COP21, Kobe Bryant, Cyber Monday

  Climate change on the Agenda The hashtag #COP21 started trending over the weekend ahead of the United Nations’ conference on climate change. What is COP21? It stands for the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. World leaders like U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about this year’s conference as a new beginning. Xi called the summit “a new starting point.” Obama said, “Our generation may not even live to see the full realization of what we do here.” But it’s a tweet from outer space that has received all the attention. American astronaut Scott Kelly wrote, “From space, we are privileged to see the beauty of Earth, but also our impact on its environment.”  The tweet was liked over 4,000 times in seven hours. Kobe Bryant makes retirement plans Basketball star Kobe Bryant has been grabbing headlines his entire career. Bryant was a teenager when he entered the NBA draft straight out of high school. He won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. He even scored 81 points in one game in 2006 – the second-highest single-game total ever. On Sunday night, Bryant announced he would retire at the end of this season. Bryant made the announcement with a poem on the website The Players’ Tribune. Bryant wrote, “This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind. But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.” By Monday morning in the U.S., the word “Kobe” was the subject of over one million tweets. Bryant will retire after 20 seasons in the league. He missed almost all of the last two seasons due to major injuries. Bryant will finish his career with the third-most career points in NBA history. Cyber Monday after Black Friday This is the time of year retail businesses in the U.S. look to start making money. Businesses offer customers discounts and incentives to make them come to stores and shop. The day after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday.” It refers to the first time all year businesses are “in the black” or making profit. With more businesses selling their goods online, the Monday after Thanksgiving has the name “Cyber Monday.” There were over two million Google searches with the term “Cyber Monday” on Sunday alone for discounts on computers, clothes and shoes. Perhaps some businesses hyped the big day too much. Target’s website could not handle the traffic and had to slow down. Some users got the message “So sorry, but high traffic’s causing delays.” One Twitter user was a little disappointed that he could not access the sales on Target’s website.   The website CNBC.com said PayPal had trouble keeping up with demand, too. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Does your country have a good plan for climate change? Do you think we can make a difference today for future generations? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   grab – v. to get the attention or interest of (someone or something) hype – v. to talk or write about (something or someone) in a way that is intended to make people excited or interested score – v. to get points, goals, runs, etc., in a game or contest draft – v. a system by which professional sports teams choose players from college or high school teams — usually singular

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Colorado Shootings Restart Gun Debate

Another shooting incident – this time in Colorado -- has brought attention to the debate about gun violence in the United States. “Enough is enough,” said President Barack Obama on Saturday. A police officer and two civilians were killed Friday during a five-hour shooting spree in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nine other victims were wounded. The shooting happened at a Planned Parenthood healthcare facility. The man accused in the shooting, Robert Lewis Dear, was due in court Monday. Dear’s motive for the attack is unknown, but he reportedly talked about abortion during the shooting. Planned Parenthood is a national provider of health and family planning services. It tests for sexually transmitted diseases and offers health consultations. Some of its health clinics provide services to end pregnancies. Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973. But it is very controversial. Fifty-five percent of American adults say abortions should be legal in all or most cases, compared with 40 percent who say it should be illegal all or most of the time, according to a February 2013 Pew Research poll. The Justice Department said the case may qualify as a domestic terrorism crime. Gun violence is a controversial topic in the U.S. The U.S. Constitution allows for the “right to bear arms.” But modern understanding of the Second Amendment to the Constitution has been heated. The day after the Colorado shooting, the University of Chicago received an online threat of violence. The university canceled classes Monday because of the threat of gun violence. The school also increased police and security patrols. It ordered students in college housing to stay inside Monday. The university is five blocks from President Obama’s Chicago home. In December 2012, a heavily armed young man shot and killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Six were adults, but 20 were children in Grade 1. The shooter killed himself when police arrived. Since then, 74 other school shootings have occurred, said politifact.com. After Sandy Hook, public opinion shifted toward support for gun control, according to a Pew Research Center poll in 2013. Fifty percent of those polled said gun control was the most important issue. Before the Sandy Hook shooting, 40 percent said gun control was the most important issue, according to a Gallup poll. I’m Jim Tedder. Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   nervous – adj. often or easily becoming worried and afraid about what might happen online – adj. done over the Internet patrol – n. a group of people or vehicles that go through an area to make sure that it is safe

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Can We Reduce HIV Infections to Zero?

