The commute for children attending Ha Leam Sen Chey Primary School used to be perilous. Their school stood in the middle of a minefield, forcing them to navigate hidden dangers just to attend class and learn invaluable skills to have a bright future.
The minefield was laid in the mid-1980s during Cambodia’s conflict with Vietnamese and People’s Republic of Kampuchea forces. Despite knowing the huge risk the land posed, the village leader decided it was the only viable location for the school they desperately wanted to establish for the community’s children. They trusted that children would stay safe if they stuck to well-trodden paths.
However, the curious schoolchildren struggled to grasp how deadly the threat was and often tried to explore the wider environs. "Before HALO came to clear this area, the children didn’t really understand the danger," explains Deputy Principal Sreng Panha. "During break time, they would often go play in uncleared areas." Thankfully, there were no accidents, but the risk was constant.
Safe from explosive threats, children at Ha Leam Sen Chey Primary School are ready to learn.
A deminer prepares for clearance by placing red sticks to mark the lanes.
The students of Ha Leam Chey Primary School pictured with their teacher.
It took 9 months for HALO teams to painstakingly clear more than 15.5 acres of land around the school. Deminers discovered and destroyed 24 anti-personnel landmines and six explosive remnants of war.
"With the presence of actual clearance teams and items being found and destroyed, the students became more aware of the danger," says Sreng. "During break time, they stopped going to the back of the school to play."
Today, Ha Leam Sen Chey Primary School has been transformed. The children are free to explore, learn, and play without restrictions.
"We are happy that the school ground is cleared now because there are no more mines," says 12-year-old Pech Ponlok. "We have more safe ground to play on. Also, we don’t have to cross the minefield to come to school like we had to previously."
Students from Ha Leam Sen Chey Primary School no longer need to worry about explosive threats and can focus on learning.
Dreams for a Brighter Future
For many students, the newly cleared land represents more than just safety—it’s a steppingstone to their dreams.
"I didn’t know that there were landmines near my school until HALO came to clear them... I am happy because I know that the mines have been cleared to make sure that the students won’t have a landmine accident."
"I know that the school grounds are a mined area. My dad told me not to go around the area. But I went there every day to play because all my friends were there, and I wanted to have fun with them. I was scared of the landmines too, but I wanted to have fun."
"When the HALO teams destroy mines, I am scared of the loud sound, but after that, I am happy because I know that the mines have been destroyed. I want all the landmines cleared and then all my friends will be safe."
At Ha Leam Sen Chey Primary School, the danger is gone, but the lessons remain. The cleared land is a testament to how demining creates opportunities, enabling children to pursue an education and chase their dreams without fear.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of HALO’s partners and supporters. You have made the journey to school safe for children like Plak Tin, Sophan, and Sophy, giving them the chance to learn, grow, and reach for a brighter future.
Join us in ensuring that no children risk their lives to reach school. Together, we can create a safer, brighter future.
