· February, 2011

Stories about Youth from February, 2011

Trinidad & Tobago: The Death Penalty

  28 February 2011

“Faced with a major problem with serious crime in Trinidad & Tobago, the current government is ( rather predictably) pushing for the reimplementation of the death penalty”: Globewriter is heartened by “a few young activists who are…speaking out” against the move.

Jamaica: Nothing for the Youth?

  28 February 2011

“We too busy having dramatic, Days-of-our-lives type enquiries to stop for a minute and realise that this year, more than any other year to date, is all about us. It's about the African people. It's about youth”: Ruthibelle is dismayed that the UN International Year of Youth is not being...

Argentina: Hackathons and Budget Transparency in Bahía Blanca

  28 February 2011

As we have witnessed in the last month, there are moments in civic life that drive citizens to change and challenge institutions, to create solutions and to express their concerns about things that matter. In a short interview with Renata Avila for the Technology for Transparency Network, Manuel Aristarian, an...

Azerbaijan: Great People's Day

  27 February 2011

Activists in Azerbaijan have opened a Facebook page, 11 March – Great People's Day in Azerbaijan / 11 Mart – Böyük Xalq Günü, to attract support for their plans to protest after being inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Azerbaijan: Join Us

  27 February 2011

Pro-opposition activists in the Armenian Diaspora are starting to use rap music to communicate their message ahead of next week's demonstration in Yerevan while youth movements in Azerbaijan have long been doing so. Uploaded to YouTube in October, one example is Shirbənd with Bizimlə ol (Join Us) as opposition groups...

India: Are You A Toybanker Yet?

  25 February 2011

Toybank is a bank with Toy Deposits and Joy Dividends, an idea which comes with a vision of reaching out to needy children through fun and play, using toys. Debolina Raja Gupta interviews Sweta Chari, the CEO of the Toybank project, to learn more.

Trinidad & Tobago: What's After Carnival?

  24 February 2011

As controversy ensues over the behaviour of a “sore loser” at a Carnival music competition, Coffeewallah observes that the priorities of Trinbagonians may be skewed: “In two weeks this will all be over, the remnants of costumes swept up, the glitter packed away, the soca stars will go on to...

Malaysia: Suicide a Rising Problem

  24 February 2011

Malaysia has recently been gripped by an alarming social issue: suicide. It is estimated that an average of 60 suicides every month are being committed in Malaysia. A young Malaysian even posted a suicide note on Facebook.

Lebanon: 128 Dictators or More to Revolt Against?

  23 February 2011

While the Arab world has been and is still revolting against its dictators, the situation in Lebanon is a bit different and more complex. According to netizens Imad Bazzi and Ali Fakhry, the Lebanese people are suffering from 128 dictators, who make up the Lebanese Parliament, and a sectarian regime. They decided to stage a protest to voice their concerns. Here is what happened and reactions which followed.

Puerto Rico: Conflictive One Day Walk-Out

  23 February 2011

In a general student assembly yesterday, a majority of students of the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico voted in favor of ending the strike for one month [es], but they declared a one day walk out today as part of their protest initiatives against the imposition of...

Puerto Rico: A Student's Life Broadcast Through Youtube

  23 February 2011

Christian Ortega published the first episode of his regular web series "La Cabeza de Christian" back in the summer of 2009. Through LCC, as it is known for short, Christian generally speaks his mind about Puerto Rican politics, headline news, and his life on the island for seven to nine minutes at a time each week. Alfredo Richner interviews Christian about his online success, Puerto Rico's blogosphere, and the student strike at the University of Puerto Rico, among other topics.

Kenya: Video: Me and My Bike

  22 February 2011

A group of teenagers from Nairobi won the $8000 Passion Pictures Best Film and Artists Project Earth Youth Visions award as part of the 1 min to Save the World contest, which challenged young filmmakers to create a one-minute video about climate change.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Outcry Over Molestation Charges

  22 February 2011

‘Three male teachers were questioned/detained on charges of gross indecency and acts of lewdness with their male charges”, causing a firestorm of reaction in St. Vincent. Abeni hopes to bring some reason to the debate, saying: “In the hysteria over a story that is yet to be proven we cry...

Jamaica, Haiti: Insensitive Treatment?

  22 February 2011

“The Haitians are clearly hurt and humiliated” over the treatment of its youth football team, writes Active Voice, some of members of which were found to be suffering from malaria.

Azerbaijan: Assimilation Disorder

  22 February 2011

Known for its caustic humor and sarcastic insight, London-based Azerbaijani blogger Scary Azeri touches upon the sensitive issue of cultural (in)compatibility noting how a traditional mindset of her countrymen may seem out of place when living in a foreign country especially as they often find it hard, or refuse, to...