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Angola Diary
1st - 7th September 2003
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I was born in Lubango on the 10th August 1970. I grew up in a poor family, brought up by my own father and mother. I failed to complete my Secondary school education due to hardships caused by war. My parents lived in small town called Njamba, a mining town in Huila province. My parents were always changing places as a result of regular UNITA attacks and threats on this small town which was of economic importance. We ended up settling in Lubango which was relatively stable.
In Lubango life was not easy in those days. Everybody in the family had to struggle for the survival of the whole family. We were six of us in the family, two boys and 4 girls, and I happened to be the first born. Since it was hard to find a job then, people gave education very little consideration, I happened to be one of those people.
I used to sell cigarettes and mum used to brew local beer, while my father was a brick layer. My father's job was not rewarding enough because at that time few people were building houses and so his profession was not on high demand.
In 1999 I went to visit my uncle in Cunene province. A few weeks after my arrival, I heard of a recruitment by an organization called MAG.I registered my self. Then I got selected and underwent training. I have been working for this demining company ever since. At first I felt insecure to work in a minefield but as time went on all the fear I had disappeared, I now enjoy my job and live a bit happier than before. I am now a married man with three children. The salary that I earn is just enough to sustain my family, though I would like MAG to increase the salaries which have been the same since the time of my recruitment.
I am a member of MAT 3 funded by the Japanese Broadcasting System which is currently working in Mangongo-Cuvelai. We travel long distances and stay away from our families for twenty one days. It is quite a long time indeed but I can't complain because apart from the salary I earn, I feel duty bound being an Angolan to contribute to the development of my own country. MAG saves and tremendously improves lives of many people. So far we have removed thousands of ordnances which have subsequently been destroyed. Right now my team is working in Mangongo, clearing an air strip and water sources. This will help bring about development in the area. I thank TBS, our donor, very much for funding my team. I only hope that this gesture will continue and possibly double so that we may continue providing this very essential service to the vulnerable communities.
Thank You,
Alexandre Miguel
Deminer, MAT 3
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