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Connecting Youth for a Mine-Free Future: CHAMPS Colombia 2024–2025 Recap

Updated: Jun 24

From October 2024 to June 2025, the Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS) continued to unite young leaders from Colombia and the United States through powerful virtual exchanges that foster empathy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. This year’s program featured inspiring new partnerships and impactful conversations that brought students closer to the realities of humanitarian mine action—and to each other.



CHAMPS 2024–2025 launched with a dynamic virtual call connecting three distinct communities: Gimnasio Femenino, a private girls’ school in Bogotá; Divino Niño, a rural public school in Puerto Asís, Putumayo; and Glenelg Country School in Maryland, MLI’s long-standing U.S. partner. Students from these urban and rural regions collaborated across borders to explore the devastating impact of landmines—and discover the collective power of youth to lead change.


Students at El Divino Niño School doing an activity about empathy and inclusion.
Students at El Divino Niño School doing an activity about empathy and inclusion.

As part of their CHAMPS journey, students explored key themes like leadership, empathy, and inclusion. They learned about how mine detection dogs save lives and reflected on the human impact of landmines through powerful survivor stories. Activities encouraged the students to see different perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and value fairness and respect.


Inspired by the quote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, and do more, you are a leader,” the cohort discussed how true leaders uplift others through example. An animated short film on inclusion sparked meaningful conversations about kindness, acceptance, and the importance of making everyone feel welcome.


Students also had the opportunity to meet our retired Mine Detection Dog (MDD) K9 Ambassador, Rico, and watch a demonstration video showing how he detects landmines in the field. Most importantly, they learned that there is hope for a mine-free future—thanks to the courageous people and heroic dogs who work together to save lives.


Colombian landmine survivor, Luz Dary Landázury's emotional story of resilience, was a special highlight of the year. A courageous survivor and advocate from Tumaco, Colombia, Luz Dary's presentation inspired students to reflect on the true meaning of dignity and peace. “The real pain wasn’t in my leg,” she shared. “It was in my soul—but I knew I had to rise, not just for me, but for others who haven’t found their voice yet.”


Gimnasio Femenino School
Gimnasio Femenino School

CHAMPS Colombia also engaged a group of younger participants this year. In Bogotá, MLI’s team met with 4th graders from Gimnasio Femenino as part of their graduation project on “How We Share the Planet.” With great enthusiasm, these students learned about MLI’s mission, the role of mine detection dogs, and how humanitarian mine action connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their curiosity and commitment served as a strong reminder that leadership can begin at any age.


This spring, CHAMPS students demonstrated their solidarity by joining the global Lend Your Leg Campaign for International Mine Awareness Day on April 4th. By designing awareness posters and rolling up a pant leg, they honored landmine victims and raised their voices for a safer world.



The cohort also had the opportunity to share more about their cultures through creative presentations. Students prepared slides with photos of their schools, classrooms, and outdoor areas to give a glimpse into their daily environments. They included images of local foods, landmarks, natural surroundings, and typical homes, as well as school gardens and animals. Each group also highlighted cultural elements such as holidays, special events, and traditions. During the final exchange call, students showcased short artistic performances: U.S. students sang songs, students from Putumayo performed traditional music and played local instruments, and students from Gimnasio Femenino in Bogotá played in a band and sang a song by Shakira. These vibrant exchanges helped students celebrate their identities while learning to appreciate the richness of others’ cultures.



As the 2024–2025 academic cycle comes to a close, CHAMPS Colombia continues to grow a network of compassionate youth who are not only learning about landmines—they are building bridges, breaking stereotypes, and imagining a future without fear.


We are proud of every student who participated and grateful to all our partners in Colombia and the U.S. Together, we’re creating global citizens ready to lead with empathy, dignity, and action.


Join us as CHAMPS embarks on another year of making a difference! 💙🌍

 

Én kommentar


I've been fortunate to participate in cross-cultural programs similar to CHAMPS during my high school years. Connecting with students from different countries opened my eyes to global issues I hadn't considered before. The virtual exchanges helped me develop empathy and understand perspectives beyond my own community. These experiences shaped my worldview and inspired me to become more engaged in humanitarian causes. When I need to unwind after thinking about serious global issues, I enjoy playing Block Blast to relax my mind.


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