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Night of a Thousand Dinners events around the world
helped fund the following mine-action projects in 2002:
Afghanistan | Bosnia
and Herzegovina | Cambodia | Croatia
| Mozambique | Vietnam
Your Money
at work in Afghanistan
Kandahar, Afghanistan
This project covers humanitarian demining activities carried
out during May and June of 2003 in the area of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
DAFA is the Demining Agency for Afghanistan which was founded in
June 1990. DAFA Team 3 operates in the southern provinces; 05 is
the designation for the two month period and clears a residential/
agricultural area of 60,000 m2.
Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation, Afghanistan
This project provides funding for a team of 30 Afghan deminers
to work in Herat Province Afghanistan for a full year. It is estimated
a total of 360,000m2 will be cleared.
Afghanistan
Night of a Thousand Dinners has funded five demining teams to
work in Afghanistan. Each of the teams is made up of 30 Afghan deminers.
Rather than describing the project in terms of area, as is usual
with Adopt-A-Minefield, this initiative will fund the full operational
cost of the deming team for a period of time. Each team is required
to provide a report every two months outlining the team's activities,
including the number of mines destroyed, the beneficiaries of the
clearance operations, and the land returned mine-free to Afghans.
Night of 1000 dinners funds supported:
- Afghan technical Consultants #7 for 4 months
- Afghan Technical Consultants #21 for 6 months
- Demining agency for Afghanistan #3 for 4 months
- Mine Detection and Dog Center #5 for 4 months
- Mine Detection and Dog Center #6 for 10 months
Your Money at
work in Bosnia
Vitusa-Jedrenje, Mostar North, Herzegovacko Neretvanski, Bosnia
and Herzegovina
A 28,024 m2 minefield in the village of Vitusa-Jedrenje is just
22 kilometers from the city of Mostar. During the war, this area
saw heavy fighting. All of the homes in this village were destroyed
and many landmines were planted. Once the area has been cleared,
the 26 families who used to live in this village will be able to
move back to their homeland. These families have been unable to
return home and to their previous means of income- agriculture and
cattle breeding- for several years.
Sport Center "Igman", Ilidza, Sarajevo, Bosnia and
Herzegovina
A 15,443 m2 minefield is located very close to a sports and
recreation center that has a swimming pool and soccer field that
are very popular with people living in this region, especially children.
Once this area has been cleared, this facility will be reopened
and those areas that are already being used will be much safer.
Dobrosevci, Novi grad, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 3,615 m2 minefield is located in the town of Dobrosevci in
the Sarajevo region. The area to be demined is part of the local
water supply system that supplies the drinking water to 2,000 households
in the Ahatovci and Dobrosevci communities. There was a mine-related
incident that occurred in this area when someone was seriously injured
while cleaning the system. Until the area is cleared of mines, the
water system can not be cleaned and rebuilt.
Brvnik, Samac, Republica Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 42,039m2 minefield was the defensive line for the Republic
of Srpska army during the war. There are no records of where mines
were placed and some individuals have tried to clear the area themselves.
In 1999 there were two mine-related incidents in which one person
was killed and two were injured. Once this area has been cleared,
former residents will be able to return to their homes. This village
has fertile agricultural land that will also be cleared providing
these families with a means to support themselves.
Mine detection dog (PAX)
The purchase and training of one mine detection dog (PAX) through
the Canine Demine Program. Night of 1000 dinners partnered with
the Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program to fund this project. Training
to be undertaken by the Canadian International Demining Corps.
Maglaj, Maglaj, Bosnia and Herzegovia
A 10,708 m² minefield in the northern part of Maglaj municipality,
approximately 2.6 km north of Maglaj town. During the war, this
location was situated between the ABiH and VRS confrontation lines.
Interviews with locals from the area indicate that several types
of AP mines and UXO contaminate the area. Sparse trees and bushes
mark the landscape and the soil here consists primarily of sand
and clay. An area resident was killed after stepping on a PROM-1
AP mine recently. This project area includes two houses, which can
be rebuilt following clearance. Demining this area will also enable
refugees to return to the area.
Bihac, Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovia
A 9,093 m² minefield in Cekrlije, 5km southeast of the
center of Bihac. The area is near hills and borders a forested area
on one side and a road which leads through the village to the local
cemetery and houses further south. The location is above the cemetery
and encloses agricultural land previously cultivated by locals.
The area was also the site of a front line during the war. Houses
and gardens in the area were partially damaged, and locals are now
attempting to restore both. Demining the location will increase
the safety of village inhabitants and enable residents in the area
to access the land and forests.
