A call for Social Work students in mine action

Abstract

For too many, physical and psychological trauma are the unfortunate consequences of living in post-conflict regions where landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to litter roads, farmland, and other critical infrastructure. Master's level social work students can be engaged on micro, mezzo, and macro levels to assist such victims of conflict by engaging in mine action sector activities like psychosocial rehabilitation, mine risk education (MRE), and advocacy efforts to mitigate the effects and eliminate the use of ERW. We propose a field education plan in which social work students can engage in this vital work through international fieldwork placements. Such activities benefit international students, local communities and organizations, and the cause they serve. With fresh ideas and great enthusiasm, students have the potential to not only influence the course of the global crisis of landmines and ERW, but to reap the professional and personal rewards of participating in the international mine action sector.