by Mahara Mmangisa | 9 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Society places value on being social. When we choose to bow out, people wonder what’s wrong. But sometimes healthy “me time” means: Just me. Two teens make fun of one who sits alone. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article, by student, Mahara...
by News Decoder | 3 Mar 2026 | Environment, Health and Wellness
On World Wildlife Day, the United Nations asks us to consider all the things we eat to keep us healthy and think: What if they all disappear? World Wildlife Day poster highlights medicinal and aromatic plants. (Courtesy of the United Nations) Each year, 3 March marks...
by Hamza Mohamed Ramadan Zahran | 2 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Culture, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
We are faced with a world full of disaster and suffering but feel powerless. The result? We stop caring. Hands grasped in empathy. (Photo by Prostock-studio) This article by student Hamza Mohamed Ramadan Zahran was produced out of News Decoder’s school partnership...
by Jeremy Gitiba | 26 Feb 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
There seems little point in trying when our chances are small that we will score big. But only when we accept disappointment can we realize our potential. A basketball player tries to make a shot. (Photo by dotshock) This article by student Jeremy Gitiba was produced...
by Haley Davis | 25 Feb 2026 | Health and Wellness, Indiana University, Media Literacy, Technology
Some think Big Tech is to blame for our inability to get off the social media that has left so many of us depressed. Why is it so hard to turn off the phone? Teenagers on their phones. (Illustration by News Decoder.) Editor’s note: This week Meta founder and CEO...
by Rihab Smati | 24 Feb 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Shouting and screaming in anger pushes people away. When we take responsibility for our emotions, we can reach understanding and deepen our relationships. Two women in a discussion. (Photo by SDI Productions/Getty Images Signature) This article by student Rihab Smati...
by Haude Estefania Yapi | 23 Feb 2026 | Africa, African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Student Posts, Youth Voices
With access to healthcare limited and expensive, many in Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere turn to counterfeit drugs. A woman considers buying a bottle of medicine off a store shelf. (Photo by FatCamera/ Getty Images Signature) This article by student Haude Estefania Yapi...
by Maggie Fox | 16 Feb 2026 | Decoders, Health and Wellness, Science, World
Natural and herbal medicines are much cheaper than prescription pills. But whether they work and are safe is another story. A bottle of herbal medicine that promises to cure all ailments. (Illustration by News Decoder.) This article was produced exclusively for News...
by Jasmine Ryu Won Kang | 2 Feb 2026 | Artificial Intelligence, Health and Wellness, Technology
You can get an appointment with an AI therapist 24/7 and talk through your problems on your own comfy couch. Any downsides to that? An AI therapist on a phone that resembles Sigmund Freud. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article was produced exclusively for News...
by Maggie Fox | 28 Jan 2026 | Decoder Replay, Health and Wellness, Science
Anti-vaxxers see a dark conspiracy around vaccines. But the reality is that for millions of people globally, vaccines are the life-saving miracle of science. A medical worker sticks a band-aid on the arm of a child. (Illustration by News Decoder) Editor’s note:...