Across the world, thousands of men, women, and children are injured or killed by explosive hazards left behind from conflict every year. While the primary mission of The HALO Trust is to clear land mines and explosives, it is equally important to teach people how to identify, avoid, and report explosive hazards to the authorities and avert tragedy.

After its liberation from the Islamic State, people living in and around Mosul, Iraq, were surrounded by buildings in ruin, many boobytrapped and unstable. Familiar landmarks were destroyed, and the city and its surrounding areas were littered with explosive hazards from the conflict, including the Al-Jimhorya Park where children used to play. With nowhere to go, kids turned to play in the streets. Picking up or stumbling upon explosives, many have suffered life-changing injuries or death.

With the support of the Dorothea Haus Ross Foundation, The HALO Trust (HALO) worked with Al Ghad League for Women and Children to provide a life-saving risk education program for classrooms in Mosul. In 2021, more than 160 teachers attended a five-day training, received supplies from HALO, and went on to reach over 8,000 children last year alone. In addition, funds allowed HALO to work with local authorities, volunteers, and nonprofits to rebuild the Al-Jimhorya Park. What had once been a danger zone came to life with slides, swings, gardens, game fields, paths with lighting, and free Wifi for all ages. This welcoming, safe place now attracts dozens of children and their families every single day. 

Together with the DH Ross Foundation, HALO is saving lives and letting the kids in Mosul be kids again.