Nepal’s earthquake-proof homes, Afghanistan’s female tech entrepreneurs, shop window concerts

| Posted on March 15, 2021 |

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a project to rebuild Nepal in a way that will withstand future natural disasters, Afghani women embracing careers in STEM, and reinvigorating New York’s musicians through shop window concerts.

Sustainable earthquake-resistant housing is helping Nepal rebuild itself

Non-profit organisation Build up Nepal uses affordable and innovative technology and environmentally responsible materials to empower rural residents.

Source: The Inkline

The Afghan Dreamers are inspiring women to embark on careers in STEM

The female-led robotics team pairs up mentors and high school students, helping them navigate the challenges of bringing their inventions to life.

Source: Al Jazeera

Musicians perform for live audiences via New York’s shop windows

With storefronts quieter as a result of the pandemic, a group of musicians are using this to their advantage to play in public again.

Source: BBC News

Abandoned shopping centres are being repurposed as high schools in the US

The unusual solution aims to ensure that children’s education is able to continue as usual whilst adhering to social distancing protocols.

Source: Curbed

France announces a 38% drop in femicide cases in 2020

Initial data suggests that this reduction might have been caused by tougher measures introduced against domestic violence, although there is still room for improvement.

Source: France 24

A Mexican cooking collective is helping women escape abuse

The Mujeres de la Tierra NGO empowers survivors of gender-based violence by restoring their confidence and enabling them to become financially independent.

Source: France 24

New Jersey’s children use green infrastructure to save their school from flooding

Students at the Dr. Michael Conti Public School No.5 spotted an urban design flaw in need of a fix, before designing and implementing an innovative solution.

Source: Next City

Teenagers in Hackney are running a community food shop on their estate

The young people say that ensuring their neighbours have access to food has given them new opportunities and stopped them from going down crime-related paths.

Source: My London

Sari libraries help India’s low-income women build social capital

The lending system provides elegant attire for those who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful

Restoring photographs lost to Japan’s 2011 tsunami

With many families forced to abandon their photo albums when fleeing the rising waters, Yuichi Itabashi’s unique method helps to repair and preserve memories.