Stories about Development from January, 2014
Teaching of “Religion and Morality” In Bangladesh Schools
Blogger Bhaskar comments in Mukto Mona Blog about the newly introduced subject ‘religion and morality’ in school curricula of Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, teaching of ‘religion and morality’ in secular schools, we are talking about, is an extension of Maktab, Madrasa [Muslim religious schools] and dictatorial position held by Ulema in...
How Brazilian Taxpayer Money Finances Construction Projects in the Amazon
During three months, reporters from Agência Pública sought to uncover the trail of investments of the National Bank of Economic and Social Development (BNDES) in infrastructure projects in the Amazon.
3 Out of The Top 10 Most Inspirational Bangladeshis are Tech-Centric
While commenting on the a list of 10 most inspirational Bangladeshis around the world published by the London-based organization ‘British-Bangladeshi Power and Inspiration’, blogger Aminul Islam Sajib points out that 3 of them had significant contribution in technology field.
Sports as a Vector of Peace in Burkina Faso
The National Department of Sports and Entertainment in Burkina Faso published a report on the role of sports as a vector of peace and development in Burkina Faso [PDF in fr]: Les programmes sportifs bien conçus renforcent les capacités humaines de base, créent des relations interpersonnelles et inculquent des valeurs...
Sri Lanka's Best Bus Terminal
Freelance writer, translator and blogger Nandasiri Wanninayaka writes about the multi-purpose bus terminal-cum shopping and entertainment complex in the resort town of Negombo: You wouldn’t expect a bus stand in Sri Lanka to be like a mini airport. But if you happen to go to Negombo Bus Stand, renamed as...
Child Artists in Syria's Largest Refugee Camp ‘Zaatari’
Syria children at the Zaatari refugee camp, on the Syrian-Jordanian border, was showing off their artistic skills, writes Syria Untold.
Supporting the Rights of Malian Youth to Education
Mali's education system faces multiple challenges, but activist groups are coming together to tackle them head on.
Alarm Bells Ringing (Again) Over China's Housing Bubble
Continuously jumping home prices has raised concerns again about real estate bubble in China as the government refrains from introducing more property curbs that would hinder economic growth.
Jamaicans Deserve Details About Proposed Logistics Hub
You are being manipulated. Jamaicans are effectively begging and paying their government for vital information about their country. How can we accept this? Talk of developing an environmentally protected area of Jamaica as a major logistics hub has Cucumber Juice up in arms, as she says key information is not...
East Timor's Rising Budget for ‘Public Transfers’
The La’o Hamutuk NGO is concerned that the East Timor government is alloting more funds for so-called ‘public transfers’ which lacks transparent mechanisms: In recent years, Timor-Leste has spent about 20% of its state budget on “Public Transfers” – payments of money to individuals or institutions which are not controlled...
How Protecting the Environment and Fighting Poverty Are Linked in Madagascar
Madagascar's disappearing ecosystem cannot sustain its population any longer. But solutions do exist.
The Worrisome Job Market Projection in Burkina Faso
The AFDB published its country report for Burkina Faso in which it highlights the worrisome job market trend [fr] for the next decade : Sept burkinabè sur dix ont moins de 30 ans. Le nombre de jeunes (15-24 ans), primo demandeurs d’emplois, doublera entre 2010 et 2030, passant de trois à six millions...
Cartoon Character ‘Meena’ Changes South Asian Attitudes Towards Girls
"Since her inception 14 years ago she has shown millions of women and girls what can be achieved."
Malaysian Prime Minister Sparks Water Spinach Meme Over Rising Prices
Reacting to protests against rising food prices, Malaysia's prime minister reminded the public that the price of kangkung or water spinach has gone down. This remark unleashed a kangkung meme
Who Actually Lives in the Houses Built After Haiti's Earthquake?
Expensive yet poorly constructed, squatters reign in homes that were intended for Haiti's earthquake victims.
Talking Trash In Chennai – Through Blogs
There are about 4,500 tons of waste generated in Indian city of Chennai per day. Talking Trash in Chennai blog discusses how to deal with them.
Preserving The Hidden History Of Old Dhaka
Writer and blogger Jenny Gustafsson highlights the works of The Urban Study Group, a non-profit voluntary organization, which is campaigning for the conservation of the rich architectural /urban heritage of old Dhaka.
Job Market Trends in the Mobile Phone Industry of Côte d'Ivoire
Alain François Loukou, a research fellow and teacher at the Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, wrote an extensive report on the evolution of IT in Côte d'Ivoire [fr]. He shares the following table on the recent evolution of the mobile phone market in his country in terms of mobile penetration, jobs, turnover...
Is Pakistan's Much-Needed Gas Pipeline a Pipe Dream?
In early December, Iran cancelled a 500 million US dollar loan to help Pakistan finance its part of a gas pipeline that authorities hope will combat Pakistan's dire energy crisis.
Urging Indians to ‘Take the Poo to the Loo’
Sanitation and hygiene remain critical problems for India, with about 50% of its population still defecating in the open. UNICEF India's #poo2loo campaign aims to raise awareness about this issue.
Panama Canal Expansion Faces a New Challenge
The company responsible for the expansion of the Panama Canal has threatened to halt work demanding payment in billions for overruns. The Panama Canal Authority refuses to pay.
