Many people in Senegal depend on agriculture and aquaculture to make a living – with most of those involved working illegally. The country’s economy has suffered from both chronic mismanagement and the effects of extreme weather conditions – meaning hunger is a major concern for the population. People living along the Casamance River depend on rice production and logging for their livelihood. Now, one initiative is looking to help women earn a living via oyster farming – all while protecting the mangrove forest. With the help of a small loan, the project’s leader Seynabou Diatta is pursuing an environmentally friendly way to harvest oysters.

A desire to pursue a career in youth work and a passion for helping young people has lead a Cypriot teenager to achieve more than your average 15-year-old. Stacey Hallisey is a half-Cypriot, half-British secondary school student who devotes much of her spare time to volunteering at her local youth centre in Cyprus. She supports younger members of the club in an innovative ‘peer mentoring’ scheme, as well as being a dedicated school pupil who’s not afraid to set herself personal challenges to ensure she makes the most of her teenage years.

Listen to the report by Emily Slater from Cyprus.
Teenager takes time to help peers

Positivity and love can change for the world for the better. That’s the belief of 26-year-old Brazilian Priscilla Freire. After graduating in industrial design in Sao Paulo, Priscilla found her true love in social projects. She gave up a full-time design job, and began to work for various NGOs. And, once a month, she volunteers to put on a smile and a red nose to try to bring some joy into the lives of cancer patients.

Listen to the report by Sheena Rossiter from Sao Paulo

Hospital clown in Brazil

If you live in a country with no centralized blood bank, where do you go if you need a transfusion? For Lebanese pharmacy student, Yorgui Keyrouz, the answer was his mobile phone. Lebanon’s health sector was in tatters following the country’s 15 year civil war, so Yorgui started an initiative to fill the gaping hole and he’s saved 15,000 lives already.

Listen to the report by Dalila Mahdawi:

Blood Bank in Lebanon

Emma, 18, managed to flee North Korea with her mother. Now she’s networking with other young political activists with hopes of eventually developing democracy in her home country.

Listen to the report by Roberto Tofani, presented by André Leslie:

North Korean defector works toward democracy

Here are some organizations that promote democracy in North Korea:

Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights
Ydank (in Korean)
The National Democratic Institute

Wood is the main source of energy in Cambodia, which has resulted in widespread deforestation. In response, French NGOs have developed an alternative – charbriquets made from coconut shells and dried organic waste. The fuel does not use chopped lumber – giving it a clear advantage. The briquets are inexpensive and burn longer than wood. Factory manager Carlo Figa Talamanca who took over the company from his former employers now wants to reach a wider market. He is working with a French aid group that turns students into a sales force. Talamanca is confident that his social enterprise SGFE (Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise) will soon reach profitability.

Youth unemployment across the Arab world is at 33 per cent, and women are most likely to fit this category. However, some young leaders are trying to turn this around, by encouraging and educating those affected by unemployment and lack of opportunity in the Middle East and turning them into young entrepreneurs.

Watch this DW video to find out more about how young global leaders are creating opportunities for young Arabs in the Middle East.

Some experience music through their eyes, others use their ears, says Mischa Gohlke. He was born with a hearing impairment which borders on deafness, but that hasn’t stopped him from learning to play the guitar – and teaching music to others with hearing impairments.

Listen to the report by Julian Bohne:

Deaf guitar teacher shares joy of music

Read more about Mischa Gohlke.

As the global population continues to grow, issues around food production and consumption are becoming increasingly more important. In a country that imports a great deal of its food – the Netherlands – Samuel Levie is making it his mission to change the food system through the hearts and minds of young people.

Listen to the report by Charlotta Lomas:

Dutch food activist encourages ethical eating

Click on the links to find out more about the Food Film Festival and the Youth Food Movement.

Australia has been a forerunner in granting political rights to women. Today, a young woman is making big changes on the political scene, despite some enormous physical challenges – but, Kelly Vincent is not letting that stop her.

This to the report by Daniel Pizarro, presented by Charlotta Lomas:

Disabled politican making waves

Here’s the Dignity for Disability website.