MAG has hosted an information evening in Lao PDR, based around the theme ‘Six things you might not know about MAG Lao’.
A 'clearance site' was set up to demonstrate the benefits of new detection equipment.
The objective of the event was to inform colleagues in the unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector about MAG Lao and the scope of activities the organisation is involved in.
The evening included technical demonstrations, information displays and the Lao premiere of a documentary film featuring MAG Lao.
“MAG is unique within Lao PDR in that we are involved in numerous activities across the UXO sector – not only in the physical process of clearing UXO,” said Lin Syphavong, MAG Lao’s Communications Officer. “We held this event to get that message across.”
Several field-based staff travelled to Vientiane, the Lao capital, in order to give guests a first-hand account of the ‘six things’.
Staff demystified concepts such as Community Liaison, and explained MAG’s commitment to gender equity. New detection equipment was also on display, with a mock-up clearance site that illustrated the benefits brought by the new equipment.
Highlights of a new Australian documentary film called ‘Bomb Harvest’ were shown. Made by Lemur Films during 2006-7, the film (which was recently screened on Australian television) features MAG staff working alongside UXO Lao staff in southern Lao PDR. The three stars of the film – two Lao and one Australian – were present at the showing, to the delight of the audience.
The guests included government staff, Embassy officials, donor representatives, colleagues from across the UXO sector and staff from international non-governmental organisations. Several guests came from the provincial authorities in both Xieng Khouang and Khammouane provinces where MAG is working. Many commented that they had learned something new about MAG.
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| A guest from the US Embassy hears more about MAG's work in Lao. |
The event was covered by Lao National Television, Lao National Radio and two newspapers.
Whilst this event was for an invited audience only, MAG Lao has also established two ‘UXO Visitor Information Centres’. Members of the public who are interested in the work of MAG Lao can learn about the UXO issue, the work of MAG and the donors who fund their work. The Centres are located in Vientiane and Phonsavanh (Xieng Khouang province).
By Tom Morgan, Communications Officer, MAG Lao
Links:
» More information about MAG's work in Lao
» MAG in the media: Vientiane Times
