In the summer of 1999, CIET conducted an evaluation of Angola’s Mine Awareness Programme. An initiative of UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and INAROEE (Angolan National Institute for the Removal of Explosive Devices) started in 1994, the programme has a multi-strategy approach to mines-related problems. The evaluation covers both major components of the programme: direct training of communities through local and international NGOs since 1996 and a mines awareness programme in primary schools (grades 1, 2, 3 and 4) since 1998. The two components are complemented by data collection on mines-related problems and advocacy initiatives such as radio and television programmes. This evaluation will assess the programme’s impact in increasing mine awareness and reducing risk behaviour. Fieldwork was conducted in schools and households in 21 communities in Huila and Uige provinces during August and early September. Over 1100 children in grades 1-4 in primary school participated in the classroom component of the evaluation. Parents and neighbours of these children in over 2000 households, teachers and community leaders were also surveyed about the impact of mines and mine action programmes in their communities. A review of the programmes of agencies involved in mine action in Huila and Uige provinces was also conducted. A summary of the findings of this evaluation is available with pictures and without.

See: Andersson N, Swaminathan A, Whitaker C, Roche M. Mine smartness and the community voice in mine-risk education: lessons from Afghanistan and Angola. Third World Quarterly 2003; 24;5:873-887.