For the last six years, at the end of every month, I’ve summarized local, national and international “stories of need” from news sites, blogs, press releases and editorials. The following are some of April’s most need-in-the-news-worthy stories:
UGANDA — Uganda is bearing the brunt of the refugee crisis in Africa.
ETHIOPIA — Three years of failed rains have brought drought to Ethiopia’s Somali region, where thousands are on the brink of starvation.
KASHMIR — Students in India-administered Kashmir clashed with authorities after a police raid on a university.
SYRIA — Those returning to Eastern Aleppo have found little left to support their lives, let alone their livelihoods.
SOUTH SUDAN — Kids are bearing the brunt of the current crisis in the world’s newest nation.
UNITED STATES & M4S — Thousands across the nation ‘marched’ in support of science and science education.
At times, what gets lost in the concern and clamor over major local, national and international events and issues, are ordinary people, communities, businesses and other groups doing extraordinary things. Here are a few I’ve heard about recently:
COMARCA NGABE BUGLE (Panama) — Cody Oser, 24, of Broomfield, Colo., died in a hiking accident during his time serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. His death has been mourned by friends, family, presidents and ambassadors, alike.
DURANGO (Colorado) — Janet Reichl started picking up other people’s trash 20 years ago after a personal tragedy. She’s still going strong.
KARACHI (Pakistan) — Nargis Latif turns trash into homes and believes she’s started a new revolution.
Spain — Lita Cabellut grew up on the streets, but is now an internationally acclaimed artist.
Near ATLANTA (Georgia) — Stephen Litt, 12, discovered cancer-fighting chemicals in green tea through a science project he completed at school.
Bosnia — Oggi Tomic was born and orphaned in Serbia, but raised in Bosnia. His recent return to his homeland/s is told in the documentary “Finding Family.”
- Stories worth reflection:
- MEASURING WEALTH — Is GDP the best measure of material wealth?
IMMIGRATION & THE ECONOMY — Many economists believe immigration is good for the U.S. economy.
FOOD WASTE — Each year, $750 billion worth of food gets thrown away.
