1. After looking closely at the image above (or at the full-size image), think about these three questions:
2. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)
3. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.
Each Monday, our collaborator, Visual Thinking Strategies, will facilitate a discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time by paraphrasing comments and linking to responses to help students’ understanding go deeper. You might use their responses as models for your own.
4. On Thursday afternoons, we will reveal at the bottom of this post more information about the photo. How does reading the caption and learning its back story help you see the image differently?
The Reveal
We’ll post more information here on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned!
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
1. DuPaul, G. J., Eckert, T. L., & Vilardo, B. (2012). The effects of school-based interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis 1996-2010. School Psychology Review, 41(4), 387–412.
2. van der Oord, S., Bögels, S. M., & Peijnenburg, D. (2012). The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(1), 139–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9457-0
3. Phan, M. L., Renshaw, T. L., Caramanico, J., Greeson, J. M., MacKenzie, E., Atkinson-Diaz, Z., Doppelt, N., Tai, H., Mandell, D. S., & Nuske, H. J. (2022). Mindfulness-based school interventions: A systematic review of outcome evidence quality by study design. Mindfulness, 13(7), 1591–1613. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01885-9
4. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016
5. Crescentini, C., Capurso, V., Furlan, S., & Fabbro, F. (2016). Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation for Primary School Children: Effects on Attention and Psychological Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00805
6. Gunaseelan, L., Vanama, M. S., Abdi, F., Qureshi, A., Siddiqua, A., & Hamid, M. A. (2021). Yoga for the Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.20466
7. Harrison, L. J., Manocha, R., & Rubia, K. (2004). Sahaja Yoga Meditation as a Family Treatment Programme for Children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 9(4), 479–497. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104504046155
8. Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Nabors, L., Myers, R. E., Felver, J. C., & Manikam, R. (2018). Samatha Meditation Training for Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects on Active Academic Engagement and Math Performance. Mindfulness, 9(6), 1867–1876. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-1014-0
9. van de Weijer-Bergsma, E., Formsma, A. R., De Bruin, E. I., & Bögels, S. M. (2012). The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(5), 775–787. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9531-7
Alison, an Irish-founded online learning platform, is committed to providing free access to education for learners worldwide. Since its launch, Alison has empowered millions with high-quality courses in business, technology, healthcare, and more—helping individuals gain valuable skills without financial barriers.
The platform remains especially popular in the European Economic Area (EEA), with an average of 306,000 monthly users over the past six months. This strong engagement reflects the growing need for accessible and flexible education across Europe.
Looking ahead, Alison is working towards an ambitious goal: hosting its platform in all 27 official languages of the European Union. By offering multilingual access, Alison aims to break down language barriers, making learning even more inclusive and impactful.
As an Irish company leading the way in free education, Alison continues to innovate, ensuring that knowledge remains open to everyone, everywhere.
The Trump administration ordered thousands of the agency’s workers to return to the United States from overseas, put them on indefinite administrative leave and shifted oversight of the agency to the State Department.
On Thursday, the administration also announced plans to gut the agency’s staff, reducing U.S.A.I.D.’s work force of more than 10,000 to perhaps a few hundred. On Friday, a judge temporarily blocked elements of the Trump administration’s plan to shut down the agency, though the aid freeze remains in effect.
The scope of U.S.A.I.D.’s work is extensive: war relief in Ukraine, peace-building in Somalia, disease surveillance in Cambodia, vaccination efforts in Nigeria, H.I.V. prevention in Uganda and maternal health assistance in Zambia, among a wide range of other programs. The agency has helped to contain major outbreaks of Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers in recent years.
In some regions, it supplies food, shelter and access to clean water that can be the difference between life and death. In others, it supports global networks of disease surveillance and biomedical research that help local populations and also protect Americans.
