China’s education system is undergoing significant demographic changes, with the primary school student population reaching its peak in 2023, according to Education Minister Huai Jinpeng. Middle schools are expected to follow suit in 2024, while high schools and higher education institutions are projected to peak in 2029 and 2032, respectively. These shifts reflect broader population trends and have prompted the Ministry of Education to reallocate resources to address regional disparities in school placement and resource distribution. Minister Huai emphasized the need to prioritize areas experiencing rapid population growth and urban centers with high concentrations of school-age children. The ministry also plans to expand educational facilities to accommodate these changes, ensuring equitable access to quality education across the country. This strategic response aims to mitigate the challenges posed by fluctuating student numbers and to maintain the stability of China’s education system in the coming decade.
分类： society
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Education for girls hit hard by India’s drying wells
In the drought-stricken regions of Maharashtra, India, the harsh realities of climate change are reshaping the lives of young girls. As wells dry up and rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, the burden of water collection falls heavily on their shoulders. Seventeen-year-old Ramati Mangla is one of many girls who must walk several kilometres each morning to fetch water, often missing school in the process. ‘I have kept my books,’ she laments, ‘but what if I never get a chance to go back?’
With men migrating to nearby cities for work, girls like Mangla are left to shoulder the responsibility of water collection, a task that consumes hours each day and leaves little time for education. Local officials estimate that nearly two million people in Nashik and Nandurbar districts face daily water shortages. This crisis is not unique to Maharashtra; it mirrors a broader trend across India’s rural heartlands, where climate-related disruptions are pushing millions of girls out of classrooms.
A 2021 UNESCO report highlighted the global impact of climate change on education, warning that millions of girls worldwide could be forced to leave school. In India, this pattern is already evident, with teachers reporting a sharp decline in girls’ attendance, particularly during dry months. Struggling to survive, many families see no option but to keep their daughters home or marry them early.
The UN children’s fund has noted that children in drought-prone areas, burdened with family responsibilities like water collection, struggle to attend school regularly. For Mangla and countless other girls, climate change has turned the simple act of fetching water into a stark choice between survival and education.
Mangla’s story is part of a photography series by Shefali Rafiq, featured in the 2025 Marai Photo Grant. This award, organised by Agence France-Presse, honours Shah Marai, the former photo chief at AFP’s Kabul bureau, who was killed in a suicide attack in 2018. The 2025 theme, ‘climate change,’ highlights its profound impact on daily life and communities, as seen through the lens of young South Asian photographers.
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Irish teacher Enoch Burke returns to prison after ‘fanatical campaign’
Enoch Burke, an Irish teacher embroiled in a prolonged legal battle over transgender rights, has been sent back to prison by the High Court in Dublin. Justice Cregan, presiding over the case, condemned Burke and his family for orchestrating a “deliberate, sustained, and concerted attack” on the authority of the civil courts and the rule of law. The judge highlighted Burke’s persistent refusal to comply with a court order barring him from trespassing at Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath, labeling his actions as a “fanatical campaign.”
Burke’s legal troubles began in 2022 when he was suspended from the school for refusing to address a transitioning student by their new name and preferred pronouns. The school subsequently obtained an injunction to prevent Burke from entering the premises, which he has repeatedly violated. Despite accumulating fines totaling €225,000, of which only €40,000 has been paid, Burke has continued to defy the court order.
Justice Cregan emphasized that Burke’s imprisonment and fines were not a result of his views on transgender issues, which he is entitled to hold, but rather his blatant disregard for court directives. The judge expressed concern over the disruption Burke’s actions have caused to the school community, stating that his behavior has created a crisis among students, teachers, and the school’s management board.
In a separate incident in August 2025, members of the Burke family confronted Mervyn Storey, chair of the Education Authority, at a church in County Antrim over gender identity issues. Justice Cregan clarified that the case was not about transgenderism but about Burke’s contempt for court orders. The judge ruled that Burke’s deliberate and persistent defiance warranted imprisonment and indicated that further rulings on related issues would be issued next week.
