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In Honduras, troubled youth trade gangs for sports

Erlan Varela

July 31, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico

In Honduras a former gang member created a nonprofit skating club to give young people healthy alternatives to crime and vandalism. With donations from USAID, the Catholic Church and others Skate Brothers serves about 70 young people with places to play sports, practice dancing and do skateboarding. The site also provides mentoring and a food aid program and the founders are deeply connected to the community.

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'Deck parks' restore community ties in neighborhoods divided by highways

Noble Ingram

July 30, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, St. Paul, Minnesota

Communities, often low-income neighborhoods or communities of color, that were separated by the construction of highways across America are reconnecting by building "deck parks." The parks include room for public green space and new homes, but most importantly, they're intended to recreate a sense of home while mitigating the environmental impacts of interstates.

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In Rwanda, agricultural reforms boost food security and slash poverty

Grace Elletson

July 25, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Rwanda

Through a myriad of policies that help small farmers gain resources and training, as well as inheritance laws that empower women to inherit land they previously couldn't own, Rwanda is increasing food security and decreasing poverty. Although there has been success, critics say that it has come with a cost to human rights and fair elections.

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Cleveland uses literature to empower youth, overcome social divides

Christopher Johnston

July 09, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland has been quietly building a network of book clubs, libraries, and empowerment groups "using literature to empower marginalized groups, foster economic dynamism, and bridge social divides." From workplace and veterans literature discussions led by community professors to youth writing initiatives, the city has uniquely woven literacy and social justice into its daily fabric. Journalist Christopher Johnston asks, could it be a model for other divided cities?

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In Italy, how one cooperative is trying to counter the Mafia's influence

Sara Manisera

June 20, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Italy, Sessa Aurunca

A cooperative in Italy has repurposed land once owned by the Mafia to produce pasta and organic vegetables, and its employees are using this land to reclaim their lives. Beyond the Dreams’ provides meaningful work for former prisoners, mental patients, and addicts, who cultivate these agricultural products. The revitalization of the ruined land and employment opportunities deliver symbolic blows to organized crime.

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Young Nigerians choose to fight Boko Haram with books

Ryan Lenora Brown

June 19, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nigeria

Gathered in makeshift open-air learning spaces, teachers and students in Nigeria are resisting Boko Haram's reign of terror against education. “They don’t like education; they don’t want it,” one 19-year old student says. “So just by doing this, we are all fighting them." Working with UNICEF and other organizations, local educators are offering free education to students who have been forced to stay home for years.

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Literacy push: L.A. libraries allow young people to read away their fines

Dean Paton

June 18, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

After realizing that their system of fines for lost and late books was actually preventing kids and young people from reading more, L.A. libraries instituted a new program that's already showing results. The program, the Great Read Away, is an opportunity for kids to "read away" their fines, erasing $5 of the fine for each hour spent reading. "During the program’s first 11 months, young readers logged 1.6 million minutes of reading time, and 10,000 accounts were cleared completely of fines."

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Poachers become protectors: How tigers bounced back in an Indian park

Felix Franz

June 18, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Kumily, Kerala

With poaching on the rise in the South Indian Periyar Tiger Reserve, officials turned to the poachers themselves to see if they could turn their problem into a solution. In lieu of facing charges, the poachers became the protectors and the reserve saw a reduction in poaching all while offering an alternate form of income for the former full-time poachers.

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In Morocco, women find a recipe for success and gainful employment

Stéphanie Jacob

June 14, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Morocco, Marrakesh

The Marrakesh-based Amal for the Culinary Arts offers Moroccan women from disadvantaged backgrounds free training in order to become culinary chefs. Through the program they get hands on experience. They also help them find a job. Already, around 200 women have gone through the program, and six have created their own businesses.

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Fathers helping fathers, so kids can thrive

Stacy Teicher Khadaroo

June 14, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, St. Louis, Missouri

Fatherhood programs in cities like St. Louis aim to halt the generation impacts of fathers who are not involved in the lives of their children. The mentorship and support provided can help people become better fathers through everything from facilitated dialogues, job training, and relationship workshops.

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