In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about El Salvador’s attempt to become the world’s first country with 100% of its students digitally connected, a new tool allowing under-18s to report nude images or videos of themselves circulating online, and how the USA’s first mental health barbershop project is changing the way we approach therapy.
El Salvador announces plan to have 100% of its students digitally connected
The country aims to expand and improve access to education by donating free equipment to students and building the infrastructure needed to support a connected community.
Source: Global Citizen
New online tool helps under-18s report nude photos of themselves
The collaboration between the Internet Watch Foundation and Childline aims to help children who have been groomed, or whose partners have posted photos of them without consent.
Source: BBC News
Push to make ecocide an international crime takes a big step forward
A team of international lawyers drafted a law that would place environmental destruction on a par with war crimes, with many campaigns to get countries to adopt the law underway.
Source: Positive News
New York Senate passes right-to-repair legislation
Although the law still has to pass the Assembly vote, the Digital Fair Repair Act is the first of its kind to be announced in the USA.
Source: Interesting Engineering
French startup announces plans for extensive network of European sleeper trains
With many travellers looking to reduce their environmental footprint, the new long-distance rail network will help by offering overnight services to a variety of European destinations.
Source: CNN
An eyewear company is designing glasses specifically tailored to fit Black face shapes
Although the eyewear industry likes to use Black models, its products are made with Caucasian people in mind – according to British company Kimeze, who are designing glasses for Black face shapes.
Source: The Guardian
Brazilian city is pioneering green transport
Belo Horizonte is making its roads safer for pedestrians by creating more space for cyclists and lowering speed limits – improving air quality and lowering CO2 emissions in the process.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Filipino startup deploys black soldier flies against their war on waste
The flies eat kitchen waste, turning organic material into compost and producing larvae – which, in turn, is used as a sustainable feed for livestock.
Source: Mongabay
Ritual4Return treats decarceration as a right of passage
The programme uses theatre to guide men and women from incarceration back into the community, using formal rituals to welcome them back into society.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Mental health barbershop project is changing the way we look at therapy
Barbershops have long been safe spaces for people to share their struggles and receive support and advice. A new project is turning this trust into an impactful initiative.