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Plan to test Liberian schoolchildren for drugs blocked

October 17th, 2025

By Moses Kollie Garzeawu

Monrovia, Liberia, Africa

Liberia's Education Ministry has blocked controversial plans to introduce mandatory drug testing in all of the country's schools.

Speaking to local media, the interim head of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Fitzgerald Biago, said school testing would help address the growing problem of drug abuse.

The announcement sparked a mixed response. Some thought it would help tackle the scourge of drugs, while others saw it as an invasion of privacy, or feared it would cost too much.

Last year, President Joseph Boakai declared drug and substance abuse a national emergency and a recent EU-backed report estimated that one in five young Liberians take drugs.

However, the Education Ministry said it was not aware of any plans to test students and added that such a decision needed to be based on concrete evidence and properly thought through.

Assistant minister in charge of students Sona Toure-Sesay told the BBC that this kind of plan required proper research. "Let's assume we are made aware of the proposed initiatives by the LDEA, it will require us to conduct research and review case studies from other countries where this has been successful," she said.  

Toure-Sesay also noted that testing could affect students. "What happens to students who test positive? What are the social services in place for them? Some of them might be bullied even after returning, and it may affect their overall educational performances."

She added that a multi-sectoral committee on drug and substance abuse had been set up, headed by the Health Ministry. Along with strengthening health clubs in schools, she said that this would help to reduce the prevalence of drugs among students.

President Boakai dismissed the leadership of the LDEA in August this year, and recently appointed Biago, a former senior police officer, as interim head of the agency.

Taken from:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mxz3x1lr7o  

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Are 'the world's most beautiful islands' in danger?

Norway's stunning Lofoten Islands have gone viral for their midnight summer sun. But as the isles face overtourism for the first time, residents have an important message for visitors.

Located 300km inside the Arctic Circle, Norway's Lofoten archipelago rises dramatically from the sea in a jagged, mountainous crescendo. Its otherworldly glacier-sculpted landscapes and magical 24-hour summer daylight have led the isles to proudly dub themselves "the world's most beautiful islands". But it's a roadside stop, not a soaring summit or majestic fjord, that convinces me of this self-declared moniker.

Just a few paces away from the village of Flakstad on the island of Flakstadøya, I spy a beach where the water shifts from turquoise to glass-clear as it laps against basalt rock and sugar-white sand. It's a scene more Aegean than Arctic − until you see the ridge of craggy mountains floating above the fjord, the last snow clinging to their flanks. From late May to the end of July, Lofoten is bathed in constant daylight, and in this endless summer sun, the colours feel heightened. Standing on the sand, it's hard to imagine anywhere more idyllic.

Locals tell me that the 24-hour sun bathes these islands in a unique light and point to round-the-clock fishing and 02:00 tee times as quintessential summertime experiences. But kayaks crisscross the waters in every season, and hikers come year-round for the panoramic mountaintop views of silent fjords and romantic waterside villages that define the islands, chasing the midnight sun or the Northern Lights. At times, the only sounds around are the cries of the island's resident avians: sea eagles, puffins and razorbills. 

The Lofoten archipelago is made up of seven principal islands off the North West coast of Norway. The E10 highway runs for nearly 175km through the archipelago, threading the five largest, Austvågøya, Vestvågøya, Moskenesøya, Flakstadøya and Gimsøya, by a series of impressively engineered bridges and tunnels, allowing drivers to move between islands with ease.

Visitors here are nothing new. The islands were home to northern Norway's earliest Viking settlement, drawing traders from as far away as Iceland. For centuries, tens of thousands of sailors journeyed here each winter to fish for Arctic cod, a tradition still reflected in the red rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) that now host tourists instead of seafarers.

And yet, tourism was late to come to this far-flung corner of the world. It only started to grow significantly in the past 20 years, helped initially by improved road and ferry links, then accelerated as social media began showcasing Lofoten's stunning scenery to a global audience. Now Lofoten's beauty is no longer a secret, and what was once a seasonal outpost of survival and commerce has evolved into one of Norway's most popular destinations. In 2023, the islands welcomed around one million visitors, or roughly 40 times Lofoten's permanent population of 25,000.

But as European heatwaves drive travellers further north and new seasonal flights from Paris, Frankfurt and Zurich launched last year, tourism is only set to rise further. A weaker Norwegian krone is helping to seal the deal.

