for brighter futures.

The original map showing the minefield surrounding the school

As Ny Ra reflects on HALO's journey and the transformed landscape before him, he envisions a future where Cambodia is free from the shadows of conflict. HALO Cambodia remains committed to its mission, continuing to make strides towards a safer and more prosperous Cambodia free from landmines and the explosive remnants of war.

Back then, this remote area had no roads nor many children playing and walking around. This area was known to be a conflict and controlled zone during the Khmer Rouge era. Today, seeing these kids walk confidently to school, filled with hope for a better future, truly inspires me.
Ny Ra, Operations Manager, The HALO Trust

This life-saving work is made possible in part thanks to funding from the

Government of the United States

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The HALO Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2228587. Registered Charity No. 1001813 and (in Scotland) SC037870. Registered Office: One Bartholomew Close, Barts Square, London EC1A 7BL

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