World Vision Report

Day of the Dead

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is not a sad time, in spite of its name. The holiday traces its origin back to the indigenous people of Latin America, who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit their loved ones. It's a time for memories, merrymaking and music.

Host Peggy Wehmeyer tells us more.

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City of the Dead

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

One of the poorest neighborhoods in Cairo is called "The City of the Dead" â for good reason. It's a vast cemetery that runs for miles along Cairo's eastern edge. It's made up of rows of mausoleums â some modest, some elaborate â with simple dirt lanes in between. And thousands of people live there.

Theodore May tells us about the place and its people, in this Reporter's Notebook.

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Return to Sender

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

In her latest book, Julia Alvarez writes about Mexicans who've left their country and their culture behind. Return to Sender takes a close-up look at the lives of people who are often regarded as troubling statistics in the immigration debate â the children of undocumented workers who come to the U.S. each year to find work, and who live in fear of being sent back to Mexico. The book is written for children.

Julia Alvarez talks with host Peggy Wehmeyer.

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Mushroom Festival

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

Tourism is the leading industry in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The big draws are the pristine beaches, ancient archaeological sites, the colonial capital city â and mushrooms. Oaxaca's northern mountainous region is one of Mexico's biodiversity hotspots, and during the rainy season, it teems with mushrooms. Every year, visitors flock to a festival at an indigenous Zapotec village to forage for fungi, attend conferences and feast on mushroom fare.

Shannon Young has the story.

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Gurrumul

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu grew up in an Aboriginal community on a remote island off the coast of northern Australia. He was born blind, but at a young age showed a talent for playing and writing music. He began his career with the popular Australian band Yothu Yindi. Now his first solo release, aptly named Gurrumul, is winning major music awards in Australia.

Ish Mafundikwa, our guide to global music, tells us more.

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Sun Village

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

In traditional China, one person going to prison can bring shame to an entire family. The children of inmates, shunned by society and falling through the gaps in China's welfare system, often have to fend for themselves. But there are organizations working to change this.

Elise Potaka visited a refuge that provides these children with food, emotional support and a place to call home.

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Mama Susanna

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

Six days a week, Susanna Asamoah sells snapper and mackerel at the Ketejia market in Ghana, one of the busiest in all of Africa. Despite having to raise her prices, she's managed to retain her customers.

Anna Boiko-Weyrauch has the latest installment of our street vendor series.

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Proving Persecution

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:10:14 PST

Each year, tens of thousands of people fleeing war and persecution make their way to the United States and ask for asylum. But before they're allowed to stay, they have to prove their claims to immigration authorities. In New York, one doctor is trying to help with that effort.

Sarah Kate Kramer reports.

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