After Cambodian Aki Ra’s parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge, they made him a child soldier and forced him to set up landmines. He later devoted his life to removing landmines, collecting and defusing over 50,000 of them with only a pocket knife, a hoe, a stick, and his bare hands.
Above photo: Lynn Johnson / National Geographic
Photo: CNN
Ra spent over 22 years of his life ridding Cambodia of landmines.
Over the years, he brought home over 2 dozen abandoned child victims to live in his home so he could care for them.
He set up the Cambodian Landmine Museum, which is dedicated to telling not only his own story, but the horrific stories of other victims.
The museum exists to spread the message that the aftermath of war continues long after the shooting stops.
It also houses a relief center for young landmine victims, as well as orphans and sick children.
About 29 children currently live in the relief center.
Photos: Cambodian Landmine Museum