by Ramona-Blessing Mkunna | 9 Jan 2026 | Africa, African Leadership Academy, Contest winners, Health and Wellness, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Raising a child with autism carries special challenges. Confronting the ignorance of society shouldn’t be one of them. A Tanzanian flag set against the colorful jigsaw puzzle pieces that signify autism awareness. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article by...
by Angelica Recierdo | 6 Jan 2026 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Many teachers find that students can’t learn if they are hungry or cold. But that often means providing food and clothing out of their own pockets. Children eat snacks in a classroom. (Illustration by News Decoder) Ashley teaches Spanish at a public high school...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 29 Dec 2025 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
College students must pay for housing, books and course fees. For many, that leaves little extra for meals. Some campuses are working to fill that need. A college student considers buying food or books. (Illustration by News Decoder.) University systems have long been...
by Georges Ki-Zerbo | 22 Dec 2025 | Africa, Health and Wellness, United States, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Contraception reduces mortality and can improve the lives of women. But the United States has pulled its global funding for maternal health programs. An almost-empty shelf, that once held contraceptives for patients, is seen at the Palala Clinic in Bong County,...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 1 Dec 2025 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Can schools entice young people to choose foods that are better for their health and the health of the planet? A woman serves lunch to a boy in a cafeteria. (Photo by pixelshot) In New York City, a surprising culinary shift is happening where few expect it: inside...
by Anderson Tuyizere | 20 Nov 2025 | Education, Health and Wellness, Kepler, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Bullies gain their power when people fear them. But sometimes our own inner strength is more powerful. A schoolgirl is bullied by classmates. Illustration by News Decoder. This article, by student Anderson Tuyizere, was produced out of News Decoder’s school...
by Ange Umugisha | 18 Nov 2025 | Health and Wellness, Kepler, Media Literacy, Personal Reflections, Religion, Student Posts, Youth Voices
When the screen becomes your escape from depression, can you find a way to face the reality around you? A young girl stares at her computer screen. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article, by student Ange Umugisha, was produced out of News Decoder’s school...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 17 Nov 2025 | Environment, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
In many places, people are shocked by the high price of food. But cheaper options come with other costs to children’s health and the greater environment. A supermarket aisle of sugary drinks. (Photo by LoraLiu/Getty Images) This article was produced exclusively...
by Aloys Bizimana | 13 Nov 2025 | Africa, Health and Wellness, Kepler, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Staying strong during hard times is the key to success. Set yourself some personal goals and don’t be afraid to accept help from kind people. Two hands grasp each other. (Image by simarik/Getty Images Signature) This article, by student Aloys Bizimana, was...
by Hanan Hammad | 28 Oct 2025 | Health and Wellness, Media Literacy, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
When it takes too long to get an appointment or a doctor dismisses patient symptoms, people go online for help. Is that a bad thing? A woman finds an online forum for people with polycystic ovary syndrome. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article was produced...