Latest Stories from Derrick
UN reports highlight sexual violence crisis against children in Sudan
As the civil war in Sudan continues, the United Nations recently released a troubling report detailing a rise in sexual exploitation of children. Sudan’s civil war that has been waged between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has brought extreme abuses against children among the other things, says latest reports. Between 2023 to now, over the period when the civil war in Sudan exploded, the...
I attended CGIAR Science Week at UN Headquarters in Nairobi
It was an incredible learning experience to attend the inaugural CGIAR Science Week held at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi. Last week, over 13,000 participants convened at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya to address the food, land and water systems' key challenges against the threat of climate change. Several scientists, researchers, global leaders - including youth leaders - were present for this inaugural event. The week began with...
Microsoft introduces 3D telemedicine technology in Africa
Microsoft has introduced 3D telemedicine technology to increase healthcare access across rural and underserved areas in the African continent. Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine service uses cutting-edge holographic and augmented reality to deliver completely immersive, real-time doctor-patient consultations. As opposed to traditional telemedicine based on 2D video conferencing, the technology allows physicians to see patients in three dimensions for improved assessment of symptoms and conditions. The system is propelled by artificial intelligence...
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes Africa’s first female president
Namibia has made history by inaugurating its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during the nation's 35th independence anniversary last week. 72-year-old President Nandi-Ndaitwah, a veteran member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), has served over 25 years in public life, including as vice president and foreign minister. She ascended to the presidency last week after the term of Nangolo Mbumba following the death of President Hage Geingob...
Tanzanian startup lighting up education with solar backpacks
In rural Tanzania, where many households do not have electricity, a startup is transforming how children study after dark. Soma Bags is providing a simple yet revolutionary solution: solar-powered backpacks made from repurposed cement bags. Tanzania’s Soma Bags are revolutionizing education in rural areas of the country. The startup collects discarded cement bags from construction sites and streets and upcycles the material into study backpacks. Each bag is equipped with...
The disturbing rise in youth recruitment by terrorist organizations
In 2024, the global fight against terrorism has taken an alarming turn, as teenage recruitment into extremist organizations reaches its highest levels. The latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report reveals an 11% rise in terrorism fatalities, with more than 50% of the deaths concentrated in the Sahel region. More disturbingly, one in five terror suspects in several Western countries is now under the age of 18. The Islamic...
South Sudan shuts schools as extreme heat overwhelms students
In South Sudan, a relentless heatwave is forcing the government to shut down schools for the second year in a row, with a temperature as high as 42 degree Celsius posing a real threat. The South Sudanese government has closed all schools for a period of two weeks after dozens of students collapsed due to extreme heat. The announcement came after reports that an average of 12 students fainted...
Ancient Egyptian mummies still smell pleasant after 5,000 years
Even after spending millennia entombed in stone sarcophagi, some ancient Egyptian mummies still emit a surprisingly pleasant scent, research has discovered. In a recent study combining science with sensory exploration, researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian mummies, some preserved for over 5,000 years within their sarcophagi, emit surprisingly pleasant aromas. The researchers noted these mummies release scents described as ‘woody,’ ‘spicy,’ and ‘sweet.’ The revelation sets a new path...
30-50% of Haiti gang members are reportedly children
The ongoing gang violence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding neighborhoods are wrecking the lives of thousands of children across Haiti. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated 30% to 50% of gang members in Haiti are now children, mostly aged between 12 to 17 years who act as spies and soldiers. Further, a new report by Amnesty International, released last week, has revealed that dozens of children have been...
Khaby Lame appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
The world’s most-followed TikToker, Khaby Lame, was recently appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador advocating for children’s rights and addressing pressing humanitarian issues. UNICEF officially announced Lame’s appointment during an event in Dakar, Senegal, describing his journey from humble beginnings to a global icon - highlighting the spirit of hope that the organization champions for children. ‘It’s a true honour to be appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and be...
