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Decoder Spotlight: African Academy excels again
African Leadership Academy wins News-Decoder’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for its students’ exemplary contributions to our global community.
Depression stole me. So I fought back — with help
At age 15, I was no longer me. Learning about depression taught me about myself, my support group and growing efforts to fight mental illness.
Listen: Young voters critical but hesitant in South Africa
Young voters in South Africa aren’t as loyal to the ruling African National Congress as their elders. This could reshape the young democracy.
‘Brain waste’ exacts human and economic toll on U.S.
Immigrants can struggle to work as professionals in the U.S. But there’s no quick fix to “brain waste,” which can punish the economy and migrants.
U.S. EdTech firm Newsela partners with News Decoder
U.S. EdTech leader Newsela engages with millions of students and works with top global media brands. It’s News Decoder’s newest content partner.
Listen: Why Venezuela is now a global crisis
The crisis in Venezuela has exploded into a global, humanitarian emergency. Giavanna Bravo reports in this episode of “The Kids Are Alright.”
Decoder: Why do diplomats matter?
Nations defend themselves with armed forces. But the military alone cannot solve today’s crises. Diplomats and “soft power” are needed.
Is economic growth at odds with fighting climate change?
The quest for economic growth makes it hard to adopt changes to mitigate climate change. What if we were measuring progress the wrong way?
A cribsheet on COP 25 and how to fight climate change
A global climate conference faces a deepening crisis as nations renege on pledges made in Paris in 2015. Still, there are glimmers of hope at COP 25.
Media literacy: The Iran nuclear story as a case study
Iran’s nuclear programme has held much of the world in suspense for years. But what if the real story, largely overlooked by the media, is elsewhere?
O Earth, what have we done? What do we do now?
The world was once an unlit candle. Now, the earth is burning. The wax has disappeared. I’m shouting but Mother Earth is shouting louder.
Hong Kong votes for democracy. Will Beijing listen?
Pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong have won a big electoral victory after months of protests. Will Beijing listen — or crack down?
I learned yellow vest protesters in France are complex
I thought yellow vest protesters in France were a uniform group of angry radicals. But I talked to citizens and discovered it’s much more complicated.
Can climate change humour spur political engagement?
Climate change can be downright depressing. A growing number of experts think humour can motivate young people to fight global warming.
Russia faces blanket international sports ban
Russia mounted a cloak-and-dagger operation to hide doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Now it faces a possible ban from next summer’s Games.
Fast fashion and environmentalism: Clashing trends?
Gen Zers care about climate change, but we fuel the fast-fashion industry, a contributor to global warming. Are we ready to shift our fashion choices?
Listen: Is the meat industry sustainable?
Is the meat industry destroying Earth? Two committed vegetarians come to surprising conclusions in this episode of “The Kids Are Alright” podcast.
Can at-home testing reduce the spread of STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases are at an all-time high in the U.S. Experts hope more at-home testing will help stop the spread of STDs.
News-Decoder featured in books on big issues for youth
In a vote of confidence for News-Decoder’s mission, a UK firm is featuring by our students and correspondents in books on big issues for youth.
Watch: African goddesses and a celebration of women
I wanted to dispel preconceived notions about women in Africa. Three goddesses capture the strength of African women and celebrate blackness.
Islamic State — a militant group wounded but unbowed
The head of the Islamic State has been killed. But the hardline militant group’s influence is growing in Africa, and talk of its demise could be premature.
Decoder Spotlight: Thacher students lead by example
They’ve done on-the-ground reporting to produce a podcast and video. Students Saga Leslie and Skye Neulight of Thacher School win our award.
Rwanda invests in model villages to tackle poverty
Rwanda is expanding a rural development program that is slashing poverty, but at the expense of free choice. Are the benefits worth it?
Decoder: Countries renew climate change fight
The next push to fight climate change comes soon in Spain, when more than 190 countries meet to tackle global warming. Here’s what to expect.
How dogs in Kenya are helping to save elephants
Poachers trading ivory are threatening Africa’s elephants with extinction. I shot a film showing how dogs are stemming the flow of illegal ivory in Kenya.
