HALO champion: teacher Lindsay Johnston

Teacher Lindsay Johnston’s journey from the classroom to the Capitol

For Texas teacher Lindsay Johnston, the idea of children growing up with the threat of hidden explosives is unthinkable. Even from halfway across the world, she knows every child deserves to learn and play in peace.

As a partner of The HALO Trust, Lindsay has turned that conviction into action. She has mobilized students, parents, and her wider community to raise funds and awareness for landmine clearance in Kosovo.

Mobilizing her Community

Alongside her students at the Imagine International Academy of North Texas, Lindsay organized multiple fundraisers and awareness events. With support from parents, faculty, and local businesses, they raised tens of thousands of dollars for HALO’s program in Kosovo.

Lindsay and her students played a big role in helping fellow learners live in communities free from the threat of unexploded ordnance. Their efforts were pivotal in creating a safe learning environment for the students of Abedin Bujupi School in Arllat, Kosovo.

In this village, which is completely clear of buried explosives as of 2024, HALO made over 15 acres of land safe. This includes their schoolyard, where HALO found a cluster submunition hidden dangerously close to the building.

Watch the video to see how Lindsay and her students have transformed lives in Arllat.

Support landmine clearance in Kosovo

Recognition at the Highest Level

Lindsay’s commitment has even garnered celebration on the world stage. She and her students were recognized by President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo for their hard work through the Junior World Affairs Council.

Lindsay and her students with President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani

As a longtime educator, Lindsay often encourages her students to learn about issues going on around the world. The threat of landmines is just one of the many global topics she has explored with them, both within her classroom and far beyond its walls.

Advocacy in Action

In 2024, Lindsay traveled to Washington, DC as part of an award package for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth’s International Educator of the Year. There, she joined HALO’s Congressional Affairs Team on Capitol Hill.

She met with Representative Beth Van Duyne, who represents the district where Lindsay teaches, and with Congressional staff for Rep. Keith Self, who represents her home district. She discussed with them the importance of humanitarian demining programs and why this work matters.

Lindsay in conversation with Representative Beth Van Duyne, who represents the district where Lindsay’s school is located

Inspiring the Next Generation

Now, as a teacher at Alcuin School in Dallas, Lindsay remains dedicated to being a positive force in the lives of her students in Texas and of the millions of people affected by conflict across the globe.

Her story is proof of how one educator can create lasting change that lives far beyond the classroom.