Peace building learning quest: Define

Scenario The Australian government has given the Cambodian government a grant of $75 million. As a group of government officials and decision makers in Cambodia you are going to decide on the priorities for spending this grant. Background Nearly three decades of war from 1970 have left parts of Cambodia severely contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Helping communities affected by landmines is a complicated process. Land must be cleared to make it safe for farming and travel, survivors of people living in areas that are not cleared must be educated about the dangers and landmine explosions must be supported to rebuild their lives. An integrated approach which includes the following is needed: mine clearance and mine awareness education medical services for landmine survivors assistance for landmine survivors to rebuild their lives economically and socially In this Global Learning Quest you will investigate the global question: How can we support communities recovering from landmines? Perspectives on the Global Question Form groups to become experts on the following roles: Team roles Landmine experts Your team is responsible for mapping areas which need to be cleared, deciding on appropriate clearance methods, prioritising areas for clearance, and training personnel to undertake clearance. You also provide mine awareness education to help villagers learn how to live safely in areas affected by landmines. Government Your team is responsible for governing the provincial areas most affected by landmines. You need to make decisions about how to care for your people so they can live healthy and productive lives. You need to provide health care and education and build infrastructure, roads, land titles, safe water and sanitation. You need to support economic development to generate income to pay for the services and to provide work for people. People in remote villages affected by landmines have special needs. They need to grow food and collect firewood in areas which may not be safe and have good access hospitals for treatment if they are injured. Medical services Your team is responsible for providing medical services for landmine survivors – treating those who have been injured and their ongoing needs such as new prostheses and physiotherapy. Many survivors are poor and cannot afford treatment. Many are children who are traumatised by their injury and suffering without their families who live in remote villages away from hospitals. Survivor assistance Your team is responsible for assisting landmine survivors and their families rebuild their lives. Many must learn new skills to earn a living as they can not move around easily over rough ground to farm. They may need financial assistance to purchase goods for the starting of a small business through a microcredit scheme. Many will have lost confidence they can resume a normal life – attending school, having a family, competing in sports etc. Villagers Your team represents the daily needs of remote villagers who live in areas not officially cleared and far away from medical services. They may do dangerous activities, such as collecting forest products or mine shells for sale in order to earn a living. Many people have family members who have been killed or injured.