Stories about Youth from June, 2010
Japan: Two years since Akihabara knife rampage
Last week marked the second anniversary of the Akihabara knife rampage. Akibasuki [ja] went to pay his respects and photoblogged his visit. The scars of the rampage are still raw in the area: the ban on the vehicle-free zone (hokoten or walker's paradise), which Akihabara was famous for, still hasn't...
Puerto Rico: Decisive Moment 50 Days into the Student Strike
Students of the state-run University of Puerto Rico (UPR) have sustained a student strike that enters its 50th day today. On this decisive day, the students' National Negotiating Committee has another round of negotiations with the UPR's administration. Students have transmitted their second message to the country via the website UPR es un País [ES] in which they explain their proposals...
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Price of “Progress”
Abeni notices the proliferation of fast food franchises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: “As our nation gorges itself on fast food and channel surf to our leisure we get fatter and fatter placing more burden on the shaky health system.”
Sao Tome & Principe: More Children Accessing Technology
STeP UP OLPC, a digital inclusion project in São Tomé & Príncipe aiming to revolutionize how children learn through the use of technology, is now a step closer to their goal which is to gather 500 XO laptops for São João School. Beth Santos – the mentor of the project...
Chad: Regional Conference on the Issue of Child Soldiers
A conference on the prevention of enrollment of child soldiers took place in Ndjamena (fr). Mak reports that there are between 7,000 to 10,000 child soldiers in Chad (fr).
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Reflections on conflict and displacement
In a guest post on the blog of Global Voices’ Caucasus editor, The Caucasian Knot [EN/AZ/RU], Zamira Ayan Abassi reflects on life as an ethnic Azeri refugee from Armenia as a result of the conflict with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh as well as her desire for...
Italy: “Every Kiss is a Revolution” as Gays Await Legal Rights
Violent assaults on homosexuals have occurred with frequency in Italy over the past year, but to the disappointment of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activists, it has not increased the chances for new anti-homophobia legislation being passed.
Mexico: One Year Since the Tragedy at Guardería ABC
A year has passed since the tragedy at Guardería ABC, a daycare center in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora that was consumed by a fire, taking the lives of 49 children and leaving more than 70 with permanent conditions. Citizens mourn the loss and critize the lack of response from the government.
Azerbaijan: Baku concerned with social media
With progressive, alternative voices finding a new outlet via new and social media in Azerbaijan, and the first case of imprisoning blogging activists in the region occurring there last year, news reports now warn that possible new legislation might yet seek to silence others. On a related note, In Mutatione...
Mozambique: Photos from a Literacy Project
Blog Encounters presents a collection of photos from portuguese artist Margarida Botelho, featuring a literacy project she implemented in Mozambique based on the idea that “If we can learn how to convey our life story in a book with words and illustrations perhaps we can further our awareness of whom...
China: University entrance examinations begin
National day of performance anxiety as high school graduates from across the country sat down today to take China's infamous higher education entrance exam. Sina blogs is featuring photos of rain in Hubei, giant Silence signs in Yunnan, and scores of anxious parents in Beijing.
Malaysia: Student politics
ARTiculations from Malaysia is disappointed that student leaders are not protesting the law which prohibits students from supporting political parties.
USA: American student loses eye in West Bank protest
One of the many protests that erupted after Israel's deadly raid on the Turkish aid convoy ended in tragedy for a 21-year-old American student, Emily Henochowicz, who was protesting in the occupied West Bank, at the Qalandiya checkpoint on May 31.
Palestine: “I am afraid of the sea”
In reaction to the raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31, Gaza blogger Kawther Abu Hani has written a poetic post from the perspective of a child, entitled Sweets Don't Drown.
Trinidad & Tobago: About those Laptops…
The recently elected government of Trinidad and Tobago has promised free laptops for children about to enter secondary school; KnowTnT.com has a better idea: “Schools. Infrastructure that supports broadband internet access – not just in urbanized areas but throughout the nation. Subsidize it.”
Czech Republic: Gender and youth in politics
Dr. Sean's Diary scrutinizes the gender and youth balance among parties and deputies in the newly elected Czech parliament.
Social Networking Sites Made In Pakistan
South Asia Wired reports that during the period of the recent Facebook ban three social networking sites from Pakistan have emerged and gained popularity.
India: Adolescent Love, Parents and Society
Ram Bansal at India In Peril criticizes Indian parents, especially those who are in rural areas, of failing in their duties to guide their children on the issues of adolescent love.
Bulgaria: Bankya Sanatorium Appeal
Maya Markova of Maya's Corner reports that “[a therapy facility] for children with cerebral palsy in the town of Bankya near Sofia is being closed down,” translates a letter written by Daniela Peneva, whose son has cerebral palsy, and asks readers to sign a petition (BUL) – or “do whatever...
Macedonia: NGO Figts Autism Stigma
Vlado Trajkovski, president of the Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism, confessed on his blog that even though the NGO has conducted a successful workshop for autistic children [MKD], in which they created paintings to be sold at a charity auction, only 8 out of 60 invited families responded. According to...
