http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38347904/ns/sports-soccer//
After this year's World Cup, many of the US players held high hope that their success, though limited, would help to guide this country toward the one sport that is truly international. It appears as if that may finally be happening. The LA Galaxy, arguable the best American soccer team, funded a group of 14 and 15 year old Haitian soccer players on a trip to Minnesota to play in the largest youth soccer championship in the US. During a time of crisis (and to use that word for Haiti is an understatement) it is necessary to find something that will put a smile on your face because the psychological turmoil of it all can render you completely helpless. Finding an outlet to yet yourself be you, to smile and play and laugh and put all of the horrors aside for a while, is not escapism. It is a way to recharge, refocus, and take a nice deep breath before plunging in to it all over again. For those Haitian youths, it was the first time that they could be without hunger and experience a new world that they may never have had the chance to see. God only knows what seeds are being planted in their hearts to help change their own country in the future.
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Education: Apparently, money ISN'T everything
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/09/13/collegeboard
This is a great article on the percentage of college graduates who are involved in their communities.
The report, a follow-up to the original 2004 publication that included many of the same indicators, uses data from the Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and surveys by other higher education groups. One of its main assertions (also backed by plenty of data): College graduates are more engaged citizens and make healthier decisions than those who don't earn a diploma. Thus, the report argues, higher education has a high rate of return for society. A more educated work force means greater tax revenue and a stronger democracy.
It's just too bad that only 1% of the world has a college degree.
This is a great article on the percentage of college graduates who are involved in their communities.
The report, a follow-up to the original 2004 publication that included many of the same indicators, uses data from the Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and surveys by other higher education groups. One of its main assertions (also backed by plenty of data): College graduates are more engaged citizens and make healthier decisions than those who don't earn a diploma. Thus, the report argues, higher education has a high rate of return for society. A more educated work force means greater tax revenue and a stronger democracy.
It's just too bad that only 1% of the world has a college degree.
A smarter way to build schools
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/07/23/madagascar.children.school/index.html
It looks as if things might be getting a little brighter in Madagascar, where together with UNICEF, they have found a cheaper and more efficient way to ensure enrollment rates in elementary (primary) schools. The method? Ensuring that the schools are physically there for the children to learn in of course. Using a special machine whose only fuel is human-muscle energy (no electricity or gasoline), they are able to press together bricks that dry on site and allow a new school to be built in just two months. This method is energy efficient in more than one way: traditionally, Madagascaran bricks would be heated in an oven fueled by the wood from surrounding forests. The new method will therefore make sure that the children learning in these schools will also have cleaner air to breath.
It looks as if things might be getting a little brighter in Madagascar, where together with UNICEF, they have found a cheaper and more efficient way to ensure enrollment rates in elementary (primary) schools. The method? Ensuring that the schools are physically there for the children to learn in of course. Using a special machine whose only fuel is human-muscle energy (no electricity or gasoline), they are able to press together bricks that dry on site and allow a new school to be built in just two months. This method is energy efficient in more than one way: traditionally, Madagascaran bricks would be heated in an oven fueled by the wood from surrounding forests. The new method will therefore make sure that the children learning in these schools will also have cleaner air to breath.
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