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Beijing cafe fosters inclusive space for people with disabilities
Nestled in the heart of Beijing’s Qianmen Hutong, Naga Tree Cafe has emerged as a sanctuary for individuals with disabilities, offering a unique blend of social enterprise and public welfare. Founded by Ren Jiayi, an entrepreneur with disabilities who has undergone double titanium hip replacements due to ankylosing spondylitis, the cafe stands as China’s first inclusive space of its kind. Since its inception a year ago, Naga Tree has become a spiritual refuge, providing a platform for wheelchair users, visually or hearing-impaired individuals, and others to express themselves freely and confidently. The cafe sustains its 756-square-meter space through diverse revenue streams, including venue rentals, brand collaborations, and the sale of coffee-related products. Beyond conventional facilities like ramps and adjustable tables, Naga Tree is equipped with state-of-the-art restrooms featuring automatic doors, transfer boards, and an anti-fainting system that ensures safety by opening the door automatically if no movement is detected within 25 minutes. Ren emphasizes that accessibility is not merely about meeting government standards but about addressing the real needs of people with disabilities. Naga Tree also serves as a social classroom for the disability community, where blind visitors enjoy music and borrow braille books, and wheelchair users mingle freely in a barrier-free setting. A regular visitor described it as ‘more than just a cafe,’ highlighting its role as a transitional space where individuals regain confidence and reintegrate into society. Xu Yanchun, an accessibility supervisor in Beijing, praised Naga Tree for its meticulous attention to detail and its employment of people with disabilities, providing them with opportunities for work and social interaction. Xu added that the success of small businesses like Naga Tree inspires others to follow suit, creating more opportunities and spaces for people with disabilities to work and engage in social activities within society.
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Over 10,000 wild geese gather at Jingxin Wetland in Jilin
The Jingxin Wetland in Hunchun, located within the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, has recently become a temporary home to over 10,000 wild geese. This early winter spectacle has drawn bird enthusiasts and photographers eager to document the migratory birds as they rest and forage. Spanning more than 5,800 hectares, the wetland offers a rich food supply and a thriving ecosystem, making it a crucial stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each spring and autumn. The sight of these magnificent birds taking flight against the backdrop of the wetland has become a symbol of the region’s ecological health and natural beauty. The event underscores the importance of preserving such habitats to support biodiversity and sustain migratory patterns.
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Two schoolgirls escape Nigeria kidnap ordeal, official says
In a harrowing incident on Monday, armed assailants stormed an all-girls’ boarding school in Kebbi state, north-western Nigeria, kidnapping at least 25 students and a teacher. Amid the chaos, two girls managed to escape their captors by fleeing into nearby farmland, according to Hussaini Aliyu, a local official from Danko Wasagu council. While both girls are now safe, one required medical attention for injuries sustained during her escape. Security forces, including soldiers, police, and volunteers, are conducting extensive searches in forested areas to rescue the remaining captives. Major General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s army chief of staff, has urged troops to persist in their efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the mission. The attackers, described as ‘bandits,’ invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town at approximately 04:00 local time. Tragically, two staff members lost their lives during the assault: a teacher who died while protecting the students and a security guard who succumbed to gunshot wounds in the hospital. This attack underscores the ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria, where schools have become frequent targets for armed groups seeking ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted children are enduring immense anguish, with one father expressing his despair over his daughter’s captivity. Nigerian authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, have pledged their commitment to rescuing the girls and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly schoolchildren.
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Man who cryogenically froze late wife sparks debate by dating new partner
A Chinese man’s decision to cryogenically freeze his deceased wife has ignited a heated moral debate online, especially after it was revealed that he has been dating a new partner while his wife remains preserved in liquid nitrogen. Gui Junmin, 57, chose to freeze his wife Zhan Wenlian’s body after she succumbed to lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 49, making her the first person in China to undergo cryopreservation. The procedure, which remains scientifically unproven, was intended as a testament to his devotion. However, a recent interview disclosed that Gui has been in a relationship with another woman since 2020, sparking mixed reactions on Chinese social media. While some sympathized with his decision to move on after years of solitude, others criticized him for prioritizing his emotional needs over respect for his late wife. Zhan’s body is stored in a 2,000-liter container at -190°C at the Shandong Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute, under a 30-year preservation agreement. Gui explained that a severe gout attack in 2020, which left him immobile for days, prompted him to reconsider the benefits of living alone. He described his current relationship as “utilitarian,” stating that his new partner, Wang Chunxia, has not yet “entered” his heart. The debate has raised questions about the ethics of cryonics, with some urging Gui to let his wife “rest in peace,” while others questioned the fairness to both Zhan and Wang. Cryonics involves cooling the body to sub-zero temperatures, infusing it with cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation, and preserving it in liquid nitrogen. While over 500 people worldwide have been cryogenically preserved, primarily in the U.S., no one has ever been successfully revived. Scientists remain skeptical about the feasibility of reawakening a complete human body. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of love, loss, and the ethical dilemmas posed by emerging technologies.
