PGO - Safe Steps

OVERVIEW

Safe Steps promotes Antipersonnel Mines Risk Education (ERM) through information and communication technologies. This activity is implemented through a public-private partnership between USAID, the Antonio Restrepo Barco Foundation, Discovery and Computadores para Educar.  Together these organizations are contributing USD $5.8 million, USD $1.7 million of which was contributed by USAID directly and USD $4.1 million of which was contributed by the private sector. Safe Steps is being implemented in 44 municipalities affected by antipersonnel mines accidents and runs from January 2019-January 2024.

GOALS

RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS 

Safe Steps raises awareness about the risk of antipersonnel mines in Colombia, including the characteristics of these artefacts and risk zones.  Safe Steps particularly focuses on educating youth.

PRIORITIZE INTEGRAL ACTION 

Safe Steps encourages local authorities to identify antipersonnel mine risks in their community and to address these risks through coordinated actions.

STRENGTHEN CAPABILITIES 

Safe Steps strengthens community capacities to understand the danger associated with antipersonnel mines and to respond appropriately in the presence of an explosive artefact or possible accident.

ANTICIPATED RESULTS 

• Engage millions of people in antipersonnel mine education and awareness campaigns through multimedia products;
• Organize antipersonnel mine training for teachers, community leaders, municipal and departmental administrations, and the community in general using Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) models; and
• Encourage municipal and departmental administrations to prioritize the National Mine Action Authority’s integrated action plan that focuses on mapping and clearing areas with the presence of antipersonnel mines, and that prioritizes preventative education for people living in conflict-affected areas.