Lofoten residents Astrid Haugen and Frida Berg explain that they're proud to share their home and welcome the jobs (and the new bars and restaurants) brought about by tourism, but wonder whether infrastructure can keep up. They also worry whether this influx of visitors will affect the landscape and fragile ecosystem that make Lofoten so special.

I meet up with them on Unstad beach, at the north-western corner of Vestvågøy, one of the best places on the islands to catch the midnight sun, thanks to its unobstructed views across the bay. Even at 23:00, surfers cheer each another on from the waves. Families enjoy snacks on the rocks while children shriek in the shallows as they splash in the frigid, single-digit Arctic waters. Mountains hover on either side of us, framed by a sky a few shades paler than the sea.

"When I used to travel abroad and said I was from Lofoten, people looked blank," says Haugen, as we stroll the beach. "Now they've seen pictures online and can't believe this is my everyday view."

"That's part of the problem," adds Berg. "This is our home − not just a backdrop for a Facebook selfie. When people litter or block roads, it's so frustrating".

Many residents I speak with share this frustration. They're not just bothered by the number of visitors, but by their behaviour.

I see many examples of this during my week on Lofoten. RVs creep along narrow fjordside roads to snap a photo, oblivious to the traffic building behind them. At 20:00, the car park hike up the vertiginous Reinebringen mountain resembles a suburban shopping centre on Black Friday, jarring with the peaceful surroundings. Groups of eager tourists spill out, eager to tackle the 1,978 steps that separate them from the vertiginous panorama at the summit.

Some locals have had enough. In a recent radio interview, Flakstad mayor Einar Benjaminson warned of shifting sentiment: "Ten years ago, maybe 2% of our residents didn't want tourism. Now it's more like 25%."

As in many tourist hotspots, Lofoten residents are also frustrated that an increasing number of homes are being bought by wealthy outsiders. Some are purchased as seasonal getaways or turned into short-term accommodation, hollowing out villages in winter; in other areas whole settlements have been turned into sleek resorts. 

Nusfjord, on Lofoten's southern coast, illustrates this shift. The historic fishing village is postcard-perfect, with ed and ochre warehouses perched on a narrow isthmus facing the sea, appearing frozen in time on its 19th-Century foundations.

The permanent population? 22. The number of annual tourists? 90,000.

After the village's fishing industry migrated to more populated areas, Nusfjord's centre became a Unesco World Heritage site, combining tourist accommodation and "a living museum where you can touch, feel and breathe the history of coastal Norway," according to local historian Ingrid Larsen. It remains an utterly charming stop: the museum, set in a former cod liver factory, offers insights into the village's fishing legacy; the restored general store serves excellent cinnamon buns; and the boardwalk, backed by a rippled grey ridgeline, is undeniably scenic.

Erling Hansen, a tour guide, understands the locals' concern but is pragmatic: "Without tourism, there probably would be no village in Nusfjord anymore."

Later that day in Henningsvær − 80km and several peninsulas away from Nusfjord − the contrast is stark. Even at 22:00, the village hums with life as locals revel in the extended daylight. Teenagers swarm towards the floodlit football pitch, improbably perched on a rocky outcrop. Two neighbours paint their front doors − one white, one blue − gesturing mid-conversation with dripping brushes.

At the harbour, tools clank as fishermen check their nets. "The fish bite better at midnight," one says with a grin.

Tourism supports 19% of local jobs on the islands. Around-the-clock fishing trips offer visitors a taste of tradition − and locals a new income stream. The message is clear: guests are welcome, but as Hansen says, "We're not some Arctic Disneyworld".

Earlier this year, the Norwegian government gave councils in high-tourism areas the right to introduce a visitor tax. Lofoten plans to roll it out in 2026. The revenue will help fund overstretched infrastructure, from extra parking to trail signage urging hikers to stick to the path − in case the dizzying drop-offs weren't clear enough.

Mayor Benjaminson welcomes the budgetary relief. "We no longer need to choose between renovating a school or cleaning up after tourists," he says dryly.

It's part of a broader, gently persuasive strategy. Local tourism campaigns feature locals − including schoolchildren − asking visitors to drive responsibly, take their rubbish home and avoid disturbing local wildlife when hiking. Officials also hope to promote Lofoten year-round, easing the summer surge and preventing areas becoming ghost towns when the light fades.

