Germany’s “MusicMeToo” moment, Belize declared free of malaria, supporting Berlin’s school leavers

Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen | Posted on June 23, 2023 |

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re looking at a platform to highlight violence and abuse of power in Germany’s music industry, the WHO’s announcement that the third country this year is officially malaria-free, and Berlin’s introduction of an eleventh school year for young people struggling to find apprenticeships.

“MusicMeToo” is revealing abuse of power in Germany’s music industry

As an offshoot of the project DeutschrapMeToo, the platform wants to expose incidents of sexual violence within the business, helping survivors find justice and campaigning for structural change.

Source: Negative White

Belize declared malaria free by WHO

The dramatic reduction in cases – down from 10,000 in 1994 – makes Belize the third country in the world to be certified malaria-free this year.

Source: BBC News

Berlin pushes for 11th school year for young people without an apprenticeship

The move would aim to give young people better professional orientation, helping them establish themselves after leaving school in the event that they don’t have the option to embark on vocational training.

Source: Globe Echo

Electric air taxis offer a greener alternative to transport in Paris

The region is planning for a small fleet of non-polluting flying taxis to operate on multiple routes when it hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer.

Source: AP News

Finland introduces world’s first digital detox island

The island of Ulko-Tammio located off the coast of Hamina is set to become a phone-free zone this summer, with the tourism board hoping that the move will provide many mental health benefits for visitors.

Source: Euronews

Language learners are harnessing the power of AI chatbots

The technology is giving avid learners the opportunity to practice their language skills without having to factor in time zone differences, and are helpful for vocabulary development, grammar and offering corrective feedback.

Source: BBC News

Copenhagen’s ice library might hold the secret to understanding climate change

The 40,000 segments of ice cores date back to 1BCE, holding vital information that sheds light on the history of past climate.

Source: Hakai Magazine

Learning centres are helping Afghan refugees living in limbo find their voices

With many Afghan women and children fleeing to Cisarua, Indonesia, to escape Taliban persecution, the centres are providing an opportunity to build skills whilst fostering a sense of community.

Source: Al Jazeera

Britain’s first zero-waste theatre opens in London

The Greenhouse Theatre will hold performances over the summer months when the need for energy is reduced thanks to long, light evenings and warmer weather.

Source: Reuters

Ex-prisoner launches nonprofit to help incarcerated people start art careers

Having spent several years in jail himself, founder Jesse Krimes knows first-hand how artists who lose access to art practices while incarcerated frequently struggle to get it back after being released.

Source: Artnet