To mark the end of 2021, we are excited to present you with a compilation of highlights from this year that were shared on Squirrel News. You can now browse through part 1.
Congo’s free primary education results in falling numbers of child miners
Since introducing free early-years education in 2019, the number of children enrolled in some school districts has risen by 75% – with many of these former child miners.
Mexico’s Supreme Court overturns ban on recreational marijuana use
The announcement means that Mexicans will soon be able to apply for permits to use marijuana recreationally, taking money out of the hands of cartels and opening up business opportunities.
Fish stocks in 43 US states have rebuilt themselves over the last two decades
The science-driven approach monitors existing fish stocks whilst allocating percentages to fishers, who then in turn profit from an increase in the overall availability of fish.
From what was originally a non-starter, federal paid parental leave could soon become national policy, as more fathers are adopting it and advocating for it.
Brazil’s alternative jails without guns and violence
Brazil’s APAC recovery centers focus on rehabilitation and understanding, instead of weapons and violence. An EU project hopes the idea will catch on around the world.
A mobile mental health service is helping to de-escalate emergencies in Montana
Missoula’s Mobile Support Team – a collaboration between the fire department and Partnership Health Center – began as a pilot programme in 2020, and is now a permanent crisis response fixture.
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.
Connecting ranchers with land stewards might be the answer to less intense wildfires
Across drought-ridden regions in the Western US, a number of new programmes are encouraging goats, sheep, and cattle to eat the plants which might otherwise become fuel for wildfires.
People can “rent” volunteers from various backgrounds for a frank thirty-minute conversation, in order to challenge beliefs and preconceptions – either in person or soon via an app.
