Native wisdom is retained by wise natives
A first-nations group is taking control of academic studies of its people. Philip Fine reports from Canada. Researchers specialising in aboriginal issues have gained access to rich cultural resources...
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Light up some sweet grass for a smudge and a bit of counselling Canadian style
A unique programme that aims to bridge traditional native healing and contemporary psychological counselling has been launched from a university on the Canadian prairies, writes Philip Fine. The...
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Freeing prisoners from the threat of infection
In Zambia, a university project is working to prevent the spread of Aids in jails, while in India students are benefiting from an awareness programme. Prisoners are imprisoned "to be reformed, not to...
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A sure cure for ignorance
In a country where smallpox is still regarded in rural areas as divine retribution for past sins rather than a curable disease, widespread ignorance and prejudice about Aids should come as no...
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Do human rights stand a chance post - 9/11?
'Human rights are never achievedI' argues law professor and UN delegate Sir Nigel Rodley, but, he tells Sean Coughlan, the world is still moving in the right direction. "The bigger the danger, the...
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One light bulb and an illuminating year
Jocasta Gardner brought a breath of fresh air to Albanian teaching. Or was it just the constantly open windows? I am not sure anything in the British or German university systems would have prepared...
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Lighten up, let your hair down, stop griping
Busy during the holidays? Who are you trying to kid? asks Valerie Atkinson in the latest in our summer vacation series. Just once, could we not all admit that the summer vacation is a doddle? Less so...
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South Sea crusade
The preservation and documentation of endangered languages has been deemed a priority in the South Pacific islands. Geoff Maslen reports. More than 1,100 languages are spoken on the islands that dot...
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Tribal languages are given a new lease of life
Sheldon G. Weeks describes a literacy programme for minority languages in Botswana. Twenty-six languages are spoken in Botswana, but before the country's independence in 1966 the British colonial...
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On the trail of stolen dreams
A study into the exploitation of Aboriginal designs for commercial gain is yielding practical results, says Geoff Maslen. After ten years of battling to prevent the plundering of Aboriginal artists'...
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Rules of engagement
Svava Bjarnason and Patrick Coldstream reflect on the theme of this year's ACU conference for vice-chancellors and principals. Our cliches point to our preoccupations. The phrases "knowledge society...
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Keeper of the plains and the forests
Wachira Kigotho reports on an environmental advocacy programme that is making an impact in Tanzania. Tanzania's rich biodiversity is threatened by logging of rare hardwoods, charcoal burning on the...
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Life's lessons hold key to study success
Philip Fine describes a Canadian scheme that offers a way of entering university on the strength of experience. Canada's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Centre has the ability to reach out to a wide...
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Care for the environment and cash for the university coffers
Martin Ince outlines the work of Environmental Consultancy Services. Academics with a concern for the environment want to change the world as well as observe it. At Northumbria University they are...
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The champion of 'grey matter' trade
Kenneth Asch examines the legacy of the retiring principal of McGill University in Montreal. In January this year, Bernard Shapiro, principal of Montreal's McGill University, opted for early...