All People Making a Difference
After epiphany in US, woman forges peace among Indian and Pakistani youthsAliya Harir was brought up in Pakistan to think of India as the enemy. So when she met Indians while studying in the US, she was surprised to gain a new perspective. She now works on peacebuilding initiatives.
Once homeless and hungry, this high-schooler is now a 'Youth of the Year'Zoe Frauen, aware that others in her community faced similar challenges, set out to fight hunger and homelessness. The Boys & Girls Clubs has been a key resource for her.
Five of the best-designed products of all timeDesign professors explain how products ranging from the paper clip to Microsoft HoloLens have solved problems and transformed practices.
So girls in developing regions don鈥檛 have to stay home a few days a monthThe nonprofit Sewpportive Friends is creating menstrual supplies for two Zimbabwean locations 鈥� a sign of the increased global attention that鈥檚 being paid to this issue.
Difference MakerIn Japan, young women鈥檚 problems are often ignored. But she鈥檚 ready to help.Jun Tachibana has talked with thousands of girls and young women in the past 10-plus years as they deal with problems ranging from poverty to drug addiction to abuse.
How one man found his calling as a peacemaker, especially in prisonsDouglas Noll was a trial lawyer for 22 years, but since leaving the courtroom, he has taught mediation techniques to inmates through the organization he cofounded, Prison of Peace.
How a book club for middle school girls is giving them the chance to growA high school senior came up with the idea of the book club as a way to mentor younger girls using literature. Now, some of the girls who were in the club its first year are returning four years later as mentors.
Innovations in online learning for refugees, slum children earn UN prizeThe JAAGO Foundation, which operates for disadvantaged children in Bangladesh, and Kiron, which provides refugees with free access to higher education, are joint recipients of a $25,000 UN award.
Jews and Arabs come together for backgammon championship in JerusalemThe gathering was part of a series of events organized by Double Yerushalmi, a group trying to build closer ties between Arabs and Jews through cultural activities.
Difference MakerHow a mother-daughter duo has helped inmates read with their kidsElizabeth Handel and her daughter Jane have collected some 30,000 books that have then been distributed to prisons in the Boston area. When inmates share the books with their children, it can strengthen family bonds.
How one man is fighting graffiti in his townAlan Erickson keeps supplies in his truck so he can remove graffiti as soon as he sees it when he鈥檚 out. He encourages others to join the fight, saying a relatively small time commitment would make a big difference.
A father starts 'The Kindness Challenge' to honor his late son's compassionDennis Vassallo launched a Facebook page to share stories of kindness and urge people to do good deeds. Some say the page, which has attracted 44,000-plus followers, has inspired them to spend more time helping others.
By migrants for migrants: the new faces of Italian media'Nois' is the first video news show in Italy to be developed by migrants. It's one of a growing number of migrant-led media projects across Europe that offer refugees' perspectives and explore the challenges they face.
Difference MakerThis man has created a different kind of urban school for students of colorRoses in Concrete Community School, founded by Jeff Duncan-Andrade, offers its students the kind of art and music classes more often seen in wealthy suburbs 鈥� with a twist.
Want to volunteer? Three things to ask.The answers will help you use your time well and get the most out of your experience.
With laundry service, a group for disabled people benefits the communityThe Marion County Disability Action Center in West Virginia has launched the Feel Good Laundry service, which also gives opportunities to the group's clients.
Girls in Africa: one way that more of them are attending schoolAfter learning that family poverty was the reason many girls didn鈥檛 go to school, Ann Cotton founded Camfed, which has supported the education of 1.6 million girls.
Difference MakerHe devised a business plan that鈥檚 improved livelihoods in his native SenegalBagor茅 Bathily opened Senegal鈥檚 only fresh milk production company in 2007, capitalizing on the fact that 30 percent of the population lives off cattle rearing. Hundreds of cowherds have earned more income.
In new book, Vermont woman shares how the arts can help abuse victimsThe author, Tracy Penfield, is the founder of SafeArt in Chelsea, Vt., which recognizes how聽nonverbal communication, including in the performing and visual arts, can aid people who have endured abuse.
Afghan girls fight prejudice with martial artsGirls of the Shaolin Wushu club practice the flowing movements of Wushu. A 20-year-old trainer for the sport says it teaches self-defense聽鈥� and is 'really effective for body and soul.'