Dear readers,

 

    Just three months into a new decade, we have already witnessed major historical events. In January, major bushfires in Australia, which started from a few uncontrolled bushfires in late 2019, obliterated Australia’s environment. As of March 2020, the bushfires have killed around 1 billion animals -- driving some endangered species into extinction -- and burned about 46 million acres of land. While public concerns over Australia’s fires were rising, the Trump administration assassinated the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran, as a response, sent missiles to attack U.S. military bases in Iraq, which raised public concerns over an outbreak of war. Luckily, it did not happen. 

 

    In late January, the Chinese government recognized the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan, after ignoring early warnings of a possible respiratory disease outbreak from doctor Wenliang Li. From there, the coronavirus started to spread at an overwhelming rate, becoming a global pandemic. Many countries have taken measures to contain the virus and are still trying to lower the infection rate, though such measures are implemented at the cost of their economies. 

 

    In this issue of the Civikids Review, our student writers explored topics on disability and mental illness, linking them to the current social condition. 

    

Finally, our hearts go out to all who have gone through or are experiencing hardships during such unprecedented times. Stay safe!

 

Sincerely,

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Rosemary Li  (Civikids President and Chief Editor of Civikids Review)