by Angelica Recierdo | 30 Mar 2026 | Culture, Health and Wellness, Music, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Latin dance is popular worldwide. And whether they lead or follow, people find salsa can build community and improve their health. A man and woman practice salsa dancing. (Photo by edwardolive from Getty Images Pro) To Dayani Waas, Cuban salsa dancing was a key that...
by Kumbulani Kumbula | 27 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Culture, Education, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
What makes normalisation powerful is its invisibility. When something is everywhere, it stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling like a cultural norm. A young man holds up his hand to say no. (Photo by Monstera Production/Pexels) This article was produced out of...
by Ashley Perl | 26 Mar 2026 | Culture, Health and Wellness, Music, Russia, Ukraine
It is cold in Ukraine, where Russian bombs have cut off power for heat and electricity. To keep people warm and sane, DJs have sprung into action. People dance in Kyiv, Ukraine to warm up after Russia’s attacks on the country’s energy system left them...
by Yosr Manai | 19 Mar 2026 | Africa, African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Human Rights, Religion, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Many cultures and religions around the world maintain traditions that cause physical harm. Why are so many practiced on young girls? A locked wooden box symbolizes the “closing” of a girl to protect the family’s honor. (Illustration by News Decoder.)...
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...