On September 20, an educational quest entitled “The Unconquered: Mission – A Safe Country” dedicated to the mine risk education took place in Podil, Kyiv. Hundreds of children and adults attended the event. It was organized by the Ukrainian Deminers Association.
The quest combined entertainment with important education. Participants performed interactive tasks, worked in teams, communicated with instructors, and learned how to act in dangerous situations. The program was designed to test attentiveness and provide practical knowledge about mine danger.
The event was free, but participants could leave a donation of 50 UAH or more. The funds raised were directed to purchase equipment for deminers who save lives every day by clearing mines in Ukraine.
Tymur Pistriuha, head of the Ukrainian Deminers Association, says:
“The danger of mines affects everyone. Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world, and 137,000 square kilometers remain potentially dangerous for Ukrainians. As of today, 1,326 people have been officially injured since the start of the full-scale invasion, but in reality, this number is much higher. That is why educational activities are extremely important. When complex issues are communicated in an accessible and understandable way, people are better able to learn safety rules and begin to take a more responsible approach to their lives.”
Participants also shared their impressions:
“I really liked that the quest was practical. I heard various alarm signals, practiced the safe body position during an explosion, tried working with a metal detector, and even learned how to apply a tourniquet. Those two hours were not only entertaining, but also really useful,” said one of the visitors.
“I admit that before the quest, I didn’t know much about the mine danger. For example, that the potentially dangerous area of Ukraine is comparable to the entire area of Greece! After the quest, I already know the main rules by heart: don’t approach, don’t touch, call 112. I hope I’ll never have to use them, but now I feel more confident,” adds a participant of the event. The quest showed that safety training can be not only necessary but also interesting. The format of the game helped participants gain practical knowledge and reinforce it through experience. In addition to such events, the Ukrainian Deminers Association is developing online training on mine safety, where anyone can gain knowledge at a convenient time. More than 47,500 ukrainians have already completed these courses.
The Ukrainian Deminers Association is Ukraine’s largest Mine Action operator. The organization works in three key areas: humanitarian demining, educating the public about mine hazards, and mine victim assistance.
The quest was funded as part of the Mine Victim Cash Assistance project with the support of the non-profit organization GlobalGiving.
Follow the most relevant events of the Association on our Facebook page
Read the latest news of the Association in the section Latest events