LANDMINES &
EXPLOSIVE
ORDNANCE
RISK
EDUCATION
On a visit linked to the 2015 refugee crisis in Greece, No Strings founder Johnie McGlade earned himself a new nickname. Helping a group of young Afghan doctors navigate the aisles of an Athens supermarket, Johnie mentioned ChucheQhalin, No Strings’ first film.
“Chuchi!” they said. Of course they remembered Chuchi: the puppet made of carpet who becomes a real boy as he learns how to live safely around landmines. It was often on television in Afghanistan when they were growing up. Everyone watched it, and it is still being shown by our Afghan partner.
And so Chuchi became the name they greeted Johnie with every day.
It was a lovely moment for many reasons, and a reminder of the film’s real power. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education depends on messages that children notice, remember and share. In places where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain part of daily life, knowing where not to go, what not to touch and how to respond can save lives.
The No Strings EORE programme uses story, puppetry and guided reflection to help children recognise danger and rehearse safer responses before a dangerous moment arises.
-
![]()
A Boy with his kite on the edge of a minefield above Kabul.
-
![]()
No Strings’ Patron Neil Morrissey with puppet Chuchi and landmine survivor, Kabul.
-
![]()
Outreach film-screening session.
-
![]()
No Strings founder Johnie McGlade with de-mining team, Kabul hillside.
-
![]()
Film set. Two evil, shape-shifting djins inspired by Afghan folklore.
CHUCHEQHALIN: CLIP
The Story of the Little Carpet Boy
The Story
-
Once, on a big mountain, lived a lonely grandmother whose only grandson was killed by a landmine. She weaves herself a little boy made of carpet to cherish in her old age, and he is brought to life by an Afghan fairy, a Peri.
-
Chuchi cannot become a real boy until he learns how to live safely among landmines. Jaladul the camel will help him. But when two djins ask him to look for treasure (in a minefield), adventure-seeking Chuchi is only too willing.
-
Chuchi replaces his lost legs with cooking ladles, only to become injured again when a giant dew lures him into further landmine danger. Fortunately, because this is a story, and not real life, Chuchi is able to recover once more.
-
With Jaladul's help, Chuchi finds safety and finally learns his lessons: to keep away from overgrown paths, never to go into unused buildings, how to retrace footsteps when in danger and isolated, and so forth.
-
The Peri returns and transforms Chuchi into a real boy. The story is loosely based on Pinochio, who must prove he is brave, unselfish and trustworthy before he can be made real, and incorporates many Afghan foklore characters.
-
Chuchi and his grandmother can finally live happily ever after. There are many moments in the film where the audience is called upon to help Chuchi, and embrace the messages of safety that he so reluctantly learns.
FIND OUT MORE
OUR STORY
How an old puppet called Seamus led to an international creative collaboration
OUR PUPPETRY
Why puppets create space for difficult conversations and behaviour change
OUR FILMS
Developed with leading members of the original Muppet Show creative team
OUR TEAM
The artists, trainers, and trustees behind the work
OUR METHODOLOGY
The No Strings Method: how film, puppetry and participation come together