Stories about Youth from February, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago: The Death Penalty
“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?
“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
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
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
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...
Lebanon: March Against Sectarianism #Feb27 #uniteLB
Lebanese activists are marching today, Feb27, at noon, to demand the end of the confessional system that rules Lebanon. The activists are using this Facebook group to organize. The Unite Lebanon hashtag #uniteLb is also used for Twitter updates.
India: Are You A Toybanker Yet?
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.
Guyana: What you find on the Internet
Green coffee and porn? Guyana-Gyal explains the link.
Bahrain: The TAKBEER Guy Meme
In an unexpected result of Bahrain's ongoing Day of Wrath protests, the social media community came together and created Bahrain's first bonafide internet meme: TAKBEEER Guy.
East Timor: Recruitment of soldiers
East Timor officials claim that young people who want to join the Defense force are on the rise.
Trinidad & Tobago: What's After Carnival?
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
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.
Egypt: Flag Unites Mosque and Church
Wael Ghonim shared this video through Twitter: “Thats the real face of Egypt. Young Egyptians connect a mosque and a church with the Egyptian flag.”
Lebanon: 128 Dictators or More to Revolt Against?
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
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
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
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
‘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?
“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
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...
Trinidad & Tobago: Child Found Dead
Guanaguanare and gspott are devastated over the murder of an eight year old boy.