The message “Preventing UXO-related accidents is how we continue to write peace” recently shared by a student from Dong Loc Secondary School in Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province, during an awareness-raising program on the prevention of post-war UXO-related accidents, reflected the aspiration for a peaceful Vietnam and for sustainable development and happiness for all.
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A view of the play “Spot UXO – Stay Away, Friend!” performed by Dong Loc Secondary School’s dissemination team |
UXO hidden killer beneath the earth
In a program organized by the Vietnam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action Efforts (VNASMA) in coordination with relevant units, the play “Spot UXO – Stay Away, Friend!” performed by Dong Loc Secondary School’s dissemination team left a strong impression on attendees at the hall of the Can Loc District People’s Committee.
The play told the story of three male students playing football. They were exhausted, sweaty, and wanted to swim in a nearby pond. However, three female classmates studying nearby warned them about a danger sign indicating the suspected presence of post-war UXO. A female militia member appeared and questioned the boys about types of UXO, how to identify them, and how to practice safety. Her explanations, accompanied by vivid illustrations, captivated the audience.
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Student Gia Ngan from Phuc Trach Second School expresses her understanding of post-war UXO, its consequences, and how to take safe response. |
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Students from Phuc Trach and Chu Van An Secondary Schools in Huong Khe District show their knowledge of post-war UXO prevention. |
Meanwhile, the speech titled “UXO Consequences and the Responsibilities of the Young Generation in Post-War UXO Prevention Efforts” by female student Gia Ngan from Phuc Trach Secondary School in Huong Khe District, Ha Tinh Province, received continuous applause from the audience at the Huong Khe District People’s Committee. In a clear and moving voice, Gia Ngan informed the audience about the persistent dangers of post-war UXO hidden underground and the lasting pain it inflicts.
According to statistics, Ha Tinh Province has recorded over 2,000 UXO-related casualties, nearly half of which were fatalities. Huong Khe District alone has witnessed several tragic incidents with severe physical and psychological consequences. “In Phuc Trach Commune, a student curiously brought home a piece of ammunition and attempted to dismantle it, leading to an explosion that caused permanent injury to his hand,” Gia Ngan said in a trembling voice.
The consequences of UXO are not limited to casualty figures. They result in long-lasting trauma, losses, disrupted educational dreams, interrupted livelihoods, and abandoned farmland, thereby hindering socio-economic development. UXO-contaminated areas remain a constant threat to locals who venture into forests, work on farms, or even play on open ground.
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A student from Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary School in Can Loc District answers a question on post-war UXO prevention measures. |
What should students do to protect themselves and their communities? According to Gia Ngan, students need to equip themselves with knowledge about UXO and its dangers. Curiosity must be avoided, and no attempt should be made to touch or handle any suspicious explosive objects. More importantly, each student should act as an orator, helping raise awareness about UXO among their peers, family members, and the wider community. The message “Preventing UXO-related accidents is how we continue to write peace” that Gia Ngan conveyed was warmly applauded by the audience, particularly UXO victims present at the event.
Promoting orators’ role
According to Nguyen Tien Dung, Vice Chairman of the Can Loc District People’s Committee, during the war, the district was one of the hotspots of intense U.S. bombing. The Dong Loc Junction, where 10 female youth volunteers sacrificed their lives while sheltering from bombs, is a typical example.
The official added that a large quantity of post-war UXO remains underground. Each year, various kinds of UXO are unearthed by local people during farming and construction activities. Studies by the Engineering Corps Command indicate that all 17 communes and townlets in Can Loc District are contaminated with post-war UXO, covering 38.8% of the district’s total area. Since the war ended, the district has recorded 36 UXO victims, including 15 deaths and 21 injuries.
In recent years, the District People’s Committee has done well in leading, directing, and organizing dissemination and education on UXO prevention and war aftermath relief. However, some people still underestimate the impact of UXO, resulting in continued accidents and casualties during agricultural activities. Therefore, it is essential to improve UXO prevention skills for all, especially the younger generation.
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An art performance of students from Dong Loc Secondary School |
Lieutenant General Pham Ngoc Khoa, Permanent Vice President of VNASMA and Vice President of the Peace Foundation, stressed that in addition to providing livelihood support to UXO victims to help them escape poverty and reintegrate into the community, it is crucial to raise public awareness, especially among young people, about the severe consequences of post-war UXO. Greater awareness would help reduce the number of UXO-related accidents.
Gen. Khoa also emphasized the effectiveness of school-based education, as students are active orators who help spread UXO prevention methods among their family members and the wider community. All efforts aim to create a world free from UXO and a peaceful Vietnam with sustainable development.
Translated by Mai Huong