Revival on safe soil

Throughout most of the 20th century, there was only one way to transport minerals, food, livestock, or other goods from Angola to the world: through a crucial rail route known as the Lobito Corridor.

But during the country’s 27-year civil war, opposing forces laid tens of thousands of landmines along the path – and these dangers did not disappear after the fighting ended.

For decades after the war, landmines and other explosives have threatened the communities located along this route. 

A small, rural village called Lusselei is one of these communities. Danger has hidden along paths, in fields, and near homes here for years. 

Along with the mines laid directly by fighters, a truck carrying ammunition crashed in the area years ago. The blast spread grenades, projectiles, mortars, and other explosives across the area, making daily life even more dangerous.

This community, with around 200 residents, needs safe land. But many residents remained fearful of the hidden danger that lay beneath the soil. 

These threats have kept them from safely planting staple crops, expanding their fields, or building new homes and schools.

Since deminers began working in Lusselei, over 700 explosive items have been found and destroyed.

Knowing the land is now safe, families are once again growing gardens and harvesting beans, cassava, and corn. The community is building homes to welcome new members. Children are running and playing on safe ground. 

A major milestone in the community's progress has been the construction of a primary school on a former minefield. 

It is now the only school within 24 miles. It serves not only the children of Lusselei, but also students from nearby communities who previously had no access to education.

This school is more than just a building. It is a symbol of safety, progress, and a brighter future for the entire community.

Only one minefield remains to be cleared in Lusselei. In the meantime, the community has big plans for the land. The provincial government has plans to build a new medical center here, helping more people get the healthcare they need.

Lusselei is on the brink of long-awaited change. New residents, fresh infrastructure, and a promising future are all on the way.

Only a few years ago, 26-year-old Graça was teaching children at a primary school. Now, her days look very different. 

Instead of standing in front of a blackboard giving lessons, she stands behind large protective metal screens. She looks out of the windows at a metal excavator, which scoops basketfuls of soil in search of buried explosive devices.

She began working in Lusselei three years ago. On the very same minefield where she worked her first assignments in the village, new life has taken root.

“In Lusselei, I worked in areas where once there were demining lanes. Now there are families and new houses.”

For Tito, 47, Lusselei is far from his first minefield. For over 20 years, he has cleared mines across five different provinces in Angola. 

As a Mechanical Supervisor with HALO, he oversees teams that use heavy machines to excavate mines.

Even after decades of tough, intense, and complex work, he refuses to rest until he knows the future is safe.

Your support makes stories like this possible. Thank you for being part of a lifesaving mission that brings safety, hope, and revival to families around the world.