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Venice’s newest marvel is a wild, acrobatic dolphin. His refusal to leave puts him in danger
Venice has become the temporary home of an acrobatic wild dolphin named Mimmo, who has captivated both locals and tourists with his playful antics. However, his prolonged stay in the bustling St. Mark’s Basin has raised concerns among marine experts. Mimmo’s refusal to leave the area, despite efforts to guide him to open waters, has exposed him to significant dangers, including injuries from boat propellers. On Saturday, multiple agencies attempted to relocate Mimmo using low-intensity acoustic devices, but the dolphin returned within an hour, highlighting the challenges of his situation. Veterinarian Guido Pietroluongo from the University of Padua’s emergency response team for stranded marine mammals emphasized the risks posed by the heavy boat traffic in the area. Mimmo’s arrival in the Venetian lagoon on July 23 is believed to have been driven by his pursuit of fish. While his superficial wounds are expected to heal, experts worry about his continued safety. Authorities are urging the public to avoid feeding or interacting with Mimmo, as such actions are illegal and could further stress the animal. Despite the risks, Mimmo’s presence has brought a rare and enchanting spectacle to Venice, though his long-term well-being remains a pressing concern.
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Huge fire in the Croatian capital destroys landmark tower
A devastating fire engulfed the iconic Vjesnik Tower in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia, reducing the historic skyscraper to ruins. The blaze, which erupted near the top of the 16-story building late Monday night, rapidly descended, thwarting the efforts of approximately 100 firefighters to contain it. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the building was largely unoccupied at the time of the incident. By midday Tuesday, the flames appeared to be extinguished, though the structure continued to smolder, with debris reportedly falling due to the intensity of the fire. Croatian media suggested that the fire may have spread through ventilation shafts. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic expressed his dismay at the extensive damage, stating, ‘From what I saw on site and inside the building, the damage is unfortunately total.’ He remained optimistic, however, about the potential for restoration, emphasizing the building’s significance in the city’s landscape. The Vjesnik Tower, once home to a prominent newspaper of the same name, had been vacant for over a decade, leaving its future uncertain until this tragic event.
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‘Another feather in his cap’ as parrot named after ‘hat-trick hero’
In a heartwarming tribute to Republic of Ireland footballer Troy Parrott, Dublin Zoo has officially named a male citron-crested cockatoo after the national hero. The 23-year-old striker secured Ireland’s place in the World Cup play-offs with a stunning hat-trick and a 96th-minute winning goal against Hungary on Sunday, sparking nationwide celebrations. The previously unnamed parrot, a critically endangered species, has now been christened Troy in honor of Parrott’s historic achievement. Zookeeper Diana Farrell described the moment as ‘beautiful and joyous,’ emphasizing the zoo’s desire to celebrate ‘Ireland’s hat-trick hero.’ While fans had called for a statue, Farrell humorously noted that naming the parrot was ‘another feather in his cap.’ The newly named Troy, described as ‘chirpy, cheerful, and inquisitive,’ is one of only two citron-crested cockatoos at the zoo. He shares his enclosure with a female named Katie, after Irish footballer Katie McCabe. The zoo hopes the pair will breed as part of the European Zoo Breeding Programme to help conserve the critically endangered species. Farrell expressed optimism that the naming would attract more visitors to the zoo, raising awareness about the plight of these rare parrots. She also hopes the real Troy Parrott will visit his namesake, adding that many zookeepers are avid football fans. The tribute has already garnered significant attention, with Dublin Airport even temporarily renaming itself ‘Troy Parrott Airport’ on social media.