Back at Unstad, the light softens to amber as I walk along the shore with Haugen and Berg. A lone surfer rides a gilded wave while multiple families are trying − and failing − to convince their children that constant daylight doesn't cancel bedtime.

"It's hard," says Berg. "We want people to love Lofoten − just not so much that it stops being Lofoten."

She has captured the dilemma. Tourism funds heritage projects that might otherwise vanish, but the endless days − and the crowds they bring − stretch local patience and infrastructure.

And still, Lofoten captivates. Peaks catch fire as the sun stretches over the sea, quietly inviting us to linger.

Amid this serene beauty are homes, schools and businesses. Locals are learning how to share the magic without losing it. They hope visitors will do more than admire the view − that they'll tread lightly, listen closely and help protect what attracted them in the first place.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250801-are-the-worlds-most-beaut iful-islands-in-dange

Texto: Challenges in Global Education Systems

    Education is a fundamental pillar of societal development, but many global education systems face significant challenges that hinder their ability to provide equal and quality learning opportunities. These challenges vary from country to country but share common themes such as inequality, lack of resources, outdated curricula, and the rapid pace of technological change.

    One of the most pressing challenges in global education systems is inequality. In many parts of the world, access to quality education is not universal, and disparities in educational opportunities persist along socioeconomic, geographic, and gender lines. In low-income countries, educational infrastructure may be underdeveloped, with inadequate classrooms, outdated textbooks, and insufficient access to digital technologies. Rural areas often face more severe challenges, with limited access to schools or well-trained teachers. Similarly, marginalized communities — such as girls in some parts of Africa or indigenous populations — face cultural and societal barriers that prevent them from accessing education. In wealthier countries, while access to education may not be an issue, disparities remain within local communities, particularly in urban areas. Students from lowerincome backgrounds may face challenges in accessing tutoring, extracurricular activities, and the technology required for modern learning. Addressing these inequities is crucial to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

    Another significant challenge in global education systems is the outdated nature of curricula and teaching methods. In many cases, education systems are still based on models from the 19th or 20th centuries, designed to meet the needs of an industrialized economy rather than a knowledge-based, technology-driven society. Traditional curricula often emphasize rote learning and memorization rather than critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving — skills that are essential in today’s globalized world. Moreover, teaching methods may be rigid, focusing on passive learning rather than active student engagement. This makes it difficult for students to develop the skills necessary to thrive in modern workplaces, where adaptability, innovation, and collaboration are highly valued.

    In many parts of the world, education systems have been slow to adapt to the integration of digital technologies and 21st-century learning strategies. Without updating curricula to reflect the demands of the modern world, students may leave school without the skills needed to succeed in higher education or the workforce. A lack of effective teacher training is another challenge that impacts global education systems. Teachers are the heart of any educational system, and their ability to deliver quality instruction directly affects student outcomes.

    In recent years, technology has become a critical part of the education system. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier to achieving global educational equity. While students in wealthier countries have easy access to digital tools, high-speed internet, and online resources, students in low-income or rural areas often lack access to the necessary technology. The COVID19 pandemic highlighted these disparities, as many students in underserved communities struggled with remote learning due to limited access to devices or reliable internet connections. The digital divide not only limits access to education but also prevents students from gaining essential digital skills that are crucial in today’s job market.

    The pressures of academic performance, social media, and external expectations can take a toll on students’ mental well-being. In highpressure educational systems, students may experience stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can hinder their ability to focus, learn, and succeed. Additionally, a lack of access to mental health resources or support services further exacerbates these issues. Teachers, too, face significant mental health challenges. The demands of managing large classrooms, addressing diverse learning needs, and meeting educational standards can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. Addressing mental health and well-being for both students and educators is essential for creating a healthy and effective learning environment.

    In conclusion, the challenges faced by global education systems are multifaceted and complex, ranging from inequality and outdated curricula to teacher training and the digital divide. These challenges impact not only the quality of education but also the future success and wellbeing of students. To overcome these issues, it is crucial for governments, educational institutions, and communities to collaborate on innovative solutions that address the root causes of these challenges. By investing in equitable access to education, updating curricula, enhancing teacher training, and integrating technology, we can create a more inclusive and effective global education system that equips students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Taken and adapted from:

https://portaleducoas.org/challenges-in-globaleducation-systems/