An Apple a Day …
“A World Bank study on the impact of the current financial crisis has estimated that in 2008 alone, higher food prices may have been responsible for an additional 44 million children suffering permanent physical and cognitive setbacks due to malnutrition … The authors of Investing in the Future, which was released at the 2009 Micronutrient Forum in Beijing on 12 May, urged countries to increase their investments, renew commitments and expand existing vitamin and mineral supplementation programmes.”
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=84350
James Fallows on China’s Gaokao System
“From Benjamin, a foreign teacher who recounts what his Chinese students don’t like about their educational experience. The big focus here is the 高考, or gaokao, the nationwide college entrance exam that, as in some other Asian countries, is the make or break moment for many life prospects. Americans think their kids are stressed by the SAT. Hah!”
http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/05/todays_chapter_on_chinese_educ.php
BBC News: China database to track children
“China is setting up a national DNA database to help trace missing children, as the authorities struggle to tackle people trafficking. By the end of the month, a network of more than 200 DNA centres is due to be operational.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8028256.stm
China Daily: Rasing the issue of China’s Troubled Teens
“Their parents have taken them miles from their hometowns as they chase work and have no money to put them into school, leaving them to survive on the streets and become easy prey for small-time crooks looking to expand their empire. So, is it any wonder children of migrant workers are behind the majority of minor crimes in China’s biggest cities?”
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-05/07/content_7751772.htm