Driving Safer, Easier With New Electronics for Cars

Improvements in electronics for autos are making cars safer and smarter. Some new car models are fashionable. Others can go a long way on only a little gas. But all are taking advantage of technology that is making driving safer and easier. The new Ford Escape has technology that helps the car avoid crashes. A new cruise control system changes the car’s speed to keep a safe distance from other cars on the road. It works by using sensors that measure the Escape’s distance from other vehicles. Drivers can connect to the Ford Escape’s electronic system through the dashboard or with their smart phones. The phone can start and track their car from anywhere. Mark Schirmer is a product representative at Ford. "Where I'm from, in Michigan, if it's a cold morning, I can have it start up right before I'm scheduled to leave to go to the airport or go to work. “You can find your car, or if one of your family members, a kid, borrowed the car, it will show you exactly where it is." Other companies are also hard at work developing technology to make driving safer. The Heedful Audio Alert System, or HAAS, warns drivers when emergency vehicles are near. CEO Cory Hohs said a near-crash with a Chicago fire truck inspired the product. "It scared me enough that I started looking for a product that would alert me when they're coming." Hohs said crashes with emergency vehicles are a major problem. The device has a sensor that detects the sound of an emergency vehicle siren. The device then sends a warning to the driver’s phone or other connected device when an emergency vehicle is in the area. A company called Sober Steering has developed a device to stop drunken drivers. The device can detect alcohol in the skin. If the driver’s alcohol level is too high, it shuts down the vehicle. Sober Steering sells the device to companies that operate large fleets of vehicles, like trucking and bus companies. Catherine Carroll is the Chief Operating Officer of Sober Steering. "If I'm drinking and I have levels above a preset limit, it immobilizes the vehicle, so you can't move the vehicle that you're driving." Just as connected technology is changing life at home and at work, it is also changing life on the road. And increasingly for cars, connected technology has become as important as performance and styling.   I’m Adam Brock.   Mike O’Sullivan reported this story for VOA from Los Angeles. Adam Brock adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck edited the story. Would you like your car to have these abilities? Leave a comment or post on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fashionable - adj. currently popular cruise control – n. an electronic device in a motor vehicle that can be switched on to maintain a selected constant speed without the use of the accelerator sensor – n. a device that detects or senses heat, light, sound, motion, etc., and then reacts to it in a particular way dashboard – n. the part of the inside of a car, truck, etc., that is below the windshield and that has the controls on it inspire – v. to make (someone) want to do something : to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create detect – v. to discover or notice the presence of (something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, etc.) drunk – adj. having drunk so much alcohol that normal actions (such as talking, thinking, and moving) become difficult to do fleet – n. a group of vehicles that move or work together or that are controlled or owned by one company immobilize – v. to keep (something or someone) from moving or working : to make (something or someone) immobile

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World Leaders Seek Climate Change Agreement

Representatives from more than 150 countries are meeting in Paris to try to reach an agreement on climate change. The world leaders are debating ways to reduce emissions from fossil fuels -- like oil and gasoline -- to slow the rise of the Earth’s temperature. The U.N. weather agency says the average global temperature will rise by 1 degree Celsius. The U.N. wants to keep the global temperature from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius. The leaders will be joined by 40,000 delegates and organizers from 130 non-governmental organizations. Unlike earlier U.N. climate meetings, the world leaders will arrive first. They will create a framework for negotiators to try to reach an agreement. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the world leaders that the meeting “must mark a decisive turning point.” He told them they have "the power to secure the well-being of this and succeeding generations.” He said, “you are here today to write the script for a new future, a future of hope and promise of increased prosperity, security and dignity for all. We need the world to know that we are headed to a low-emissions, climate-resilient future and there is no going back.” Before the climate change meeting in Paris began, President Barack Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Obama said the two countries agree on what is needed to slow global warming. He said that includes lowering carbon emissions and giving money to developing nations to help them make changes. He said, “As the two largest economies in the world and the two largest carbon emitters, we have both determined that it is our responsibility to take action, and since our historic joint announcement of our post-2020 climate targets in Beijing last year, more than 180 countries have followed in announcing their own targets. So our leadership on this issue has been absolutely vital.” The U.S. has promised to reduce emissions up to 28 percent by 2025. China has said its emissions will not increase after about 2030. As the meeting begins, Beijing and other parts of China have had some of the worst air pollution conditions of the year. The air quality reached an orange-level alert. That is the second highest alert level for air pollution. The U.S., China and India produce about half of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas that keeps heat in the atmosphere. Scientists said carbon dioxide is a leading cause of global warming. French President Francois Hollande says it will not be easy for the world leaders to reach an agreement. He says he is not sure if any agreement can be enforced. He is also worried about whether small countries have enough money to put in place measures to reduce their emissions. And he is not sure countries can be monitored to ensure they are meeting their promises to limit emissions. This year, 183 countries have released long-term plans to deal with climate change. But experts believe the negotiations at the Paris meeting and other international meetings over the next two weeks will be difficult. In 2009 in Copenhagen, rich and developing countries differed on how to limit global warming. They failed to reach an agreement. On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of protesters throughout the world called for global environmental controls. In Paris, activists gathered during a time of strict security following the Islamic State terrorist attacks last month that killed 130 people. Peaceful protests became violent. Police fired tear gas at some demonstrators. More than 200 protestors were detained. Concerts, demonstrations and a People’s Climate March were planned. Many people were expected to gather at them. But they were cancelled after the terrorist attacks. France says about 2,800 police officers and soldiers are guarding the conference. It said 6,300 other security forces will be deployed in Paris. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said almost 1,000 people believed to be threats to security have been refused entry into France. I’m Mario Ritter.    Aru Pande reported this story from Paris; Chris Hannas and VOA Science and Environment Correspondent Rosanne Skirble contributed reporting from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted their reporting into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fossil fuel – n. a fuel such as coal, oil, or natural gas made from dead plants or animals framework – n. the basic structure of something decisive – adj. able to make choices quickly and confidently turning point – n. able to make choices quickly and confidently well-being – n. the state of being happy, healthy, or successful succeeding – adj. coming after something; coming or happening at a later time script – n. a plan for what is going to be done or said in a particular situation headed – v. to go in a specified direction or toward a specified place emissions – n. something sent out or given off resilient – adj. able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after a challenge vital – adj. extremely important monitor – v. to watch, observe, listen to or check over time tear gas – n. a gas that stings the eyes and makes them tear; used especially by the police or military to separate large groups of people

