BY YAHYA KARIM

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially for students. School is a place where young people go to learn and grow, but it can also be stressful for many. Many students find it difficult to deal with the stress of homework and exams. That’s why it’s so important for schools to focus on mental health.

Many students feel the need to do better in school, which can cause them to develop anxiety issues, or even depression. Without support from staff, these feelings can build up and make school more of a burden instead of a place of learning. Schools that provide mental health help, like counselors, or support groups, provide students with the ability to relieve themselves of their stress, so they can focus more on learning.

Another reason mental health is important in schools is to help fight stigma. Some students may feel embarrassed to talk about their feelings, as they think others will think of them as weaker. Schools can change this by teaching about mental health and showing that it’s more than okay to ask for help in any situation. Simple lessons about emotions and how to handle stress can make a big difference.

When schools support mental health, they create a better environment for everyone. Students who feel cared for are more likely to do well in class and get along with other peers. Teachers can also aid, by asking a student when they look like they’re in bad shape

Mental health programs in schools can also bring students together. Activities like mindfulness exercises, group discussions, or fun wellness events can help to build a sense of community for the entire student body. When students feel connected and supported, they are more confident and happier.

In the end, focusing on mental health in schools helps students succeed. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about giving students the knowledge they need to survive in the real world. Schools that care about mental health are helping students grow into strong, kind, and capable people.

Every student in their school environment deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected. Paying attention to mental health is a big step toward making that happen.

BY KHADIJA KARIM

The education system faces many challenges that affect students and their learning. Some of these challenges include learning disabilities and differences in academic abilities. These issues make it hard for everyone to get the same quality of education.

Learning disabilities are one big challenge in schools. A learning disability is when a student has trouble with things like reading, writing, or math, even if they are doing their level best. For example, dyslexia makes it hard for some kids to read because their brains process words differently. Another example is ADHD, which makes it hard to focus and stay organized. Students with these challenges often need extra help, like special teaching methods, or more time to finish tests. However, not all schools have the resources to support these students properly.

Another problem is the difference in academic abilities among students. In every class, there are students who learn quickly and others who need more time. This makes it hard for teachers to plan lessons that work for everyone. For example, if a teacher moves too fast, some students might fall behind, but if the teacher moves too slow, the faster learners might get bored. This gap can make learning less effective for many students.

On top of these challenges, there is often a lack of resources in schools. Some schools don’t have enough: teachers, textbooks, or technology to help students succeed. This can make it even harder for students with learning disabilities, or those who need extra help.

Despite these challenges, there are ways to improve the education system. Teachers can use different teaching styles to reach all students. For example, they can use videos, group work, or hands-on activities to make lessons more engaging. Schools can also train teachers to understand and support students with learning disabilities. Parents and communities can help by working with schools to provide more resources and support.

Education is important for everyone, no matter their abilities. By understanding these challenges and working together, we can make schools a better place for all students to learn and grow.

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Once upon a time, owning a home was seen as the ultimate goal—a cozy house with a: garden, a mortgage, and the promise of stability. Fast forward to today, and for many young people, the dream of homeownership feels more like chasing after a rainbow. With soaring house prices and wages that just can’t keep up, it’s fair to ask: will future generations ever be able to afford houses?

Let’s start with the facts. In the 1970s, your parents (or grandparents) could often buy a house after a few years of saving. Fast forward to now, and house prices have increased dramatically. In the U.S., for example, the median home price was about $119,000 in the early 2000s. Today, in many places, it’s more than three times that. Meanwhile, wages have grown at a snail’s pace. That means what once took a decade to save might now take thirty years—or more! Cities like: London, Sydney, and Toronto have become especially notorious for their unaffordable housing markets. The issue isn’t just that prices are high; it’s that they have grown much faster than incomes. While rent keeps climbing too, many young people are stuck in a cycle of paying rent without being able to save much for a future home.

There are a few reasons why homes have become so expensive. One big issue is demand vs. supply. Lots of people want to live in cities where good jobs are, but there just aren’t enough homes to go around. This demand drives prices up. In some places, zoning rules also limit how many homes can be built, which makes things worse.

Another culprit? Investors. In recent years, more and more investors—both big corporations and individuals—have been buying up properties as investments. With fewer homes available for everyday buyers, prices get pushed even higher. Let’s not forget the fact that while house prices have been rising rapidly, wages have stayed relatively flat. This imbalance means that while your grandparents could buy a house by cutting back on a few luxuries, skipping avocado toast won’t make much of a difference for today’s would-be homeowners.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. Some cities and governments are starting to wake up to the issue. They are introducing affordable housing initiatives and offering grants, or low-interest loans to help first-time buyers. Then there’s the remote work revolution. Thanks to the rise of remote jobs, more people can move away from expensive cities to smaller towns and rural areas where homes are more affordable. Who knows—maybe future generations won’t need to live in big cities to have great careers.

Finally, there’s growing interest in alternative housing options. Tiny homes, co-living spaces, and even floating houses (yes, really) are becoming more popular. While these may not be the traditional white-picket-fence dream, they could offer more affordable paths to homeownership.

So, will future generations be able to afford houses? Maybe not in the same way previous generations did. With a little creativity, smart policies, and a willingness to adapt, they might still find a way to build homes—whether those are in the suburbs, in a tiny home, or even on wheels. What do you think? Should we start dreaming of tiny homes and floating houses, or is there still hope for that classic white-picket-fence dream?