Educational news

A report out last week from the European Universities Association (EUA) warns that recent government spending cuts across Europe in the wake of the economic slump will have a lasting effect on some university systems. The EUA paper, quoted by The Chronicle of Higher Education, describes six degrees of pain for most public institutions (universities in France and Germany actually come out ahead) and predicts that they will face "continuous change and uncertainty." Here are the categories:

* Major cuts (greater than 65%): Latvia
* Heavy cuts (from 5% to 10%): Italy, Estonia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Romania
* Cuts of up to 5%: Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia
* No direct cuts: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands
* Abandoned previous commitments: Hungary, Flemish Belgium, Spain, Austria
* Upheld or increased commitments: France, Germany



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The yearbook takes off in the UK
17 May 2010:

The yearbook has crossed the pond from the US to the UK. But ours are hipper and funnier
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Children's photos from Johannesburg townships
Eyes on the ball, by Umuzi photo club Gallery (13 pictures), 17 May 2010:

Umuzi Photo Club teaches young South Africans to record their lives in pictures.

On the eve of the World Cup, the images the children have taken offer a unique insight into the lives of the less privileged members of the host nation.

An exhibition of their work opens in London on Wednesday 26 May at the Idea Generation gallery in Shoreditch. Proceeds from the sale of prints go to community projects.
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School ban on gay anthology challenged by US free speech organisations
10 May 2010:

New Jersey school's decision to remove critically acclaimed collection from library shelves sparks major backlash
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The challenges of being a girl in Katine
6 May 2010:

Katine pupil Christine Agero explains the problems faced by girls in the sub-county
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Another lesson in bureaucracy for Katine schools
28 Apr 2010:

As another term draws to a close, Amorikot primary school is still without the extra teachers promised by the district authorities in January. The reason for the hold-up? Red tape
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'I'm lucky to learn about sex'
26 Apr 2010:

Abstain from sex if you are young to avoid getting pregnant and dropping out of school, says 14-year-old Katine pupil Rebecca Asege
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World Water Day | 22 March 2010
World Water Day on 22nd March Gallery (14 pictures), 22 Mar 2010:

World Water Day on 22 March is a reminder that 884 million people worldwide do not have access to the basic necessity of clean water. In Mali, one of the countries in which international charity WaterAid works to provide safe water, hygiene education and sanitation, it is estimated that just 27% of the population have clean water.
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China recruits classroom snoops to fight violence and pornography
19 Mar 2010: Experts warn of harm to pupils as police and education officials in Yunnan call for 'little security informants' in primary and middle schools to stop anti-social behaviour
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'They are like whirlwinds, brimming with confidence'
Trees in Sherwood Forest 16 Mar 2010:

Retired teacher Val Almond volunteered to read to children in India in response to a request in Education Guardian. One year and many stories on, she shares her experience
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Children of migrant workers in China
Children of migrant workers at the Blue Sky school in North East Beijing Gallery (7 pictures), 15 Mar 2010:

Children of migrant workers at the Blue Sky school in north-east Beijing
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Millions of Chinese rural migrants denied education for their children
15 Mar 2010: Parents face dilemma as hereditary registration system limits access to urban services
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Half of schools in US district closed
12 Mar 2010: Drastic school closures in Kansas City, Missouri leave 700 staff facing job losses
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Funding 'a barrier' to good education for Katine children with special needs
10 Mar 2010:

Inadequate funding is a major barrier to a decent education for children with special needs in rural communities, say authorities in Soroti district, Uganda
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UK cash for education in developing countries targets conflict zones
3 Mar 2010:

Half of Britain's contribution to secure education for 72 million children will go to war-torn countries
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Lack of transparency undermining primary education in Africa