by James Langan | 7 May 2019 | Africa, Economy, History, Student Posts, Thacher School, Youth Voices
I recently returned to Kenya to see China’s hand in Africa’s economic development. But does China have the continent’s best interests at heart? A brand-new Chinese-backed cargo train heads from Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya, 30 May 2017 (AP Photo/Khalil...
by Isabella Whelan | 6 May 2019 | Africa, Greens Farms Academy, History, Student Posts, Youth Voices
After genocide, Rwanda needed a judicial system that fit the violence committed. I discovered a unique court system fostered reconciliation. This is the mother of Olive, one of the Komera scholars now about to finish university. I took this photo during a visit to her...
by Kasey Ingerson | 2 May 2019 | Contest winners, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Westover School, Youth Voices
I used to tell myself, “It’s fine.” But then I presented a project that triggered difficult memories. I now realize I have to overcome PTSD. (Photo courtesy of Kasey Ingerson) “It’s fine. Everything’s going to be fine!” I’ve said that a lot....
by News Decoder | 1 May 2019 | Americas, Art, Gimnasio Los Caobos, Student Posts, Youth Voices
By Camilo Santamaria, Paola Rodriguez, Mariana Romero and Maria Paula Ulloa Urban art is controversial in our country, Colombia, because there are people who like and support it and others who dislike it. Urban, or street, art allows artists to express themselves. It...
by Anna Sofie Himmer and Helene Christine Juul | 29 Apr 2019 | Europe, Herlufsholm, Student Posts, Youth Voices
We surveyed Danish youth to understand what they know about the EU’s composition and procedures. The results surprised us. French President Emmanuel Macron poses with young EU citizens, Aachen, Germany, 9 May 2018 (EPA-EFE/Ronald Wittek) How much do young people...
by Naudika Williams | 26 Apr 2019 | Personal Reflections, United States, Youth Voices
The sound of a bullet goes out my door and walks up my street. It buys from the corner store and heads where friends meet. A protester dressed as the Statue of Liberty plays dead in the street during a demonstration against gun violence, San Francisco, California, 24...
by Emma Lorenceau | 25 Apr 2019 | Culture, Environment, Europe, Youth Voices
The fire at Notre-Dame cathedral moved citizens in France. But an outpouring of donations to fund its reconstruction has stirred controversy. Notre-Dame Cathedral burns, 15 April 2019 (EPA-EFE/Ian Langsdon) I was meeting my parents at a restaurant near the...
by Kiana Tan | 24 Apr 2019 | Americas, Asia, Contest winners, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Westover School, Youth Voices
Mocked and belittled as an Asian-American, I was desperate to fit in with my peers. With time and age, I have learned to straddle the two cultures. Workers make mooncakes, Taipei, Taiwan, 17 September, 2004 (AP Photo/Wally Santana) One morning I boarded the bus to go...
by Alexandra Gray | 22 Apr 2019 | Greens Farms Academy, Students in the Spotlight, Youth Voices
Giavanna Bravo of Greens Farms Academy has won our “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her multimedia contributions and leadership. Giavanna Bravo, Student Ambassador at Greens Farms Academy She produced a podcast, took charge of a webinar and guided her...
by Raghda Obeidat | 19 Apr 2019 | Contest winners, Islam, King's Academy, Middle East, Student Posts, Women, Youth Voices
Many Westerners hold misconceptions about Middle Eastern women. They are not powerless, and Islam is compatible with women’s rights. Candidates wave during a rally ahead of parliamentary elections in Jordan, 2 September 2016. (EPA/Jamal Nasrallah) This is the...