Their main mission is to protect lives and restore livelihoods for those affected by war. ​​HALO recruits and trains female and male deminers from mine-affected communities. I have high respect for all deminers for healing this planet. They are removing mines and other ordnance from the ground making it safe for agriculture, houses, schools, hospitals, roads and other construction. More importantly, they help setup a brand new community allowing people who flee their homeland to start a new life.

A memorable moment from my internship was climbing Dong Rek Mountain to Dong Rek 9 Minefield which is at the peak. The climb was rough because it was early in the morning and the steps were steep and rocky. Despite these obstacles, we made our way to the peak. At the top our reward was the green scenery, lots of shade and beautiful views of the sunset and sunrise. I was stupefied to see real and rusted mines laying on the surface, and so scared to walk in the live minefield. However, once I began to walk I felt very safe because there were signs separating safe ground from uncleared areas. Safety is HALO’s number one priority when it comes to clearing mines and unexploded ordnances. 

I also help expat trainees adjust to Cambodian culture. I totally understand that they are having a difficult time adjusting to our culture because they are coming from a culture that is very open and independent unlike Cambodian culture which is more conservative. As a translator, almost all trainees come to me and most of the time I explain and introduce Cambodian culture to them. This is a really good way to exchange cultures and customs so all of us feel included in the community we are living in. 

​After expat training ended, I started to work in the office as an assistant. Over the past three months, I’ve been working for the Geographical Information System (GIS) department. My role is to use sophisticated mapping software to develop maps for both mobile and desktop platforms that the HALO administration and field workers looking for mines can use. Occasionally, I still help as a translator when HALO needs extra help. 

​Throughout my internship, I’ve lived in the remote accommodation which is like a family. Everyone is so welcoming and warm. I’ve had fun times teaching expat trainees Khmer and the section commander and field officer English. Also, the internet connection in the remote area is weak but we enjoy living without it. We have more time to actually talk to one another and we play games like UNO and Jahova which I’ve never played until now.  

I’m grateful for taking this journey with HALO in saving lives and restoring the livelihoods of people in the mine-affected areas. As I prepare to leave for college in the U.S., it is sad for me to say goodbye to HALO. I am going to major in Environmental Studies at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, with an intended minor in Food Systems. Thanks to HALO, I’m leaving with knowledge and skills in fieldwork and office work which has created a useful foundation for me to pursue my degree in Environmental Studies and broaden my understanding in this field. I really look forward to coming back to Cambodia and celebrating HALO’s accomplishment in clearing the world of landmines in the Landmine Free 2025 Campaign.