Stories about Citizen Media from September, 2009
Russia: “Afro Plus”
Adventures in Wheelville expresses solidarity with Moscow's African residents: “While Obama is busy making buddy with Medvyedev, scores of black folks on Moscow streets are looking over their shoulder every...
India: Durga Puja: A Daughter Comes Visiting
The Durga Puja is an annual festival that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. Bengalis believe that Durga is the daughter of Bengal and during the 5 days of festivities she visits her parental home along with her 4 children and 2 close friends.
Guinea-Conakry: 58 Killed By Army
International news sites, French radio [fr], BBC Africa, Twitter [fr], journalists, NGOs and political leaders report of on armed forces shooting on unarmed crowd in Conakry, Guinea capital, today on...
Brazil: Socio-digital Inclusion through the Lan House Revolution
The poorest and most excluded population of Brazil have increasingly more access to the Internet through Local Area Networks. But, has the digital inclusion promoted by lan houses across the country affected human development in Brazil?
Philippines: Helping flood victims through social media
A tropical storm hit many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces in the Philippines last Saturday. Social networking sites were flooded with personal stories, photos and videos of the typhoon's aftermath. The stream of information soon became a “hub” for coordinating rescue and relief efforts for those who had access to the internet
Japan: Lessons in Communication from the Hatoyama Essay
When an online Op-Ed piece by current Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama appeared in the New York Times just days before the Lower House elections last month, national reaction ranged from...
Venezuela: Expectations for the Oliver Stone Documentary
The trailer for the documentary called “South of the Border” from U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone, which profiles Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, has been a topic within Venezuelan blogosphere.
Costa Rica: Solar Halo in the Sky
A solar halo has Costa Rica's citizens looking up at the sky and taking pictures to share with their members of their social networks. You can see some of the...
Video Contest: Citizen Embassadors for the 64th UN Day
Actor George Clooney explains how you can participate and be one of the 5 winners who get a chance to be a part of the 64th UN Day in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Honduras: Citizen Videos from a Country Under Curfew
A curfew has been imposed by the interim government in Honduras while clashes between protesters and police persist after the return on September 21 of ousted president Mel Zelaya. Citizens have captured videos on the streets.
Mexico: Protests Against Nomination of Arturo Chávez for Attorney General
Human rights activists in Mexico are opposing the recent nomination of Arturo Chávez as Mexican Attorney General. They say he did little to solve the murders of women, when he served in the state of Chihuahua.
Australia: Kenyan women refused refugee status
Two Kenyan women are facing deportation from Australia after their asylum applications were rejected, despite risks that they may suffer forced genital mutilation if they are sent home.
Brazil: Has a free Internet really appeared on the electoral scene?
With the new electoral reform in Brazil, the individual Internet user is now obliged to behave as a media entrepreneur, unable to analyse candidates' positions and losing the right to freedom of expression.
Africa: Will technophobia crash the ICT party?
With the growing influence of ICT for development, can fear of technology and misunderstanding of its uses disproportionally affect the developing world? Here are a few examples of initiatives to combat technophobia in Africa.
Mobile-empowered to serve you better
The mobile phone has grown to be a tool that enables, farmers, small traders and service providers to take information-based decisions, thereby leading to their economic empowerment
Guatemala: The Activism of Massacre Survivor Jesús Tecú
Jesús Tecú survived the Río Negro Massacre in Guatemala. Since then, he has worked as an advocate for the Achí Maya indigenous community. However, Tecú still is under threat, as he received a call from an extortionist.
Can social media help make microfinance sustainable?
Microfinance agencies provide loans to small businesspeople who often can’t meet the strict credit terms of large banks. Either these entrepreneurs don’t have the capital or the cash to back the loan. Or as the large banks argue, their credit needs are too small.
Big Brother Africa IV: The Revolution is on
Big Brother Africa 4:The Revolution is the fourth series of the Big Brother Africa reality television series, which began on September 6, 2009. The show has already generated discussions and comments online from bloggers and their readers.
Colombia: Love and Friendship day in Online times
September is Love and Friendship month in Colombia, and to celebrate, many participate in gift exchanges, to the chagrin of some who dislike this tradition which has already migrated to online platforms as well.
Nepal: Maternal Health Care Challenges
Last week, two high profile visits brought maternal health care challenges in Nepal into media spotlight. But it will take more than high profile celebrity visits to bring relief to Nepalese mothers who suffer because of deep seated prejudice and lack of awareness.
Kenya: CEO of Wildlife Blogging Site Named Pop!Tech 2009 Fellow
Pop!Tech is coming again this October and on 9 September they issued a release announcing the 2009 Social Innovation Fellows which was also blogged about by Pop!Tech's Kristen Taylor. Pop!Tech...
