Angola bears the unmistakable scars of nearly 35 years of war. On the heels of its war of independence from Portugal, Angola plunged into one of the longest civil wars in modern history. Almost 20 years of internal conflict drove nearly 2 million people from their homes and homeland. As the conflict evolved, millions of inexpensive, easy-to-use land mines were deployed along roads, in farmer's fields, near water sources. They left their mark: nearly 70,000 amputees and 70,000 dead. The guns fell silent in 1994, reviving hopes of peace for the first time in a generation. But a deadly legacy remains - anywhere from 9 million to 15 million active land mines buried in the soil, endangering 8 million people.
In this exhibit, CARE and photographer J.F. Housel document the efforts of Angolan men, women, and children rebuilding their lives amid the bloody debris of civil war. Basic necessities are scarce, and the presence of land mines makes daily life risky. Even simple activities such as farming, walking to get water, or simply playing a childhood game can be deadly. Angola: The Lingering Effects of War is a tribute to those who each day face this threat with courage and patience.
Mr. Housel, a Seattle photographer and CARE donor, traveled to Angola to document CARE's Mine Clearance and Awareness Program. In this exhibit, which is his gift to CARE, Mr. Housel captures both the uncertainty and the quiet strength of land mine survivors, their families, and their neighbors.
Founded in the aftermath of World War II, CARE is one of the largest relief and development agencies in the world. Through programs in disaster response, health and nutrition, small-business support, family planning, and agriculture and natural resource management, CARE reaches 25 million people in 63 countries - including 39 of the most heavily mined on earth. In Angola, CARE staff reduce deaths and injuries by identifying, marking and removing land mines and teaching people how to avoid detonating the weapons.
