Posted on March 8, 2026 View all News
As spring arrives, it brings with it a sense of renewal, including longer days, new growth, and a reminder that progress often comes through steady commitment and hope. For those of us on the Board of Friends of Project RENEW, this season is also a time to reflect on the impact that our supporters continue to make in Vietnam, where the work of clearing unexploded ordnance and assisting war victims moves forward every day.
Through the stories and updates on the Friends of Project RENEW website, we are continually reminded that the legacy of war remains a reality for many families in Quảng Trị Province, the most heavily bombed region of Vietnam. Decades after the conflict ended, unexploded bombs and cluster munitions still lie hidden in fields, gardens, and villages. Since beginning operations, Project RENEW and its international partners have destroyed more than 143,000 cluster bombs and other explosive remnants of war, while also providing risk education to hundreds of thousands of children and supporting victims through medical care, prosthetics, and community programs.
The impact of this work is profound. Every explosive device safely removed means a child can play outside, a farmer can cultivate land, and a family can build a future without fear. Yet the mission continues: hundreds of thousands of explosive items are still believed to remain buried across the countryside.
This month also gives us a meaningful opportunity to recognize International Women’s Day and highlight one of the most inspiring initiatives within Project RENEW and its partner Norwegian People’s Aid, the all-women UXO clearance team. The unique female team is made up of highly trained Vietnamese women who carry out the demanding and dangerous work of locating and safely removing unexploded ordnance.
Their dedication has drawn international attention and admiration. Many across Quảng Trị have witnessed firsthand the care, professionalism, and courage these women bring to their work as they sweep former battlefields and rural villages for hidden explosives. In some areas where the team has worked, dozens of deadly devices have been located and safely destroyed, transforming hazardous land into safe space for communities.
The team also represents something larger than clearance operations alone. It demonstrates how women are leading in humanitarian mine action and community safety—an inspiring example of empowerment and service that resonates strongly on International Women’s Day. Their work shows that restoring land and protecting lives can also create new opportunities for leadership and equality.
As we look ahead this spring, we invite you to visit the Friends of Project RENEW website to read the latest stories, updates, and reflections from the field. Each article highlights the progress being made and the people, including the deminers, educators, survivors, and supporters and donors, who make that progress possible.
On behalf of the Board, thank you for standing with us in this mission. Your support helps ensure that the work continues until the hidden dangers of war are removed and communities across central Vietnam can live and thrive in safety.
Together, we are helping bring true renewal.
