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Angola Diary
18th - 24th August 2003
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My name is Ivo Neto and I am 28 years old. I joined MAG on 6 September 1999. Before that I was a teacher in Mbanga near to Ondjiva at a primary school. I enjoyed teaching but the salary was very low and sometimes did not get paid. Because of this I applied for a job at MAG to be a deminer. In the future I would like to be a teacher again. After the war the education system has improved a little. But at the moment I enjoy working as a deminer for MAG.
There are more NGOs coming to Angola since the end of the war. But MAG has been working here through the war.
The worst thing about being a deminer is the risk of an accident. But it is a necessary job to help the local community. The area we are currently working is called Cuvelai, which is a remote place. There is not much to do after work. We just have some food and then go to bed at our camping site.
I am married with two children in Ondjiva. My wife is worried about me sometimes but she is happy that we have a source of income. This is very important for us to help our children go to school. During the time I return to Ondjiva I am working on my house as it is not yet completed.
The main problems for MAG in Cunene are the vehicles, and the old radios. But these things are getting better as we get more funding. This is why we are very happy to be supported by Japan.
Ivo Neto
Deminer, MAT 2
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