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| Photo by Ilyass SEDDOUG on Unsplash |
By Cynthia Umeh
The world frequently feels divided. Therefore the ideas of equality, freedom, and justice for all have evolved from buzzwords to crucial cornerstones of a just and fair society. For centuries, these values have served as the guiding lights of democracies and human rights movements around the world.
Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels
By Adetayo Adetokun
In a distant era, a ship gently rocked upon the boundless waves of the Atlantic Ocean, its timeworn wooden hull whispering the secrets of the odyssey that lay ahead. Aboard this vessel, an assembly of people from diverse backgrounds found themselves united by a shared history, embarking on a journey riddled with uncertainty. These souls comprised the African diaspora, and their voyage epitomized both profound struggle and remarkable enlightenment.
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| Photo by Marcos quinteiro on Pexels |
By Atinuke Adeosun
Hunger is a global challenge that affects millions of people around the world, especially in Africa. According to the latest report by the United Nations, the number of undernourished people in Africa rose to 282 million in 2020, which is 21% of its population. This is more than double that of any other region. The report also concluded that the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 will be missed by a margin of nearly 660 million people.
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| Photo by Moses Londo on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
The Shadow of Despair
Beneath the relentless African sun somewhere in Senegal, my story unfolds against a backdrop of stark contradictions. Senegal, a nation brimming with natural beauty and cultural richness, paradoxically harbored a grim underbelly—a pervasive economic depression that ensnared its youth in a cruel vice. As I, Amadou, embarked on my tumultuous journey, I could feel the weight of despair bearing down upon me like the sweltering heat of the sun overhead.
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| Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels |
By Atinuke Adeosun
It is a rainy Saturday afternoon. The breakfast of akara and pap has been had. The tedious, back breaking and unnecessary slew of Saturday house chores have been done.
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| Presentation at the Global Forum for Adolescents |
By Ruth Ajawu
On October 5, 2023, Shades of Us attended the 2023 Global Forum for Adolescents (GFA) organised by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Education as a Vaccine, Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative, PLAN International, World Health Organization (WHO), and other United Nations (UN) Agencies.
By Ruth Ajawu
During our Forum Friday with Tonny Silas Dauda (a Development Practitioner and Youth Activist) and Chizoba Nzeakor (an Award winning Climate champion, Innovator, Researcher, Advocate and Entrepreneur) on September 29, 2023, we delved into the depths of waste management and renewable energy, and discovered how we can make a difference.
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| Photo by Katerina Holmes by Pexels |
By Ruth Ajawu
Hey there, fellow education enthusiasts! Every year, we throw a virtual confetti party for World Teachers' Day!
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| Photo by Fatima Yusuf on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Every year, on October 11, the world celebrates International Day of the Girl Child. This day is not just an occasion for festivities: it is a powerful reminder that our time is now—the time to uphold the rights and secure the future of every girl around the world. This blog post is dedicated to understanding the significance of this day and the urgent need to empower girls. As we delve into the issues girls face, we will explore the importance of education, gender equality, and how we can collectively make a difference. Join us in this enlightening journey as we celebrate the potential and resilience of the girl child.
The world today is characterized by the disheartening erosion of rights and opportunities for women and girls, compounded by the looming challenges of climate change, conflict, and natural disasters. Mitigating these issues were key discussion points at the 2023 the HeForShe Summit, an event which happened on September 21, 2023, and of which Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us) was glad to attend.
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| Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Education stands as a powerful catalyst for transformation, both at the individual and societal levels. In Africa, the path to progress is intimately linked with the decolonization of education. This journey is about more than just revising textbooks: it is a fundamental shift in perspective, a quest to unleash the innate critical thinking abilities of African youth.
Lightning Talkat the Solutions Journalism Africa Summit in Abuja Reflections from the SoJo Africa Summit 2025 By Simbiat Amzat The SoJo Afri...
