I read a comic about human trafficking, which is the kidnapping and trade of people for forced labor and other things, at a center for women and children who are victims of human trafficking. It was an educational comic for children to understand and see red flags when interacting with strangers so they don't become victims. Trafficking is a huge issue in Laos, and my classmates and I spoke with an organization called Village Focus International that works to provide aid for victims.
I did not play any sports this week.
This week, my classmates and I visited a prosthetic center called The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), which treats Laotians with physical disabilities. We also visited the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), which is an organization that helps to clear land mines in war-torn countries. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. dropped millions of bombs on Laos, and many have not yet exploded, making them un-exploded ordinance (UXOs). Laos was bombed during the war to minimize use of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which you can learn more about in one of the photos accompanying this section.
Years later, Laos is still dealing with the consequences of being put in the middle of the Vietnam War. The UXOs have been killing or maiming thousands of Laotians in rural areas for years. The UXOs are bomb clusters and they look like toys. Children often play with them not knowing what they are, which sets them off, causing horrible injuries or death. There are many ways to set these bombs off, unfortunately.