“We built out a network of 50-plus countries on every continent, developing what I’ve called the world’s immune system — an ever-accelerating capacity to prevent, detect and more rapidly respond to pandemic threats,” Dr. Atul Gawande, a senior U.S.A.I.D. official in the Biden administration, said last month in an address ahead of Mr. Trump’s inauguration. Mortality rates in countries aided by U.S.A.I.D. drop faster than in other places, Dr. Gawande added.
Global health experts say that U.S.A.I.D. has practiced a form of soft power around the world, allowing the United States to keep a friendly presence in developing nations, including countries that are key strategic allies.
What does the work cost?
While the agency’s foreign assistance programs are sweeping, their cost amounts to a tiny portion of the federal budget.
The U.S.A.I.D. has a budget of roughly $23 billion, part of a larger annual federal aid budget approved by Congress. The agency spent about $38.1 billion in fiscal year 2023, making up less than 1 percent of the federal budget. That makes it a relatively modest target for savings by Mr. Musk’s cost-cutting task force, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
And as for why Elon Musk and Republicans like Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, are targeting the agency, the writers explain:
Conservative critics have long questioned the value of foreign aid programs.
Mr. Rubio on Monday faulted agency employees for “deciding that they’re somehow a global charity separate from the national interest or taxpayer dollars.”
Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this illustration, or describe a memory from your own life that this image makes you think of.
Tell us in the comments, and then read the related article to learn more.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
The word archivist has appeared in 90 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on March 4 in “Stories by Harper Lee to Appear for the First Time in a New Collection” by Alexandra Alter. The article is about literary works Harper Lee wrote before she published her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”:
She tried and failed to get them published. Scholars and biographers have long thought the stories were lost or destroyed.
But Lee was a meticulous archivist. She stashed the typescripts of the stories, along with the rejection letters, in her New York City apartment, where her executor discovered them after her death in 2016.
Can you correctly use the word archivist in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how archivist can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
In February 2025, Alison attended the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Nigeria, where Alison Founder and CEO Mike Feerick delivered a keynote speech. The summit brought together education leaders and representatives of the Nigerian government to explore the future of education and showcase the outstanding achievements of the Nigerian educational sector.
Mike delivered a memorable message on the transformative power of education and its crucial role in Africa’s development. After his speech, Mike was joined on stage by CNN Africa’s award-winning Senior Editor Africa, Stephanie Busari, and together, they discussed how innovation in education can shape Africa’s future. With access to quality learning still out of reach for many, their conversation explored how digital education can democratise learning, upskill entire workforces, and create new career pathways – all without financial barriers.
As the world’s largest free online learning platform, Alison has long been committed to making education accessible and relevant to all. With over 45 million learners across 193 countries, our presence at this event reinforced our mission to bridge skills gaps, empower individuals, and reshape global education access in Africa and worldwide.
The Future of Online Learning and Certification
The landscape of education is undergoing a profound transformation. As digital learning platforms continue to rise, traditional education models are being redefined, with more learners than ever embracing online education for its flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Alison is at the forefront of this shift, with more than 7 million people enrolling in one or more of our 5,500+ free online courses in 2024 alone. Online learning is no longer just an alternative – it’s becoming the norm, empowering millions worldwide to gain valuable skills, earn certifications, and advance their careers without financial barriers.
These facts laid the foundations for Mike’s address to the conference attendees. He highlighted that while only 8% of the world’s population has attended college, technology can educate 100% of people at a fraction of the cost of traditional learning. Soon, anyone will be able to study any subject, at any level, in any language – for free, thanks to AI-powered platforms that will enable full online high schools and universal education access.
Once Mike was joined on stage by Stephanie, they discussed how innovation in education can shape Africa’s future. With access to quality learning still out of reach for many, their conversation explored how digital education can democratise learning, upskill entire workforces, and create new career pathways, all without financial barriers. Mike also emphasised how AI is set to revolutionise hiring practices, allowing employers to test candidates in real-time instead of relying on degrees earned a decade ago, making traditional certificates less relevant.
