Transforming the Lives of Marginalized Girls Through Technology
The voices of marginalized girls living in rural regions throughout the world are often never heard. A panel of experts at the UNICEF headquarters in New York recently discussed how to help aid organizations utilize technology to empower and support girls and women. Not only does technology have the power to bring people together, it also has the potential to break down harmful cultural traditions and practices. The panel called on donors to start small communication programs in order to develop long-term solutions. Read more here.
Rwandan Students Excel in National Exams
The Workforce Development Authority in Rwandan recently announced the results of last year’s A’Level Technical and Professional national exams of which over 90% of students passed. Many of the best performing districts were rural based, including Gisagara which scored at the top the list for the second year in a role. Girls made up approximately half of the students who passed the exam. Read more here.
Burkino Faso Launches Research Fund
The government of Burkino Faso has agreed to set up a fund dedicated to scientific research and innovation in order to help meet the country’s development needs. The country has struggled to fund research in the past and currently only allocates less than one percent of its gross domestic product to research and innovation. Read more here.
Fire in Peru Destroys $100 Million in School Supplies
Just a week after the school year began in Lima, Peru a fire has destroyed approximately 500,000 school books and 60,000 computers at the country’s main state educational warehouse. Officials say many of the books destroyed were in indigenous languages including Quechua and Ashaninka. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Read more here.
Malaysian Minister for Women, Family and Children Steps Down
After months of pressure from from the public, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has decided to step down as Malaysia’s minister for women, family and children. Her decision comes after much controversy surrounding an alleged scandal involving the misuse of government funds in which her family is accused of using money meant for a cattle project on personal expenses. The minster denies any wrongdoing and claims her decision to resign was related to the accusations. Read more here.
