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A deminer in Luzi, where MAG is clearing 248,000m2 of land. |
The school in Luzi, a landmine-contaminated community of 1,700 people in Moxico Province, has been closed since early 2010 when a mine accident was reported nearby.
One of the teachers has been giving classes outside his home in the meantime, but attendance has dropped by almost 70 per cent.
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“More people keep coming to Luzi because it is safer now, so we must find a way to give these people what they need." |
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One mother told a MAG Angola Community Liaison team: “There is no school. I need my daughter here to work and, if we do not have a proper school for her to learn in, why should my family suffer without her help at home?”
Recognising the importance of ensuring safe access to education, part of our clearance of 248,000m2 of land includes an area for a new school to be built. Construction is due to be finished next month.
MAG assists in school construction
The community was eager to start building the new school but, while they managed to collect a portion of the materials required, lacked the financial resources to complete the project.
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View Luzi, Moxico Province, Angola in a larger map There are four Suspected Hazardous Areas in Luzi. As well as posing the threat of death or injury, the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (or their suspected presence) means that land cannot be used for housing or crucial money-generating activities such as farming, producing honey, and collecting firewood and charcoal. Once the 248,000m2 of land is cleared, houses can be built and people will be able to live and farm safely. This will benefit the existing community, people who move onto the newly safe land and those who are living in surrounding communities who pass through the area to access water and firewood, and for other purposes such as hunting and fishing. It will also help reduce overcrowding – which can lead to environmental deterioration and conflict over resources such as water – in safe areas. |
MAG has worked to ensure the remaining funds have been secured from Chevron and the Rabat International School in Morocco, and will assist with logistical support and the transportation of building materials from the nearest big town, Luena.
“There are more than 400 registered students in this area,” the head of the community told us. “More people keep coming to Luzi because it is safer now, so we must find a way to give these people what they need.
“I want to do this, but I wasn’t able to without the support of MAG and their partners. I consider MAG staff part of this community”.
We will conduct a Mine Risk Education teacher training project in the new premises, whereby teachers will learn how to deliver safety messages to community members, and children in particular, in order to reduce the risk of mine-related accidents.
MAG Angola's "Increasing access to essential services and contributing to
socio-economic development in mine and UXO impacted communities in
Moxico" project is funded by the European Commission.
MAG Angola's "Teacher Training in Mine Risk Education" project is funded by Chevron.
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Students at the interim 'school' outside the teacher’s house. Here, MAG holds a Mine Risk Education session informing children not to play in the contaminated area around the old school. |
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Clearing land in Luzi. |
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(Left to right) Two teachers from the school, the chief of the community, administration secretary and a community youth representative. MAG is a strong supporter of collaborative development work and integrated projects, which allow various partners to work together to meet the needs of community. |
10 November 2011
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• Reporting by Chelsea Moore, Programme Officer, MAG Angola |
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See also:
Why does MAG work in Angola?
More news and case studies from MAG Angola
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