Reminiscing differently about the Berlin Wall
Ever wonder what journalists think when they cover a major event? Tom Heneghan was there when the Berlin Wall fell — a true turning point in history.
Kurds a pawn in Russia’s larger geopolitical aims
Russia has long treated relations with Kurds as a bargaining chip as it pursues broader objectives. Today in Syria, things are no different.
Women should not live in fear. The violence must stop.
What do we say about women who have their lives cut short because of violence? Why should we live in fear of what could happen to us as women?
How Jackie Robinson changed the face of baseball
Through his extraordinary talent, perseverance and dignity, baseball great Jackie Robinson helped open major league baseball to black men.
With climate doom looming, let’s reset economic goals
Economic growth is the holy grail for most politicians. But it can boost carbon emissions and exacerbate the climate crisis. Time to adjust our goals?
Fundraising campaign update: We need your support!
Our goal for this year’s fundraising campaign is to raise $25,000. We’re not there yet, and we need your help to achieve our goals.
Decoder: Who are the Kurds?
The Kurds are the world’s largest nation without a state. Yet, when thrust onto the world agenda, questions over the group’s identity invariably arise.
Ethiopia’s Nobel winner Abiy has spurred deep change
He has signed a peace deal and delivered sweeping changes to Africa and the Gulf. Ethiopian leader Abiy Ahmed has now won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Student Ambassadors: Leading by example
They are energetic, creative, alert and driven. They love to lead. They are News-Decoder’s Student Ambassadors for 2019-20.
Media literacy: Watch out. Shorthand labels can be a trap
Are the Houthis in Yemen “Iran-backed” or “Iran-aligned”? Are Hezbollah members “terrorists” or “liberators”? Labels can make a big difference.
Hong Kong protests: Broad support but futile demands?
The call by Hong Kong protesters for full democracy is the one least likely to be met. One-party state China most emphatically does not do democracy.
Prizes honor efforts to fight fake news, gun violence
Two global prizes supported by News Decoder recognize projects in the UK and U.S. that fight fake news and gun violence.
Help News-Decoder move continents closer
News-Decoder is launching a fund-raising campaign to reach more young people around the world. Here’s how you can help move continents closer.
Flags & songs: How Hong Kong protestors use symbols
What does it mean when protestors appropriate your symbols to further their national ends? How does it make you feel?
Nationalism rears its head in Afghanistan and Kashmir
When the Cold War ended, many thought international relations had entered a new era. Now, resurgent nationalism is fanning old animosities.
Watch: Comparing Paris’s metro to NYC’s subway
Are the frustrations and joys of New York’s subway unique to my home city? A summer criss-crossing Paris in its metro answered my question.
Decoder: Confused about Puerto Rico? You’re not alone
The people of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but have no vote in Congress. The island is a U.S. territory, but many Americans know nothing about it.
Ukraine: Could a prisoner swap promote peace?
Ukraine and Russia have swapped prisoners, to the chagrin of investigators exploring the downing of a passenger jet. But will the swap promote peace?
Creating global citizens to defend democracy
Young people today are outraged by injustice and inequality. Education must help them become global citizens who defend democratic ideals.
Can Trump step through the opening to Iran?
Foreign policy hawk John Bolton is no longer in the White House. Can Donald Trump, with one eye on 2020 elections, now cut a deal with Iran?
Riding the rails to a smaller carbon footprint
Ashamed of flying because it worsens your carbon footprint? You’re not alone if you want to ride the rails — as I recently did when my life took a turn.
Hard Brexit conjures nightmares across Ireland
If the UK leaves the EU, will authorities resurrect a border between Ireland and the province of Northern Ireland — ending two decades of peace?
Canadian newspapers, schools can learn from Hong Kong
Canadian newspapers and schools do little to foster interest in journalism among youth. Hong Kong has taken a radically different approach.
Wanted in Shanghai: A marriage partner
Away from the hustle, an ancient rite unfolds in a Shanghai park. Parents looking to hitch offspring post want ads in a marriage mart.
Peace is a distant dream in war-torn Yemen
The world’s worst humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Yemen, where outside powers stoke a civil war. Peace remains a distant dream.