Leer la versión en Español El sistema (The system) is a music program in Venezuela (and in some parts of the U.S) that trains poor kids to be musicians. The program started out in 1975, after economist and musician Jose Abreu gave classical music lessons to 11 children in a Venezuelan garage. Those music lessons …
Category: Strategic Global Initiatives
Jul 18
Life-Changing Lamps
In rural areas of Kenya, the overwhelming majority of families live without electricity. More than one third of the population depends on kerosene-powered lamps, which are not only bad for the environment, but they also negatively affect Kenyans in other ways. Toxic fumes, for example, are emitted from the burning lamps and can cause severe …
Jul 15
Ugandan Sex Workers Ward off Police Rape
It should come as no surprise that prostitution is a dangerous, yet pervasive, profession for individuals around the globe. Whether involvement is due to free-will or force the consequences can be detrimental or deadly. It exists in many forms and individuals, most of the time women and children, enter this lifestyle for a variety of …
Jul 15
The March on Washington D.C.
Due to the heated debates and reforms regarding public education in the United States, many teachers and parents have decided to take action. The July 30th march, which is referred to as the Save Our Schools March, wants to bring parents and teachers together in order to regain control of schools. The purpose of the …
Jul 14
People Comprehension Part IV
I’ve written several posts explaining how and why I think people comprehension skills should be taught in the public education system. Developing these skills in elementary school and middle school allows students to have exposure to different types of conflict, foster a greater understanding of opposing viewpoints, and build basic negotiation skills. In high school, it’s time to continue …
Jul 12
Youth Issues Tweet Chats
The SISGI Group’s Youth Initiative, the Alliance for Positive Youth Development will be conducting tweet chats starting on July 18th at 4pm Eastern time. The tweet chats will consist of specific questions regarding youth issues in today’s society. After assessing the data from the Alliance for Positive Youth Development surveys, the tweet chats will act …
Jul 11
Youth and International Development
On Thursday, July 8th, a rather interesting live web chat was conducted by USAID Administrator Raj Shah and actor Kal Penn. The topic of the web chat, “How to Make Change: Youth and International Development,” was especially important for young people who are curious about their role in the world today. Administrator Shah directly answered …
Jul 08
Oh Budget Cuts!
Budget Cuts Equal Shorter School Years for Many Children It seems as though the education reform movement that has swept through the United States is unable to conquer the growing budget crisis. Though the issue with budget cuts has been mentioned in previous posts, it is still imperative to highlight what exactly children are going …
Jul 07
Recovering and Rebuilding Sustainably
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and left its capital city of Port-au-Prince in complete ruins. More than 200,000 people died, and an even greater number were left homeless. A little over a year later on March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake (and subsequent tsunami) hit Japan, but there was …
Jul 07
How Can Sustainability Come out of Controversy?
The issue of modern day slavery, particularly as it pertains to the trafficking of individuals for commercial sexual exploitation, has been getting increased attention. With more and more awareness of the severity of the problem, it has become a hot topic that encompasses much controversy. Agencies, advocates and policymakers have been exploring the issue of …