Chris Infotainment

Understanding the 7-Year-Old Exam and Its Impact on Young Children The "7-year-old exam" has become a significant concern for many parents in South Korea, especially those aiming to enroll their children in top-tier English kindergartens. This exam is closely tied to the Start Reading (SR) test, which measures a child's reading ability. An SR level of 2.2 corresponds to the second semester of second grade in the U.S. education system, indicating that a child is expected to be able to read and comprehend basic texts within a 30-minute time limit. However, in Daechi-dong, a neighborhood known for its competitive educational environment, an SR level of 3 or higher is typically required to qualify for the 7-year-old exam. This high standard means that most children fail, leading many families to enroll their kids in academies to improve their chances. These academies focus on various aspects of language learning, including writing, listening, grammar, and speaking. The pres...

Strengthening Education in Oyo State Through Collaborative Efforts Oyo State has taken significant steps to improve its education system by addressing the issue of out-of-school children. This initiative involves collaboration between the state government, the NGO OneLife Initiative, and the Malala Fund. Together, they are working to develop strategies that ensure inclusive and sustainable educational reforms. A technical workshop on educational reforms was recently held in Ibadan, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders. These included government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and education experts. The event aimed to design actionable strategies that could enhance the quality of education and promote inclusivity. The one-day event was part of the state’s Education Advancement Pre-Summit. It featured keynote speeches, position papers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. The focus was on improving education secto...

Government Reaffirms Commitment to School Feeding Programme The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to repositioning the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) as a key driver for improving nutrition, education, local agriculture, and inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. This commitment was highlighted during a high-level policy forum focused on the institutionalization and implementation of the programme. Key Stakeholders Gather for Policy Forum The National Policy Forum on the Institutionalisation and Implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and members of smallholder farmer associations. Organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Financial...

A Photography Exhibition Shaping Perceptions of Autism Autistic children and young people from south Wales have come together to create a powerful photography exhibition aimed at challenging negative perceptions about autism. The project, titled “But you don’t look autistic,” showcases portraits of neurodivergent individuals, both adults and children, offering a platform for them to express their identities and experiences. Jade West, a representative from Rewild Play, a Newport-based charity, emphasized the importance of this initiative. She noted that neurodivergent children often face overwhelming messages of limitation, but the exhibition seeks to shift that narrative. “We want to show that being autistic is not a barrier, but a different way of thinking and living,” she said. Fifteen-year-old Liam, whose portrait is featured in the exhibition, expressed a sense of pride in being part of the project. He shared his frustration with how others often respond when he reveals his au...

Advancements in HIV Treatment and Vaginal Delivery Mothers living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) who are on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and have a low or undetectable viral load can safely choose vaginal delivery, according to recent guidelines. This approach significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants during childbirth. While HIV transmission is still possible, the likelihood is much lower when the mother’s viral load is well-controlled through treatment. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) highlights that advances in HIV treatment have dramatically reduced the chances of perinatal transmission. This means that more mothers living with HIV can now have vaginal deliveries without increasing the risk of passing the virus to their babies. However, it is crucial to note that if a mother is not on treatment, the risk of transmission remains high during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding. According to NACA, Nigeria bears the highest...

Strengthening Education Access for Nigerian Girls The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. This pledge was made during an official handover ceremony of the Luminah 2030 initiative, which took place in Abuja. The event marked a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to improve access to education, especially for girls. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, highlighted the importance of this initiative during the handover. She emphasized that the commission will align its operations with the frameworks of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to ensure the program's ownership and scalability. By integrating with these local structures, UBEC aims to guarantee that the program is effectively implemented across different regions. Luminah 2030, launched under the Federal Ministry of Education in March 2025, is a flagship program designed to empower one mi...

A Vibrant Celebration of Education and Culture A vibrant Educational Family Festival was held at Fayyaz Park, Muzaffargarh, organized by the Population and Health Department in collaboration with the District Administration. The event aimed to bring together families, children, and community members for a day filled with learning, cultural activities, and fun. The festival was graced by notable figures, including Mr. Awaid Irshad Bhatti, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Revenue Muzaffargarh, and Mr. Khizr Zahoor, Assistant Commissioner Muzaffargarh, who attended as chief guests. Their presence added significance to the occasion, highlighting the importance of the event in promoting education and health awareness. A large number of government officials, civil society representatives, schoolteachers, health professionals, NGOs, families, and children participated with great enthusiasm. The atmosphere was lively and engaging, reflecting the community's interest in the event’s object...

The Education Secretary's Concerns About White Working-Class Students The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has raised concerns about the performance of white working-class students in the UK. She emphasized that these students are not receiving the support they need to succeed academically and professionally. As GCSE results day approaches, she highlighted that four-fifths of children from white working-class backgrounds struggle with basic English and maths skills. This issue is having a significant impact on the country’s productivity and economy. In 2024, only 19% of white British, working-class children achieved a strong pass in both maths and English GCSEs. This trend has been consistent since 2017, raising serious concerns about the long-term implications for society. Phillipson expressed her dismay at the situation, stating that it is not just the future of these children that is at stake but also the health of the nation as a whole. She pointed out that many indi...

The Most Popular Baby Names Across Europe The latest data on the most popular baby names across Europe has been revealed, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern influences. From biblical names to international trends, parents across the continent are choosing names that reflect their cultural backgrounds, personal preferences, and even global media exposure. In Germany, Noah is the top name for boys, while in France, Louise takes the lead for girls. These names were identified through an interactive map that highlights the ten most common names given to children in each country. For girls, Emma and Olivia tied for first place, appearing as the most popular choices in two countries each. Meanwhile, Noah remains a favorite among boys, with four out of 16 countries in the analysis selecting it as the top name. Clare Green, a naming expert from the website Nameberry, explains that while Noah may seem like a "vintage" name, it still feels fresh to many parents. She notes th...