Life is difficult for the 280 or so people who live in the small village of La Trampa, deep in the Colombian countryside.
Located in the central north-western department of Antioquia, La Trampa lies in a very fertile area, the hour-long journey from the nearest town running through lush green banana and avocado plantations. There is a small primary school and a basic store. Locals get paid just 10 US cents for their avocados and less than one cent per banana.
In addition to the daily struggle to grow enough food to be able to afford to send their children to the nearest secondary school – the transport alone costs $2 a day per student, and the alternative is a three-hour walk each way – residents also have to live with the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
The internal conflict that has raged for 50 years has left an ongoing legacy in places like La Trampa. Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been laid to spread fear and insecurity, and protect the illicit drugs plantations. As well as the immediate danger posed by the mines, there can be serious consequences for communities if they reveal the presence of the devices or aid the Government in their clearance.
With information, though, the community can protect themselves better. MAG’s Mine Risk Education (MRE) campaign – ‘Yo me protejo’ – in Antioquia is helping do just this. Alberto Naranjo, who runs the small shop, contacted Bhiana Holguin, MAG’s Community Liaison Officer in this part of Antioquia, and they together organised an MRE session in La Trampa.
Each session addresses the problems the particular community faces from mines and unexploded ordnance, as these vary from one village to the next. The type of audience and their levels of prior knowledge also have to be taken into account. However, the aim remains constant: minimising the risks for people living, working and travelling through contaminated areas.
“Even though we are living in the middle of a war, we are still a strong community,” said Alberto following the session. “We look after each other. We will make sure that our children stay safe and do not go near mines or play with bullets.”
MAG thanks the following donor to our Colombia operations: Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5 March 2010
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