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US Warns of 'Imminent' Attack in Kabul

Officials say they have “credible reports of an imminent attack” on American assets in the Afghan capital Kabul. The American Embassy released an emergency message on Monday. The message said American citizens should be very careful if traveling in the city. It said the embassy did not have “further details regarding the targets, timing or method of the planned attack.” And it again warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Afghanistan. It said “the security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. U.S. citizens currently visiting or residing in Afghanistan may wish to consider departing.” Because of increasing insecurity in Kabul, the embassy no longer lets its workers travel by vehicle. They must use helicopters instead. Workers at embassies of other countries and international aid groups have put similar policies in place. They want to decrease their vulnerability to attacks as they travel among secure parts of the city. On Saturday morning, a senior Afghan election official survived a suicide bombing against his vehicle in Kabul that killed his driver and wounded a guard. The reason for the attack is not known. But Taliban militants have increased their attacks on Afghan security forces and government officials. The attacks are believed to be part of the Taliban’s violent anti-government campaign across the country. The embassy releases emergency warnings often. But this warning was released as the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan were expected to meet in Paris at a United Nations gathering on climate change. If the meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani takes place, it could be an important first step in peace talks with the Taliban. Pakistan is working with leaders of the group and Afghan government officials to reach an agreement to end the fighting in Afghanistan.  I’m Jonathan Evans.  Correspondent Ayaz Gul reported this story from Islamabad. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   assets -- n. people and facilities, in this case credible – adj. able to be believed; reasonable to trust or believe imminent – adj. happening very soon facilities – n. something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose vulnerable – adj. open to attack, harm or damage secure – adj. protected from danger or harm; guarded so that no one can enter or leave without approval

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VOA English Newscast 1600 UTC: November 30, 2015

  From Washington, this is VOA News.      I’m Joe Palka reporting. President Barack Obama speaks to UN Climate Summit. President Obama urged world leaders to "rise to this moment" Monday, telling them their progress at a U.N. climate summit in Paris will be measured by "the suffering that is averted and a planet that is preserved." He called on the delegations to agree to a system that is transparent and gives them confidence everyone else is meeting their commitments. “Here in Paris, let’s secure an agreement that builds on ambition, where progress paves the way for regularly updated targets – targets that are not set for each of us us, but by each of us, taking into account the differences that each nation is facing.” And what, specifically, is at stake for the African nations at the Summit?  Anita Powell reports from Johannesburg: For months, African negotiators have repeated a sort of mantra as they prepared for climate change talks in Paris: worldwide two-degree temperature rise limit, binding agreement, financial help from developed nations. Bongani Majola, a spokesman for (South African) President Jacob Zuma, explained from Paris. “We are expecting that there will be some conclusion of the negotiations that started in Durban in 2011 towards a negotiated, legally-binding agreement … will be bound by an agreement.” But as negotiators gather in Paris this week, the most important thing, a solution, is very much up in the air. Anita Powell, VOA News, Johannesburg. The leaders are working to agree on binding measures to keep global temperatures from rising more than two degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial Revolution levels. This is VOA News. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Newscast   UN – adj. short for United Nations summit – n. a conference or meeting moment – n. a short period of time; the present time averted – v. to prevent from happening; to avoid preserved – v. to keep from harm or loss transparent – adj. easy to see through; honest and open confidence – n. a feeling that you can do something well commitment(s) – n. promise ambition – n. a goal, aim or desire to be successful regularly – adj. at the same time; very often updated – v. to improve or change by adding the latest information take into account – idiom. to pay attention to; to consider specifically – n. special; clearly presented or stated at stake – phrase. at risk; at issue mantra – n. a word or saying that is repeated when someone prays binding – adj. forcing or requiring someone to do something conclusion – n. ending up in the air – expression. to be under consideration global – adj. involving the world   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section.

