About our program

The CHAMPS International program

An international program that involves schools / groups in the USA to raise funds for landmine survivors in
Lebanon, Bosnia and Afghanistan. The survivors receive prosthetics, therapy and occupational therapy and get to “chat” with the students who are partnering with them via Yahoo messaging. The program engages all parties to have an open dialog on the dangers of landmines and also promotes a better understanding of each others countries and people.

• Students in the United States run Campaigns to raise funds for mine victim’s medical needs.
• International students identify and befriend mine victims in their communities/schools.
• US and International students meet virtually at least monthly using Yahoo Messaging. Students visit each others countries.

To date, CHAMPS International Campaigns have raised funds to help mine victims in the country their dog is serving. But, this program is not limited to schools that have sponsored dogs. Working in partnership with CHAMPS Patron Joan Wismer, the US Department of State, and the International Trust Fund, any school can join in the effort to help mine victims!

By using Yahoo messaging,  schools can download software which will allow them to log into monthly scheduled CHAMPS chats. Schools in the US and schools in Bosnia Herzegovina have been given webcams, donated by Joan Wismer, to facilitate these meetings. Discussions will include, but not be limited to, the global landmine crisis and how it affects mine-affected countries, landmine victims, and how everyone can help.