In rural Zimbabwe, dozens of villages are surrounded by minefields. Children walk to school through them. Cows are grazed in them. In villages like Musanzikwa there is no choice, people go hungry because farmland and water are cut off by landmines.“We are locked out because of the landmines’ says village elder Willard, “It feels like we are in prison.”

Donate to clear landmines, break boundaries and transform futures. Give before December 22nd and all public donations to the Breaking Boundaries appeal will be doubled by the UK government. 

WELCOME TO MUSANZIKWA VILLAGE 

The village of Musanzikwa is surrounded by minefields, threatening the lives of local people. 

Families are desperate to farm their land and feed hungry mouths. But the best land is out of bounds – cut off by the landmines.

The local cattle herders need to take their animals to the borehole to drink. But the only route is through the minefield.

Each morning, children walk between the landmines to get to class.

“The landmines are destroying human life. We have to guard our children when they are playing.” Mr Mafunga, headmaster Kaitano School

MEET KADONZVA: HEADMAN AND STORYTELLER

Kadonzva Musanzikwa started the village in Zimbabwe that carries his name in 1997. He came because of the river that flows through the village land – in an arid land it makes the soil much more fertile for crops and cattle. Today 30 families farm the land around Musanzikwa. Many more come from further afield to water their cattle.

“When we discovered the landmines we tried to clear paths by making bonfires to detonate them,” he says. “But the landmines are very dangerous and we are afraid of them. They are a huge burden. We have lost more than 100 cattle. And the best farmland is on the other side of the minefields.”

“We tell everyone who comes here they will lose their legs if they go to the minefield. I tell my grandchildren every day to stay away from the mines.”

“If the landmines are removed we know it will be safer to move about. Our lives will be better. We will get more farmland. Good land. Most of it is in that area. We can get water from the river. We will be able to travel to sell our produce and buy things more cheaply. All of this will allow us to develop as a community.”

“And I would be free of the burden of warning everyone about the landmines. My role would only be that of a story teller. Our ancestors used to stay in this place.”

By clearing landmines, you will open up the land of Musanzikwa, allowing its people the freedom they need to build their own village.

How you can support the Breaking Boundaries campaign:

Click to Donate Now

• £3 will destroy a landmine
• £10 will help clear a safe path to school 
• £25 will help pay a deminer for one day

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Remember all funds raised before December 22nd will be doubled by the UK government.