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  • A Mission to Stop Genital Cutting

    November 13, 2017 |

    Pulitzer Center |

    Multi-Media |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Senegal, Keur Simbara

    Many people who practice Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) consider it a private, cultural issue. The procedure, which is performed on girls, requires “cutting off the clitoris and parts of the labia and sealing the vagina partially shut.” Talking about it can be perceived as rude, or disrespectful. However, that’s exactly what community leaders, health workers, and NGO’s do, in order to eradicate the practice. “My advice is to be patient and analyze each situation and not to impose your thoughts on people. If you impose, people can be defensive.”

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  • In Africa's Oldest Park, Seeking Solutions to a Destructive Charcoal Trade

    September 14, 2017 |

    Yale Environment 360 |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Central African Republic

    The deforestation of Virunga National Park has lead to erosion, landslides and loss of wildlife habitat. The trees are often used for charcoal which is seen as an essential commodity in the region. To save the forest, and the wildlife that require it to thrive, both local and international groups are testing out alternative methods to get the people the charcoal they need while saving what is left of Africa's oldest park.

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  • The Power Plants That May Save a Park, and Aid a Country

    August 30, 2017 |

    The New York Times |

    Text |

    Over 3000 Words

    Response Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo

    In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga National Park is facing a crisis of deforestation amid the backdrop of the war-torn country. In this same region, power plants stand as a semblance of hope, offering the prospect of both jobs and electricity. It hasn't been an easy journey, and many obstacles are on the horizon, but much has already been learned from trial and error.

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  • Talking it Out: Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia

    April 06, 2017 |

    Undark |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Ethiopia

    Genital Mutilaiton, a culturally rooted practice that carries a host of immediate and long-term health risks is being condemned globally. In response, this piece looks at the KMG model, utilizing community discussions to create understanding and lower the amount of occurrences.

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  • Almost all girls were cut in her Ethiopian village. Not anymore, thanks to her.

    January 26, 2017 |

    The Christian Science Monitor |

    Multi-Media |

    Over 3000 Words

    Response Location: Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

    When Bogaletch Gebre was a girl she underwent a dangerous procedure, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The practice requires the removal of all, or part of the clitoris. It can lead to scarring, bleeding, and sometimes even death. When she grew up and learned the harmful effects of the procedure, she and her sister decided to create a non profit to end the practice. “Today, KMG is credited with virtually eliminating FGM in Kembata, a region of 680,000.” What’s worked so well for the non profit? Community conversations. “Community conversations can work anywhere where human beings live together,” Gebre says. “

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  • Attitudes Toward Female Genital Mutilation Changing in Ethiopia

    January 05, 2017 |

    Voice of America (VOA) |

    Multi-Media |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: Ethiopia

    An estimated 200 million woman have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a procedure which can lead to “hemorrhaging, scarring, infections and psychological trauma.” However, one nonprofit, called KMG, has made giant strides in their community and reduced the practice from 97 percent to five percent. How do you change FGM? You talk. “We don’t dictate, we just discuss,” said the founder.

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  • Donkeys Are Finally Getting More Respect

    November 07, 2016 |

    NPR |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Ethiopia

    Ethiopia has the largest population of donkeys which are used to move people, food, wood and water. Despite their being necessary for survival, most Ethiopians neglected and abused their donkeys. The Donkey Sanctuary teaches people how to take care for their animals, increasing the usefulness of the animal for Ethiopians.

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  • In Rural Bangladesh, Solar Power Dents Poverty

    October 04, 2016 |

    The New York Times |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Bangladesh, Kakhin Bimile, Dhaka Division

    Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol), a government-backed Bangladeshi energy and infrastructure group, is helping bring solar power to homes in rural Bangladesh that once relied on dangerous kerosene or expensive diesel for electricity. The keys to Idcol’s expansion across Bangladesh are financing plans that cater to lower-income people, as well as partnerships with 56 grass-roots organizations like the microfinance institution Grameen. Solar energy is reliable, clean, and more cost effective in the long run, and has become a lifeline for low-income Bangladeshis living beyond access of the main grid.

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  • How Hybrid Seeds Could Help The Mountain Gorillas Of Congo

    September 27, 2016 |

    NPR |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As a response to a growing population, farmers have begun encroaching into Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to expand their crop yield. This creates a problem for the endangered great apes that live there, however, as it depletes their food, water and shelter resources. One non-profit is trying to change this landscape by improving farming practices with new seed varieties.

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  • An African trailblazer

    September 15, 2016 |

    The Economist |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: Rwanda, Gahini Sector, Kayonza District

    Rwanda is a poor, rural country with a troubled history. Yet the country has built an effective national health system by tackling the diseases of poverty, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, with smart use of international aid and local health workers.

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