Visoko, Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovia
A 21,197 m² minefield in Visoko Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Homes destroyed during the war in this location have not been rebuilt
due to mine-contamination in the area. Demining this area will enable
reconstruction efforts to begin, create conditions for the safe
cultivation of land, and allow the men, women and children to go
about their activities and move freely in the area.
Prebisalici, Bosnia and Herzegovia
A 21,500 m² minefield in Prebisalici, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Demining this area will enable area residents to rebuild homes destroyed
during the war. This particular location includes two houses and
a water well that currently does not function. The line of separation
during the war was located close to this project. Local civilians
believe that the nearby creek is mined. On March 18, 2001, a resident
stepped on a PROM-1 AP mine on his way to the village.
Srebrenica, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The clearance of approximately 34,000 m2 of land in the municipality
of Srebrenica, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Comprised
of two components: Osmace - 21,628 m2; Jezero-Predola - 12,143 m2.
The project will be undertaken by the Canadian International Demining
Corps. Impact of demining will facilitate the safe rebuilding of
residential property, the return of more displaced persons, and
the restoration of forest, agricultural and pasture land to productive
use.
Bosanksa Krupa, Unsko-Sanksi, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 24,850 m² minefield in Bosanksa Krupa, Unsko-Sanksi,
Bosnia and Herzegovina. This location is 1km south of Bosnaska Krupa
center, near the highway towards Bihac-Banja Luka. The confrontation
line from past conflict is near the site. The area around the location
is densely populated and is a part of a town, bordering housing
and extending into agricultural land. Several mine incidents occurred
at this location, with seven people injured and three killed. Demining
this location will ultimately enable the local population
to use agricultural land as well as ensure their safety.
Visori, Celic, Tuzlanski, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 24,568 m2 minefield in Visori, Celic, Tuzlanski. In this village,
refugees have begun to return. The access road leading to this village
has already been cleared and several anti-tank mines were found.
On this site, there are a number of homes including several destroyed
homes. There is also an electrical power station. Demining of this
site would create conditions for rebuilding of housing and other
infrastructure in the village of Visori.
Your Money at
work in Cambodia
Andoek 11 village, Sdao commune, Ratanakmondul, Battambang,
Cambodia
A 46,442 m2 village is surrounded by a forest and is located
in Ratanakmondul district in Battambang province, 45 kilometers
southwest from the provincial town. Nearly 110 families (548 people)
live in the village. From 1984 and 1996, thousands of mines were
laid to keep military garrisons out. Between 1997 and 2002, four
people were injured and three animals were killed. Plans to develop
the area have been halted due to the presence of the mines and UXO.
Demining this area will allow for the resettlement of 24 landless
families.
Andoek 11 village, Sdao commune, Ratanakmondul, Battambang,
Cambodia
A 49,066 m2 village is surrounded by a forest and is located
in Ratanakmondul district in Battambang province, 45 kilometers
southwest from the provincial town. Nearly 110 families (548 people)
live in the village. From 1984 and 1996, thousands of mines were
laid to keep military garrisons out. Between 1997 and 2002, four
people were injured and three animals were killed. Plans to develop
the area have been halted due to the presence of the mines and UXO.
Currently, villagers need 49,066 square meters of land cleared to
resettle 24 landless families and construct a road in the area.
Prohors Kbal village, Phteah Rung, Krovanh district, Pursat
province, Cambodia
A 49,513 m2 Prohors village is located in Phteah Rung commune
in the Pursat province. It is home to 120 families (567 people)
and is surrounded by jungle. In the mine-affected area, there is
farmland and a monastery compound. Since resettling, 1 person has
been killed and 6 injured from landmines. 37 domestic animals have
also been killed.
Survivor Assistance Program in Cambodia.
A survivor Assistance Program in Cambodia. Vietnam Veterans
Foundation of America will provide support to landmine survivors
and other disabled people through one of four rehabilitation centres
throughout Cambodia. VVAF will apply the funds where there is the
most immediate need. Support services include the production and
distribution of mobility devices, medical and rehabilitation services,
assistance to help disabled children attend school, a sports reintegration
program and income-generation projects for the families of disabled
individuals.
Stung Thmey village, Promoay commune, Veal
Veng district, Pursat province, Cambodia
A 38,826 m2 minefield in Stung Thmey village, Promoay commune,
Veal Veng district, Pursat province. Stung Tmey village, in Pursat
province is a small village of 60 families. A heavily forested area,
most families are rice farmers or hunt wild animals. The majority
are of the Por minority group. Another 60 families will be relocated
to this village soon.During the war, this village was covered in
mines and un-exploded ordnances. Since returning, 12 villagers have
been killed and another 14 have been seriously wounded.
Spean Youl Village, Chrey Seima Commune, Som
Pov Loun District, Battambang, Cambodia
A 21,785 m² minefield is near the Cambodian-Thai border.
