Refugees in London's Tech Scene: The First Day at CodeYourFuture

The article by photojournalist Alice Rowsome focuses on the first day of a new coding program for refugees in London called CodeYourFuture. The program, inspired by Amsterdam's HackYourFuture, aims to train refugees in coding languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Angular, and Node to help them find employment in the tech industry and work on projects addressing the refugee crisis. German Bencci, the Venezuelan-born engineer who initiated the program, emphasizes the dual benefits of filling tech vacancies and increasing workforce diversity. The program, supported by Cititec and volunteers, requires intermediate English and a coding exercise for admission. Students, including women making up 40% of the cohort, commit to hours of weekly study and aim for full-time employment post-training. Personal stories of refugees from Syria, Uganda, and Afghanistan highlight their aspirations and the transformative potential of the program.

Refugees are Redefining the Future of Work in Glasgow

In Glasgow, 14 refugees from diverse backgrounds have begun a six-month intensive coding program run by Mozafar Haider, inspired by the success of CodeYourFuture (CYF) in London. The program, supported by various organizations and volunteers, aims to provide refugees with valuable coding skills and a sense of community. Despite facing challenges such as gender imbalance and political tension, the initiative has received significant local support and aims to extend its benefits to low-income locals in the future.

As Jailed Activists Go on Trial in Turkey, Here’s How One Group is Fighting Back

Avaaz campaigner Özlem Dalkıran and nine other human rights defenders were detained during a workshop in Istanbul and are facing up to 15 years in prison on charges of aiding a terrorist organization. The indictment by the Turkish Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is criticized as unclear and legally weak. Avaaz, along with Amnesty and other organizations, is leading a global campaign to secure their release, emphasizing the negative impact of Turkey's policies on its citizens and international relations. Avaaz encourages global support through petitions and diplomatic pressure.

Activists are Risking Their Lives to Help Migrants Struggling to Survive from France to the UK

Activists in Calais are risking their lives to support vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied minors, who are struggling to survive in harsh conditions. The French and UK governments are criticized for their harsh migration policies and failure to take responsibility, leading to human rights abuses. Grassroots organizations like Help Refugees, l’Auberge des Migrants, and Utopia56 are stepping in to provide essential support. Despite efforts, the situation remains dire, with emergency shelters closed and ongoing police violence against migrants.

These Activists Are Helping Unaccompanied Child Refugees Find Safe Sanctuary

The article highlights the plight of unaccompanied child refugees in Calais, France, and the efforts of activists like Laura Diskin and organizations such as Safe Passage to provide them with safe, legal routes to sanctuary in the UK. It discusses the challenges these children face, including police aggression, lack of basic amenities, and bureaucratic hurdles. The article also covers the Dubs amendment, which aims to bring unaccompanied refugee children to the UK, and criticizes both the French and UK governments for their handling of the refugee crisis.

Young Indonesian YouTubers Are Combatting Extremist Hate Speech With Humor

The Cameo Project, a well-known Indonesian YouTube group, uses humor to address social and political issues, significantly impacting the country's political landscape by supporting Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who later became President. Their creative approach has earned them recognition and support from YouTube's Creators for Change initiative. The group collaborates with local NGOs to conduct workshops promoting inter-religious dialogue and resilience against extremist hate speech, aiming to foster tolerance and positive social change among Indonesia's youth.

Activists Are Still Fighting for Justice for the Grenfell Tower Fire

Survivors and activists continue to fight for justice and accountability following the Grenfell Tower fire, with only 29 out of 196 families rehoused and less than half of the funds raised reaching survivors. Justice4Grenfell, led by activist Moyra Samuels, is pressuring local authorities and organizing campaigns to ensure the safety and rights of those living in tower blocks across the UK. The group is also pushing for criminal responsibility for those involved in the decisions leading to the tragedy and is calling for broader social housing reforms.

Cartoonist Boldly Uses Art to Combat Oppression in Israel and Palestine

Mohammad Sabaaneh, a renowned Palestinian cartoonist, uses his art to highlight the harsh realities of life under Israeli occupation. Despite facing imprisonment and solitary confinement by the Israeli army, Sabaaneh continues to draw cartoons that criticize both Israeli and Palestinian political entities. His work, including the book 'White and Black: Political Cartoons from Palestine,' aims to shed light on the human impact of the occupation. Sabaaneh also advocates for art therapy and teaches cartooning to young Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and critical thinking.

Sexual Violence Against Women Should Not Be Used as a Weapon of War

Sexual violence is used as a weapon of war in conflicts like those in South Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Congolese gynecologist, treats victims at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, DRC. Despite the hospital's efforts, the Congolese government has been criticized for failing to address the issue and even impeding the hospital's work. The article calls for stronger international response and broader involvement of men in combating sexual violence, emphasizing that it is a global issue affecting all humanity.

Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency Are Saving Nigeria’s Polluted Niger Delta Region

Ogoniland in Nigeria's Niger Delta, one of the most polluted regions due to extensive oil spills, faces severe environmental and socio-economic challenges. Chinyere Nnadi, founder of Sustainability International and the blockchain platform SELA, proposes using blockchain technology to restore the region. The initiative involves local communities in cleanup efforts, leveraging blockchain for transparency and accountability, and rewarding participants with SELA tokens convertible to cryptocurrency. The project aims to transform the local economy and attract investment, addressing deep-rooted issues of corruption and mistrust.