Toys "R "Us Intends To Open More Stores

 

Some businesses can be revived. Toys "R "Us at one stage filed for bankruptcy, but was able to resurrect itself. The nature of toy purchases has changed. The concern was that children no longer are interested in toys. Electronics, video games, and tablets are getting more attention from youth. However, another demographic is becoming part of toy purchases. Adults and teens are collecting toys. Like stamps, sports cards, or comic books toys are now a type of hobby. Toys also have a connection to other fandoms of popular  TV and film franchises. The company intends to open 120 stores. This was done before the holiday season and the intent is to see sales expand. Prior to the 2017 bankruptcy, Toys "R" Us had more than 1000 stores in the United States. The company is now owned by WHP Global. The private equity firm might not see keeping toy stores open as a long term business model. Either WHP Global would sell it or liquidate the subsidiary. Mismanagement and failure to interest buyers resulted in Toys "R" Us facing bankruptcy. Companies must adopted to the shift in consumer habits and an evolving market place. A new strategy of offering popular toy brands is a positive direction. Lego, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Marvel action figures, and Pokemon products will be in stores. Tariffs and increasing prices pose a threat to the company's objectives.     

Colombia Has Prohibited Child Marriage

 

Child marriage has been outlawed in Colombia. After 17 years of advocacy groups working to make this possible, the bill was passed. Marriage is now prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. Certain countries still allow child marriage. This puts girls at risk for violence and sexual exploitation. The practice harms girls advancement in education and prevents economic opportunities in adulthood. Colombia is estimated to have about 4.5 million girls married before the age of 18 according to Unicef data. Child marriage remained more prevalent in rural communities. The economic strain that certain families face make then marry off their daughters to someone more wealthy. The reason child marriage effects girls more than boys is due to a culture of machista. The culture of male dominance does not allow girls and women much personal freedom. The challenge now is chaining attitudes about women and girls roles in society. Ensuring the law will be recognized will be difficult for law enforcement. The connection between poverty and child marriage has been noted. Social welfare programs, expansion of employment, and more public education can contribute to the fight against child marriage. Colombia had to act seeing as child marriage was becoming a public health concern. Child brides, just like adults can be subject to domestic violence. Getting pregnant too young can increase risk of death during childbirth. Colombia is the latest South American country to ban child marriage. Only 12 countries have a ban on child marriage in Latin America. Colombia could inspire activists in other countries to get legislation passed to protect girls from  child marriage. 

The Teacher Shortage

 

The United States is facing a shortage of teachers. Many have left as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, low pay, and the controversies surrounding curriculum. The largest portion of positions are in the subjects of science and mathematics. Without enough teachers for these subjects, the US will fall behind in producing engineers, biologists, doctors,  physicists, and  computer scientists. Combined with the fact higher education has gotten more expensive, this will negatively effect employment. The world is witnessing a fourth industrial revolution in which information technology has more importance. If elementary and high school students are not getting a quality education, then they will not be prepared for the workforce. Those who do obtain degrees still have to deal with massive amounts of debt. The economy will suffer from a labor force with limited skills and a small skilled labor force victim to income inequality. The children of the United States are going to have a worse quality of life than their parents did. Students have been struggling with reading, prior to the shortage and it will only get worse. Students with learning disabilities are impacted more from a teacher shortage. Parents either have to get their children tutors or move their children to another school. The solutions to this challenge is to increase teacher pay, do more recruitment, and have public education federally funded. The US government will have to make a serious effort to help various school systems at both the state and local level.  

Kenya Bans Child Adoption by Foreign Nationals

The Kenyan government has officially banned adoption of Kenyan children by foreign nationals. This may appear to be some form of xenophobia, however cases of abuse have occurred. Corruption involving missionaries or the possible trafficking of children has been cited as a cause for concern. The issue became so prominent that President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto had a special cabinet meeting at the State House to address growing abuses. New policies and regulations are going to be enforced in association with the Ministry of Labor and Social protection. This revelation demonstrates that Kenya must do more to protect its youth. For too long the future of the continent has been taken to either North America or Europe at the expense of African nations. A temporary or extended ban may be necessary to halt longtime abuses. If new policies are to work, the foster care system it Kenya requires improvement to ensure the safety and well being of orphaned children. Foster care in various nations around the globe need more state assistance. Welfare has been given a negative connotation, but in terms of the foster care system it can help. Kenya must invest in creating a stable environment for children so that they can be successors to running the nation. More policies that revolve around public works and social programs will ensure Kenya's success.