The mine contamination on the existing road is the result of three
decades of conflict. The mines prevent the villagers from having
access to the rich soil in the area, which is invaluable for agriculture.
The landmines remain a threat for both villagers and livestock in
the area.
Spean Youl Village, Chrey Seima Commune Battambang,
Cambodia
A 29,110 m² minefield in Spean Youl Village, Chrey Seima
Commune Battambang, Cambodia. This area is near the Cambodian-Thai
border. The mine contamination on the existing road is the result
of three decades of conflict. The mines prevent the villagers from
having access to the rich soil in the area, which is invaluable
for agriculture. The landmines remain a threat for both villagers
and livestock in the area.
Your Money at
work in Croatia
Lipje village, Karlovac, Karlovac County, Croatia
A 25,000 m2 minefield in Lipje village, Karlovac, Karlovac County,
Croatia. This area includes several foot paths and an access lane
to the river Kupa. Other contaminated areas include fields and an
area next to the village and near the river bank. Demining this
area will enable local residents to reach the river safely to extract
gravel necessary for use in construction. Vegetation near the bank
of the Kupa river and along the drainage canals is dense (willow
and poplar trees as well as reeds and bushes), while the rest of
the area is covered with grass and reed.
Osijek city, Osijek, Croatia
A 19,792 m² minefield, this minefield is divided into three
sections. The area makes up a small part of the agricultural lands
belonging to the Osijek Institute. The land is mostly flat terrain
with dense vegetation and is crossed by several irrigation channels
(primarily high grass with young willows located along the channels).
Mine clearance will support further scientific research at the Institute
such as developing advanced agricultural cultures, creating new
hybrids, and continuing the process of cultivating new seeds. Demining
will also return fertile land to the profitable agricultural industry
in the area, benefitting local farmers.
Bicine Gracas, Croatia
A 20,000 m² minefield in Croatia near the former confrontation
line, between 50-100 meters in front of where infantry were positioned
alongside the southern side of the Bicine Gracas local road, passing
through Gracac village. The area was devastated during the war and
the population has not completely returned to the village. The terrain
is mainly flat, with some slopes and rocky soil. Both anti-personnel
and anti-tank mines have been found in the area by locals.
Bila Vlaka village, Stankovci, Zadar County, Croatia
A 27,000 m2 minefield in Bila Vlaka village, Stankovci, Zadar
County The area contaminated by mines includes homes, a local playground,
and a portion of the Vuksic-Bila Vlaka Stankovci road belt. The
area was severely affected by the war and most of the population
has returned. The land consists of rocky terrain with dense underbrush
and grass with pastures in the area. Demining this area is vital
to ensure the safety of inhabitants in the area. Both anti-tank
and anti-personnel mines have been found and removed by the local
population.
Mine detection dog (Nightingale)
The purchase and training of one mine detection dog (Nightingale)
through the Canine Demine Program. Training to be undertaken by
the Canadian International Demining Corps.
Your Money
at work in Mozambique
Ressano Garcia, Tomo/Ressano Garcia, Maputo, Mozambique
A 12,885 m2 This area is a subsection of a large minefield in
Ressano Garcia, which includes a graveyard, a dip tank (used for
treating cattle with chemicals to ward off lice and other insects)
with an access road, and a large agricultural area. Clearing this
section will help restore access to roads leading to fields and
forests in the area as well as enable people to reach agricultural
areas and the graveyard safely.
Ressano Garcia, Tomo/Ressano Garcia, Maputo, Mozambique
A 13,883 m2 area is a subsection of a large minefield in Ressano
Garcia, which includes a dip tank (used for treating cattle with
chemicals to ward off lice and other insects) with an access road,
and a large agricultural area. This particular section consists
of a graveyard. Clearing this section will help restore access to
roads leading to fields and forests in the area as well as enable
people to reach agricultural areas and the graveyard safely.
Vilanculos, Vilanculos, Inhambane, Mozambique
A 22,260 m2 area is the land around a lake adjoining the town
of Vilanculos. The lake is used for fishing and the land around
it is fertile agricultural land. Even though there are warning signs
posted in the area, accidents continue to happen as people attempt
to fish and cultuvate the land.
Tevele, Massinga, Inhambane, Mozambique
A 15,000 m2 minefield, a former government base, is located
very close to a village. There have been accidents in the past and
the people living in the town are anxious to be able to begin using
the land for farming once again.
Mavila, Zavala, Inhambane, Mozambique
A 20,000 m2 minefield in Mavila, Zavala, Inhambane, Mozambique.
This minefield is located very close to the centre of a busy town
with bus stops, markets and other commercial areas close by. More
than 1000 families live in this town and are at risk regularly.
