Mo Duc, Quang Ngai (September 30, 2024) – On Monday morning, during the flag-raising ceremony at Duc Tan Primary School in Mo Duc District, Quang Ngai Province, 368 students from grades 1 to 5, including 176 girls, enthusiastically participated in an explosive ordnance risk reduction awareness program.
The program, organized by Project RENEW in collaboration with the Quang Ngai Red Cross Society, aimed to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves from the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
This educational program was specially designed for children, utilizing interactive and engaging methods through games, competitions, and dramatized activities. The students enthusiastically participated in the “Golden Bell Challenge,” where they answered questions about recognizing different types of unexploded ordnance and the appropriate safety measures when encountering them. Additionally, fun yet meaningful skits delivered important safety messages clearly and memorably.
Students also received educational materials to reinforce their understanding of the dangers of UXO. Those who answered questions correctly were awarded with prizes, encouraging them to learn more about UXO safety actively.
The program received strong support from the school’s administrators, teachers, and local authorities, including the provincial and district Red Cross Society, and the Youth Union. The presence of these representatives not only demonstrated the commitment of various levels of government and the community but also played a crucial role in spreading a sense of shared responsibility regarding UXO safety in the area.
Through the program’s activities, students’ awareness of the dangers of UXO was significantly enhanced. Many now know how to recognize warning signs and take safer actions when encountering strange objects that may be dangerous unexploded ordnance. Early education on mine safety helps children develop habits of self-protection and contributes to creating a safer living environment for the community.
Children are among the most vulnerable groups to the dangers of UXO due to their curiosity and lack of knowledge, which can lead to tragic accidents. Project RENEW’s risk reduction efforts in Mo Duc District and Quang Ngai Province, in collaboration with the Quang Ngai Red Cross Society, are not only about providing knowledge but also equipping children with important life skills to avoid risks and promote safety within their communities.
The extracurricular activity, which incorporated UXO awareness education at Duc Tan School, is part of the ongoing expansion phase following the successful partnership between Project RENEW and the Quang Ngai Red Cross to implement UXO risk education and victim/disability support programs in two other districts, Ba To and Nghia Hanh, with funding from the Government of Ireland through Irish Embassy in Vietnam since 2019. The U.S.-based Friends of Project RENEW funds educational and victim assistance activities in Mo Duc District.
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