Moyale, Ethiopia
Posted by: Ewan McGregor | Date posted: 29/06/2007
Ewan and Charley took time out to visit a UNICEF project in Zalambasa, which deals with land mine awareness. You can watch the video clips above or read below. UNICEF Communications Officer, Indrias Getachew, was their guide.
'The issue we going to today, it's about what?' asks Charley.
'It's about mines', explains Indrias. 'We're looking at UNICEF's Mine Risk education programme, and this is extremely important in communities like this that live along this 1000km border with Ethiopia and Eritrea. It's one of the most landmine affected countries in the world, with approximately one million mines planted during the war'.
Ewan asks, 'How much of the mine fields have been diffused?'
'Perhaps 80% of the mines have been cleared from these mine fields', explains Indrias, 'but that means that they are a potential for accidents'.
'One of the boys that we'll be meeting at this first stop will be this young guy, Tasu, who's now 20 years old. It was about six years ago when he and his family moved back to their home. They got back home, and as he stepped out of his front door he stepped on a landmine, and lost one of his legs'.
Surveying the scene, Charley asks, 'so it was literally on his front doorstep?'
'We're here in Zalambasa, near the Eritrea and Ethiopian border' Charley tells us. 'We're here with Lowam and Tesku, and we're here to talk about landmines. There's been about a million landmines laid all on this border, and these two have fallen foul to landmines and have both lost limbs. And it's a massive clean-up project, and its incredibly difficult, isn't it Ewan?'
'It is', agrees Ewan. 'UNICEF are doing amazing things here. They're helping these groups of kids to be mine aware, and using drama and workshops to teach children in all of the schools in the area to be aware of mines and what to do if they find one, and if somebody's hurt, not to rush in - all of the essential things that kids need to know'.
Ewan continues, 'They're also helping kids like Lowan and Tesku who have lost limbs in their lives after the accidents. And they're just bringing in these mobility cycles, which are extraordinary-looking things'.
'We saw a girl on the first one in this area this morning, and they really are the future for these kids, who often can't get to school after the accident. They can't walk three or four kilometers to get to school, so these mobility cycles are a real lifeline for them to have a future'.
In the next clip, we can see just how taken the children are with Ewan's tattoos, which makes it tricky for him to talk to the camera...
'We're here in Zalambasa', he explains, 'and we've been looking at landmine issues today with UNICEF. It's been just extraordinary to meet kids who've lost legs and had horrible accidents with landmines, and it's been incredible. The kids are just great. I don't know what to say, they're just great aren't they?'
We wanted to know if you had any special memories of people you'd met on your travels - see your replies below.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 32
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At 02:33:52 PM on 29/06/2007, Troy Murray-Plumer (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA) wrote:
Amazing and frightening.
'Fellas, 'Good-on-ya to bring attention to this horrific situation. The video portion showing the 'simulated live fire' explosion with the young man made me jump right out of my seat. Not to be morbid but out of genuine concern, on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being 'no risk' and 10 being 'very likely to occur' at what level do the experts place your risk for encountering a land mine in the area while motorcycling through? May God keep you.
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At 02:49:12 PM on 29/06/2007, Aron Paul (Manchester) wrote:
Kosovo - 1999
Reading this reminded me of my tour in Kosovo in the army. We were there as peacekeepers and we visited this UN refugee camp. What stuck in my mind was the children, so young and they didnt have any idea of what was really going on. But they just laughed and smiled all the time, worth the trip
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At 03:02:22 PM on 29/06/2007, Richard AW Tortorella (Langley, BC Canada) wrote:
Generosity
It never ceases to amaze me that in a supposed “harsh” world, there are always people out there willing to lend you a hand when you need it the most – the sad thing is, these people seldom realize what type of an impact they have had on our lives – so a big thank-you to all of you! Tomorrow I am embarking on a 1,600km 2-day motorcycle road trip, let’s hope I meet a few of them out there. Richard T.
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At 03:18:14 PM on 29/06/2007, Graeme (Tewin, UK) wrote:
People
Meeting people is what travelling is all about. I can't compare any of my meetings to those of Ewan & Charley at the UNICEF projects, but anyone who travels just to see sights or only meets those in their own group is missing the point. Get out there and meet people - they're great!!
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At 04:10:19 PM on 29/06/2007, Alex Hart (Portland, OR) wrote:
Travelling Equals People
Besides being in a new enviroment with unbelievable sights, it's ALWAYS the people that you meet on these journeys that complete your travels.
It's the one thing that a person can take away from a trip that remains with you forever.
One experience of many I'll share is while my wife and I were in Honduras. Our taxi driver took us to his home to introduce us to his family. Lots of little boys this Father had. We drank raw coconut juice, and laughed with them. They were so proud to have us at their home. I can't say they were poor, because they were so happy. That was good times!
Thanks for allowing us to relive "Good Times", as well as be a part of LWD's! -
At 04:19:20 PM on 29/06/2007, Andreas (Bavaria - Germany) wrote:
People..
It makes me feel so sad to see these children...compared to their problems our "problems" just seem to meaningless.. keep up your work for UNICEF
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At 05:58:38 PM on 29/06/2007, Brad Britton (Port Moody) wrote:
Thoughts
Hi Ewan & Charlie, Like LWR, there are two stories going on, the motorcycle adventure and meeting the people on your adventure. Both stories are compelling, but the stories of the people and children you meet are the ones that hit home and stay with you. Be careful, all of you! Latcho Drom Brad Britton
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At 07:56:21 PM on 29/06/2007, cuttsy (Ampthill) wrote:
genuine people
chaps, you're so fortunate! The people of africa are so humble and humbling. They live with so much hardship, so many difficulties and yet they just keep smiling and get on with it. Amazing people, can't wait to hear what you think about Zambia, that was my fave place from our Africa trip. ~cuttsy~ http://www.cuttsy.com
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At 08:45:16 PM on 29/06/2007, Brenda A Estrella (Temecula, CA) wrote:
unicef
thank you for sharing your experiences with the children! it was wonderful to see! i hope all of the world can come together and help these families. thank you for bringing attention to it and for making a difference! take care!
At 02:27:22 PM on 29/06/2007, Ute (Stuttgart, Germany) wrote:
Children
Years ago I was able to raise money for new doors in a SOS Children's Village in Jamaica, when the old ones had been eaten away by termites. Keep up the good work! I'm supporting UNICEF too. Love to you all and to all the children you meet along the road!
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