Mine action training project launched in Ukraine for individuals affected by explosive ordnance

A pilot mine action training project was launched in Ukraine to train those affected by explosive ordnance. This initiative aims to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and advance humanitarian demining in Ukraine with the help of innovative technologies.

This topic was raised at the discussion at the Ukraine Media Center.

“When we talk about returning from the war, about finding a new self, about economic activity for people with disabilities, this is a rather long-term process. On the other hand, there is a great need for specialists who know how to work with explosive ordnance or work in the field of mine action in general. Because when we talk about demining, humanitarian demining is a small part of ​​mine action as a whole, which consists of a large number of components and there is room for a large number of specialists. And the third aspect related to this problem is that we in Ukraine are testing the latest mine action approaches and technologies starting with the way we identify danger and the way we work with data, as well as how we use drones and satellite images. And there is not much of this experience in the world, there are not many people to ask how to do it better. Therefore, the intersection of these three problems leads to a return, growth, and economic integration of people with disabilities. We will be able to harness their energy, their passion, their experience and teach them the latest approaches,” said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

On Monday, August 12, the first three-week training program began, featuring 12 participants. During this program, they will acquire knowledge on various aspects of UAV operation, as well as data collection and analysis.

As of now, 11 out of 12 trainees in the mine action program have combat experience.

“Out of the 18 participants that we selected, the UNDP chose 12 guys, 11 of them with combat experience. These are former military personnel who already have mine action experience. Some of them participated in the demining program, they were EOD specialists in the military. That is, they already have a certain military experience, and now their training, which will last for three weeks, consists of both a theoretical and a practical component. They will have more opportunities to determine and analyze the data necessary for humanitarian demining,” explained Liliia Hrabovska, Head of the Vocational Training and International Cooperation Department of the State Employment Center.

According to Karin Fischer Liddle, UNDP Medical Trainer, the training involves both Ukrainian experts and specialists with international experience. Additionally, there are plans to include organizations with relevant experience to share their skills and knowledge.

Following this training session, there are plans to expand the program. The next step is to analyze the quantitative indicators based on the current results.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news