Mulir, Mecanhelas, Niassa, Mozambique
A 15,000 m2 minefield in Mulir, Mecanhelas, Niassa, Mozambique.
During the war, FRELIMO laid mines to protect their military positions
from RENAMO attack. Local families are currently using 100% of the
area surrounding the marked field for subsistence farming and there
is great pressure for additional land. As locals have tried to expand
the cultivated area, they have found mines, fortunately with no
casualties. Clearing this area would benefit local families and
would also allow the railroad to opened up improving infrastructure
for the entire country.
Ressano Garcia, Tomo/Ressano Garcia, Maputo Mozambique
11,811 m² minefield is a subsection of a large minefield
in Ressano Garcia, which includes a graveyard, a dip tank (used
for treating cattle with chemicals to ward off lice and other insects)
with an access road, and a large agricultural area. This particular
section was the site of a former military position. Clearing this
section will help restore access to roads leading to fields and
forests in the area as well as enable people to reach agricultural
areas.
Some smaller projects undertaken by Night of a Thousand Dinners
affiliates will be added from time to time.
Ressano Garcia, Mozambique
A 11,688 m² minefield, this area is a subsection of a large
minefield in Ressano Garcia, which includes a graveyard, a dip tank
(used for treating cattle with chemicals to ward off lice and other
insects) with an access road, and a large agricultural area. Clearing
this section will help restore access to roads leading to fields
and forests in the area as well as enable people to reach agricultural
areas and the graveyard safely.
Ressano Garcia, Mozambique
A 11,811 m² minefield, this area is a subsection of a large
minefield in Ressano Garcia, which includes a graveyard, a dip tank
(used for treating cattle with chemicals to ward off lice and other
insects) with an access road, and a large agricultural area. This
particular site was a former military position. Clearing this section
will help restore access to roads leading to fields and forests
in the area as well as enable people to reach agricultural areas
and the graveyard safely.
Nhpthuro-Goonda, Chibabava, Sofala, Mozambique
A 40,000 m2 minefield in Nhpthuro-Goonda, Chibabava, Sofala.
During the war, mines were placed in this agricultural land to protect
a former military camp. 2192 people live in this area and would
benefit from the clearance.
Ressano Garcia, Muputo, Mozambique
Two contiguous 11,688 m² minefield portions in Ressano
Garcia, Muputo, Mozambique. The minefield includes a graveyard,
a dip tank (used for treating cattle with chemicals to ward off
lice and other insects) with an access road, and a large agricultural
area. Clearing this section will help restore access to roads leading
to the forests in the area as well as enable people to reach agricultural
areas and the graveyard safely.
Your Money at
work in Vietnam
Mines Advisory Group mobile Mine Action Team (MAT), Vietnam
Mines Advisory Group mobile Mine Action Team (MAT) working in
Quang Binh Province for four months, clearing an estimated 20,000m2.
The team is also equipped and trained to conduct unexploded ordinance
(UXO) searches of small areas prioritized for community development
activities to ensure these can go ahead safely.
Survivor Assistance Program in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
A Survivor Assistance Program in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.
Clear Path International will provide landmine survivor services
to a total of 61 landmine survivors and their families. Services
include: post trauma medical services, emergency outreach services,
including family bereavement grants, children's scholarships, home
improvement grants and vocational training.
Hai Phu Commune, Hai Lang, Quang Tri, Vietnam
A 40,000 m2 minefield in Hai Phu Commune, Hai Lang, Quang Tri.
The area was part of Mai Linh Fire Support Base during the Vietnam
War. Between 1972 and 1975 the area was the scene of heavy fighting
as it became the front line between the forces of the North and
the South. Since the end of the conflict, local accident data records
79 people killed and 46 people injured by UXO or mine accidents.
A recent accident at the end of 2001 killed 4 people.
Phu Thuy Commune and others, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam
Night of 1000 Dinners funds are supporting a mobile Mine Action
Team for Quang Binh province for one year, including training and
equipment costs. This team will be flexible to adjust the immediate
needs of the community as they arise. Quang Binh province, with
approximately 714,891 inhabitants, contains large stretches of the
former Ho Chi Minh Trail, which linked the supply lines from the
North into the Southern provinces. Many areas were used as staging
grounds and logistical supply stores for the troops and equipment
moving south. A technical assessment of the province found un-exploded
ordinances (UXOs) in various states lying on the surface of the
ground with a contamination rate of 1 item per 100m2. Vietnamese
officials have designated Quang Binh as a top priority for assistance
due to the devastation caused by the war, which has left the province
one of the poorest in Vietnam. The explosive remnants of war continue
to severely restrict development opportunities in many of the communes
and are a constant and ever-present threat to children and their
families who live, work, play and study in these areas.
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