Working for the Future of the Children
Nhan (37) at Norwegian People's Aid wants a safe future for children in Vietnam – free from landmines and other explosives. Every morning, she rolls up her sleeves to get closer to this goal.
It is early morning in the city of Hue, Vietnam, when Do Thi Thanh Nhan (37) gets behind the wheel and drives toward the Norwegian People's Aid office on the outskirts of the city center, while her husband drops their daughter off at daycare.
As the Provincial Programme Manager for Norwegian People's Aid in Vietnam, Nhan has a very important job ahead of her. Every day, she leads a team that informs, maps, searches for, and destroys leftover explosives from the Vietnam War.
Ensuring the Team Follows Plans and Procedures
When Nhan arrives at the office at 8:00 AM, her team is already there. Soon, they will head out to search for mines and remnants of cluster bombs, but first, yesterdays work must be reviewed and the new day planned.
“The first thing we do is to read and respond to emails,” says Nhan.
She explains that people often contacts them after finding grenades or suspicious objects in fields or forests, and request for the team to come and inspect it.
There are also other challenges to address, such as ensuring all staff has arrived at work, that everyone has had a good night’s sleep, and that everyone is doing well. These questions may seem unnecessary at most workplaces, but are important when it comes to the task at hand; handle old explosives.
My main focus is on how my team operates and ensuring that it is always safe to go to work.
Do Thi Thanh Nhan
Mine and explosive clearing can be dangerous work, and it's important to have a thorough review before heading out into the field.
After a few hours of preparation, everyone is ready for the day’s tasks. Three vehicles with different objectives drive out from the office. Today, explosives will be prepared for detonation, discovered objects must be examined, and villagers will be given important information about various explosives and what to do if they find any.
It’s important to go out into the field with the team and listen to their feedback on the work during the day, to ensure they are following the plan and procedures.
Do Thi Thanh Nhan
Explosives that are found and cannot be moved for safety reasons must be destroyed on-site. Explosives that can be moved are taken to Norwegian People's Aid demolition field for destruction, where they are collected and blown up twice a month.
Families Are Still Afraid
With each passing day, larger parts of the Hue province are cleared of explosives.
“Our work enables local people to move safely in fields, along school routes, and on football fields,” says Nhan.
In the 13 years Nhan has worked for Norwegian People's Aid, she has met many mothers who lost their children due to explosive accidents and many farmers who are so afraid to work on their own fields that they don’t dare to farm the land.
As a mother, I understand how horrific it is to lose a child, and I can relate to the fear many people live with.
Do Thi Thanh Nhan
“I have also met many children who don’t dare to play outside because there are so many dangerous remnants from the war where they live,” Nhan continues.
Great Relief When Mines Are Removed
For the local population, it’s crucial that farmers can resume working on areas that have been fallow for many years, that schoolchildren can finally walk safely to school, and that children can play football without the fear of triggering old explosives.
“In 2015, we had already cleared 100 football fields in the area, but there are still many fields that need both mapping and clearing,” says Nhan.
Even though large areas are still uncleared and thousands of people live in fear of triggering an explosion where they walk, it is comforting to know that many have a better daily life and a safer future.
For every explosive we remove from a playground or football field, one child is saved.
Do Thi Thanh Nhan
The relief is often immense when people see the old mines and explosive remnants getting dug up and removed. Some families have one or two near their homes, while others have lived with many close to their lives. One family had as many as 50 explosives in their small garden.
“I often return to the areas after the clearing has been done. There, I meet the same farmers who now feel safe working in their fields. I’ve met the same children who can now finally play outside with their friends,” says Nhan.
I see how important this work is, and I am so proud to be part of this contribution to the community.
Do Thi Thanh Nhan
A Full Day Comes to an End
When the workday ends and Nhan returns home, her daughter has already been picked up from daycare. It’s close to 6:00 PM, and Nhan takes a much-needed shower before starting on dinner.
It’s important to take time around the dinner table to eat and talk about how the day has been. For Nhan, it’s important to include others in the events of the day. It helps her process her own experiences while also reminding her daughter to be careful when she’s in places she doesn’t know well.
After dinner, they play for a bit before Nhan sits down with her daughter to help her with her homework.
“I want a life where my daughter, my family, and the people in Vietnam have a safe place to live,” says Nhan, gently stroking her daughter’s hair.
Soon, everyone will be in bed, and after a good night’s sleep, a new day with important tasks will begin.
Since Norwegian People's Aid began its work in Vietnam in 2008, over 26 million square meters of land have been cleared of mines and other explosives. However, there are still many provinces and hundreds of villages that remain uncleared. The remaining work will take several years and is crucial for the safety of the population.