Protecting the Future: Mine Risk Education Program for School Teachers

Few people realize that Thailand is one of the world’s major mine-affected countries. According to a recent Landmine Impact Survey, unexploded ordinance (UXO) and landmines cover 2,560 square kilometers in 27 provinces. The affected provinces are along Thailand’s borders with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar. The Thai-Myanmar border is a critical area as the fighting between government and rebel groups inside Myanmar continues. One hundred and thirty-nine Thai communities along the mountainous border are vulnerable to the dangers of anti-personnel landmines widely used in the fighting. Eight provinces are affected: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Chumpon, Mae Hong Son, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Tak and Ratchaburi.

In March 2004, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) began a one year Mine Risk Education Program (MRE) for school teachers in affected communities. The program aims to raise awareness of the dangers that landmines pose for children. School teachers are the main audience for the training program because they are considered to be ‘key influencers’. A single trained teacher can potentially influence a class of 40 students at a time. The program is expected to:

• Reduce the number of mine and UXO-related accidents among children,

• Increase knowledge and awareness of risks and safety measures, and

• Transfer knowledge from school teachers through the children to other family members.

This program is operating in selected high-risk communities in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces. Program staff began by assessing affected communities in consultation with government units, local authorities, local communities, and relevant agencies to identify areas to implement the program. A training program will be drawn up to respond to the needs assessed and develop materials to support public mine awareness campaigns.

To date, three courses have been conducted for over 282 school teachers from 81 schools. Since 1999, ADPC has been involved in several Mine Risk Awareness projects: the National Seminar on Mine Action; Mine Risk Awareness Education in Sa Kaeo Province; Regional Seminar for Civil Society titled “Antipersonnel Mines – Are they Worth it?”; and a Thailand-wide campaign “Hold Hands Against Landmines”.

For more information contact panniya@adpc.net