The Importance of Learning Languages in Schools Languages are some of the most important cultural and social building blocks of humanity. They can be barriers when people cannot understand one another or they can be connectors that bring people together. As countries become more globalized, knowing a second language has become almost essential for young …
Tag: Youth development
May 27
Surfing for Equality & Peace
“Surfing soothes me. It’s always been a kind of Zen experience for me. The ocean is so magnificent, peaceful, and awesome. The rest of the world disappears for me when I’m on a wave.” -Paul Walker Surf’s up, dude! Surfing is a sport chased after by people around the world who seek adventure or a …
May 20
Invisible Warriors
In my last post I discussed the general global issue of child soldier exploitation. When child militarism is discussed, the spotlight is usually directed at the experiences of boys. However, out of the estimated 300,000 children exploited in armedgovernmental and rebel forces, about 30% are female. Due to social, cultural, political, and religious factors in …
May 20
Growing Up Too Fast
The Over Sexual Image of Young Girls Growing up is difficult enough without having to see images depicting young women in provocative or sexualized positions. However, young girls across America are immersed in a media culture in which wearing skimpy outfits make them beautiful, and looking like a size two model is the epitome of …
May 18
Too Young For War
Stopping the Use of Child Soldiers When we think of the lives of children we often do not think of them as training in military camps and fighting in wars. Yet, there are thousands of child soldiers involved in armed conflicts around the globe—some as young as 8 or 9. Universally, the use of child …
May 16
Reading Comprehension and People Comprehension
In the education system in the U.S., so many resources are utilized in order to teach children how to read. Starting in our early elementary years, various skills and tools are drilled into our heads to enable literacy. From memorizing the alphabet to understanding grammar rules to practicing reading comprehension skills, the education system ensures …
Apr 29
Penny Harvest Run for Change
When the earthquake struck Japan, the world was saddened by its catastrophic effects and many organizations, countries and even international bodies all rallied together to contribute to relief efforts. In two of my earlier posts, Help or not Series 1 and Philips Livable Cities Award, I stressed the fact that corporations need to be more …
Jan 19
We Are Losing
This past weekend another young person took their life. This news is starting to become all too familiar and the stories are starting to run together. A child is bullied for being different (gay, new, small, big, quiet,promiscuous, prude, black, white, purple etc.) and constantly tormented by their peers. These bullies never leave them alone. …