Latest Stories from Derrick
South Africa looks to improve education in rural areas
In rural South Africa, education performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among girls has been a major problem despite efforts to create educational equality. Despite the government’s efforts in upgrading the learning conditions in South Africa rural areas, the country’s education system remains a major problem for students in remote areas. Rural schools face various challenges, including insufficient state funding and a lack of adequate learning resources. Some girls...
Burkina Faso Coup: military overthrows President Kaboré
Earlier this week, the military confirmed ousting President Kaboré, suspending the constitution, dissolving the government, and closing the nation’s borders. In less than 2 years, West Africa has witnessed a total of 4 coups. This week, hundreds of people flocked to Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, in support of the recent army coup that has been condemned by both the UN and France. Over the years, al-Qaeda and Islamist groups have...
Understanding Nigeria’s northern region kidnappings
WARNING: This article discusses acts of violence and sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. Across Northern Nigeria, kidnappings have become a source of income for local criminal gangs targeting school children for huge ransoms. At the beginning of this year, a number of hostages, mostly women and children, were released after two months of abduction by bandits. Kidnappings have become a worrying trend in Nigeria, mostly in the north-western region of...
Ethiopian civilians killed in Tigray drone strike
Ethiopia has been facing a humanitarian crisis for more than a year. Monday and Tuesday’s drone strikes have killed and wounded more women and children according to local reports. Over the past two days, Ethiopia’s war-stricken region, Tigray, has experienced drone strikes killing 19 people and injuring dozens. On Monday, in Mai Tsebri town, a deadly attack left 17 people dead at a flour mill, with dozens injured and 16 donkeys...
Sudan’s prime minister resigns amid mass protests over military dictatorship
January 1st 2022 marked 66 years of Sudan’s independence. The following day, prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned - leaving the military in full control. On Sunday 2nd January, prime minister Abdalla Hamdok announced his resignation as the head of the civilian government. In an evening televised address, Mr. Hamdok said, ‘I have tried my best to stop the country from sliding into disaster. Sudan is now crossing a dangerous turning point...
Exclusive – Chatting to Gen Z activists Jeremy and Michelle
Michelle and Jeremy are siblings from Western Kenya who describe themselves as energetic environmentalists. Their dream is to improve the cleanliness of our oceans and build better habitats for aquatic life. They built an app to do just that. Michelle, a 16-year-old final year student from White Oaks School, Kisumu, is a co-founder of Osiepe Sango (Friends of Sango), a nongovernmental organisation that helps to improve Lake Victoria's ecosystem. She is...