With Africa projected to make up half of the world’s new workforce by 2030, Alison’s commitment to free, accessible learning ensures that African learners are equipped to thrive in an evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to the world’s economic future.
Opportunities for Nigerians: Skills, Jobs, and Economic Empowerment
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is undergoing significant economic and educational transformation. The country faces a rapidly evolving job market influenced by technology, globalisation, and shifting business needs. However, a considerable skills gap threatens to leave many Nigerians behind in this dynamic landscape. Notably, according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, with youth unemployment higher among those with post-secondary education. This indicates a mismatch between educational outcomes and market demands.
Additionally, a 2024 report by the African Development Bank Group highlighted that 66.9% of manufacturing firms in Nigeria experience significant skills gaps, underscoring the need for targeted skills development.
The Omniverse Summit provides a platform for global leaders to discuss how education can address these issues. During his keynote speech, Mike focused on how platforms like Alison can help bridge these gaps by offering Nigerians the opportunity to upskill at no cost. As more Nigerians turn to online learning, they gain access to courses and certifications that can open doors to better job prospects and economic empowerment.
So, what key skills should Nigerians focus on to stay relevant in the workforce over the next five years?
Current Skills Gap in the Nigerian Workforce
1. Technology and digital literacy: Nigeria’s tech sector is growing rapidly, but there is a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in areas like data analysis, software development, and cybersecurity. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, the demand for tech talent will only increase. Nigerians who develop these skills will be better positioned to land high-demand jobs in the coming years
2. Entrepreneurship and business skills: Nigeria has a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but many lack the business management skills to succeed. With the proper training in areas like finance, marketing, and strategic planning, Nigerian entrepreneurs can scale their businesses and create more job opportunities for others. Alison’s free business and entrepreneurship courses, for example, provide essential skills in these areas.
4. Healthcare and wellness: With a rising focus on health and wellness, the demand for healthcare professionals is surging. Nigeria faces significant gaps in skilled healthcare workers, ranging from medical practitioners to caregivers and wellness experts. Upgrading skills in these areas will help Nigerians tap into this critical and growing sector.
5. Sustainability and green jobs: As global awareness of environmental issues increases, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and the green economy. In Nigeria, the green jobs sector is still emerging, but it holds great promise. Courses in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable business practices are key to positioning Nigerians for success in this sector.
How Alison is Changing Global Education Access
Alison’s commitment to transforming global education access exemplifies our focus on offering free, high-quality education to anyone, anywhere. With thousands of courses across a range of categories – including business, technology, health, and digital literacy – our platform enables individuals to learn new skills, earn CPD-accredited Certificates, and change the trajectory of their careers without the financial burden of traditional education.
Our impact in Nigeria is particularly significant, as our platform empowers millions of Nigerians to close the skills gap and improve their chances of securing better employment. Nigeria ranks 5th among our top 10 countries, with 2 million registered users and 5 million course enrolments. By offering relevant and in-demand courses, Alison is actively contributing to empowering individuals and communities across the country, ensuring they have the knowledge and credentials to compete in an evolving job market.
Beyond courses, Alison offers career-building tools to help learners confidently navigate their professional journeys. Our Workplace Personality Assessment helps individuals understand their strengths and ideal work environments, while our Mental Health Assessment supports overall well-being in professional settings. The Career Ready Plan provides personalised guidance to help learners map out their career goals, and our Aptitude Test allows users to identify their core competencies and areas for growth. To further support job seekers, our Resumé Builder helps create polished, professional CVs that stand out to employers.
Alison’s Certificates have become a powerful tool for both job seekers and employers as well. As more companies recognise the value of online learning certifications, the gap between job seekers’ qualifications and employers’ expectations continues to close. Alison is a key player in this global shift, helping millions of learners demonstrate competence, gain confidence, and achieve their career goals. By combining free education with essential career tools, Alison is not just equipping individuals with knowledge, but also empowering them to take actionable steps towards meaningful employment and long-term success.
