For Alicia, a 35-year-old mother of four in the Colombian community of El Zulia, Norte de Santander, danger was an unspoken part of daily life. Living in a region long affected by conflict, her family had been unfairly labeled as supporters of violence simply because of where they lived. Despite these challenges, Alicia worked hard to provide for her children, running a small beverage shop at a busy intersection. Their modest home sat behind the shop, shared with her three sons – who were 5, 8 and 16 – and her 14-year-old daughter.
In November 2023, her brother stumbled upon a chilling reminder of the ongoing conflict: a hand grenade hidden in the mountains behind their home. Fearful of being questioned by the authorities, he chose to keep it hidden rather than reporting it. Terrified for her children’s safety, Alicia convinced him to bury it far from reach.
Months later, an unexpected lesson at school changed everything. HALO visited her children’s school to educate students about the dangers of explosive remnants of war.
HALO risk educator with one of the students in Alicia's daughter's class.
That evening, her daughter eagerly shared what she had learned in school. Alicia’s heart sank, realizing that – even buried – the grenade posed a grave risk.
What if her younger children found it while playing in the back yard?
Summoning her courage, Alicia reached out to the HALO team in El Zulia. Although her brother was away doing seasonal work, the team was able to swiftly deploy a qualified Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician. After a careful search of the area, the grenade was found. Alicia felt her fear resurface when the technician uncovered the bag where the grenade had been hidden.
With precision and care, the HALO team safely transported the grenade away from the main road. Over 500 meters away from their home, HALO conducted a controlled detonation – ensuring that the grenade could never pose a threat again.
For Alicia, the explosion marked more than just the destruction of a dangerous object. The sound of the blast marked freedom from fear. Now, her children can play safely in their own backyard. The burden of uncertainty has lifted. Now, Alicia focuses her time on what matters most – raising her children in a home where they can finally feel safe.