A Vision for the Future
The Omniverse Summit served as an important reminder of how online education can help tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly in developing nations. Alison, with its free and accessible courses, is proud to play a pivotal role in this transformation – empowering people to upskill, gain confidence, and take control of their futures. By closing skills gaps and improving individuals’ relevance in the job market, we are committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for learners everywhere.
If you do, you’re most likely watching boys or men or playing alongside them. Do you wish there were more opportunities for girls and women to play football? Would you watch or play with them if there were?
In “All She Wanted to Do Was Play. Football, That Is.” Alix Strauss interviews Odessa Jenkins, a Women’s Football Hall of Fame running back, who, in 2019, founded a for-profit, full-contact women’s professional football league called the Women’s National Football Conference, or W.N.F.C. The conversation begins:
Why did you create the W.N.F.C.?
Nobody knew women were capable of playing professional football. I wanted to change that. To play professional football at the highest level, women had to give up their financial possibilities of making money or becoming a brand.
The for-profit business entity for women’s football is just starting. I wanted to give women financial opportunity and revenue by building a business with the intention of developing professional women’s football like the N.F.L. with TV contracts, sponsorships, partnerships, community engagement and apparel.
What are the greatest challenges for women in this field?
Professional opportunity. We have been excluded and not taken seriously. There’s no opportunity for girls to play tackle football in grade school right now, there’s only tackle football for boys. So there’s no awareness that adult women can play. That’s going to change because in 2028, women’s flag football will be an Olympic sport.
Are people surprised to learn women are playing professional football?
When people hear football, or think of physical strength, or potentially being violent, they don’t associate that with women. I want to change that narrative.
We have perpetuated a patriarchal idea that good women do soft, feminine things and that beauty is assigned to a certain type of woman. Now women are deciding that beauty can come from their mind and what they can do with their body.
Students, read the entire article and then tell us:
Did you know that there were women who played professional football? What do you think about Ms. Jenkins’s efforts to create a professional, paid league in which women can make football a career?
Do you think women’s professional football could one day gain as much attention and praise as other women’s sports have recently? Could it become as big as the N.F.L.? Why or why not?
Do you believe there should be more opportunities for women and girls to play football? Does your school allow girls to participate in the sport or have its own girls team? Do you think it should?
Some might say that tackle football is too dangerous for anyone to play. What are your thoughts on that?
Ms. Jenkins says much in the interview about opportunity and equality for girls and women in sports. What is one thing she said that stood out to you, challenged you or resonated with your own experiences, and why?
Two NASA astronauts splashed down off Florida’s Gulf Coast on Tuesday, returning to Earth after a stay on the International Space Station that lasted some nine months longer than they had originally planned.
The return of Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore after 286 days in space completed a voyage that began in June and was supposed to have lasted as few as eight days. Instead, the mission stretched into weeks, then months, as engineers puzzled over problems with the astronauts’ spacecraft.
If you could talk to Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two astronauts, what would you ask them? Why?
Tell us in the comments, and then read the related live updates to learn more.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
The word presage has appeared in 29 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Feb. 27 in “Oscars 2025 Predictions: Who Will Win Best Picture, Actor and Actress?” by Kyle Buchanan. The article identifies “twists and turns” in determining which movie would likely win the award for Best Picture:
Then “Anora,” a front-runner that was utterly shut out at January’s Golden Globes, scored top prizes from the producers, directors and writers guilds.
Those wins usually presage a best picture victory, especially because the producers guild uses a preferential ballot similar to the Academy’s. But in the late going, another contender began to surge as “Conclave” took the top prize at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (where “Anora” was once again shut out) as well as best film honors at the BAFTAs, the British equivalent to the Oscars.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word presage in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how presage can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Opportunities for Nigerians: Skills, Jobs, and Economic Empowerment
How Alison is Changing Global Education Access