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Critics: Peanut Butter With Caffeine Unfit for Kids

  Americans love peanut butter. The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he or she graduates high school, according to the U.S.-based National Peanut Board. But there is a dispute over a new peanut butter. It is called S-T-E-E-M, or STEEM Peanut Butter. This peanut butter adds a new ingredient: caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that helps people become more awake or energetic. Coffee is a popular morning drink because it has caffeine and gives people energy in the morning. But medical experts worry about adults who rely too heavily on caffeine. Even small amounts of caffeine can be dangerous to children, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. United States Senator Charles Schumer says he worries about the effects on children from a product never before associated with caffeine.   “To think that peanut butter, one of the snacks most closely associated with children, might have to be stored in the medicine cabinet as opposed to the kitchen cabinet should serve as a jolt to the FDA,” said Schumer, a New York Democrat. Schumer wants the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate. He noted that earlier the FDA blocked plans for a caffeinated chewing gum. STEEM, the manufacturer, said it is selling the caffeinated peanut butter “all over the world.” The manufacturer says two tablespoons has 150 mg of caffeine. A 12-ounce regular coffee has 250 mg. The product provides caffeine in an easily digestible way, the manufacturer says. “Caffeinated foods have been sold in U.S. stores for well over a decade and are in no way a new idea,” the company said, in a statement to VOA. The company says customers tell them they want to eat the caffeinated peanut butter so they don’t have to drink as much coffee or energy drinks. The company says it is not marketing the peanut butter for children. But Schumer is not persuaded. Peanut butter has been a favorite of children for generations, he said. Schumer continued: “Parents across the country shouldn’t have to worry about a scenario in which their child might unknowingly bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that contains more caffeine than two cups of coffee.” The American Academy of Pediatrics says caffeine in small amounts can help the physical performance of adults. But the academy urges parents not to allow children to take even small amounts of caffeine. It warns of caffeine’s possible negative impact on a child’s heart and brain development. The biggest sales of peanut butter, by far, are in the United States and Canada. In Europe, the average person ate only about one tablespoon per year per person in 2012, according to the Peanut Council. The largest U.S. exports of peanut butter go to Canada, Germany, Mexico and Nigeria. Peanut butter is a food paste made from roasted peanuts. Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson won the first patent for peanut butter in 1884. I'm Anna Matteo.   Bruce Alpert reported this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Tell us if you ever tried peanut butter and whether you liked it or not. Share your thoughts in the Comments section or our Facebook Page.  _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sandwiches -- n. two pieces of bread with something (such as meat, peanut butter, etc.) between them. ingredient – n.  one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc. caffeine – n.  a substance that is found especially in coffee and tea and that makes you feel more awake stimulant – n.  something that makes you more active or gives you more energy pediatrics – n.  a branch of medicine that deals with the development, care, and diseases of babies and children scenario – n.  a description of what could possibly happen jolt – n. to cause (something or someone) to move in a quick and sudden way digestible – adj.  easy to eat and digest

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Freedom Threatens New York's White Deer

In the 1940s, the U.S. Army fenced 40 kilometers of wilderness in Central New York and turned it into a weapons depot. By chance, the fencing enclosed a community of rare white deer and protected them from hunters and predators for more than 60 years. The refuge is near Seneca Lake, a resort area. White deer are rare in most places around the world because they are easy to spot against green or brown forest backgrounds. It makes them a good target for hunters and animal predators like coyotes and wolves. The white deer lived undisturbed in their enclosure. Their numbers increased as the years passed. The white deer passed along their unique genes to their offspring and thrived. There are about 200 white deer and 600 brown deer on the military base. The storage area for military weapons stayed active until 2000. The local newspaper says nuclear weapons were stored at the site during the Cold War. During that time, relations between the U.S. and Russia were tense but did not increase. After the depot was closed, the Army Corps of Engineers took over, cleaned up the land and made it more useful. The depot is supposed to be clean and ready for sale next year. Activists say they want to protect the deer. They say they fear that the fences will be torn down when the property is sold. That might put the white deer in danger. It will be easy for them to migrate to other areas and be targeted by hunters and predators. Perhaps some will wander into roads and be killed by cars. They will not be protected as they have been for over 50 years, activists say. Dennis Money is working to protect the deer. His group – called Seneca White Deer Incorporated – can protect the deer by buying the property. If Seneca White Deer buys about 1,000 hectares – the deer will be safe, the group says. It might offer guided tours so visitors from around the world can see the rare deer. The Seneca County Industrial Development Agency received the rights to the land when the Army withdrew. The agency is a public corporation set up by New York State that promotes business development in the county. The Army turned parcels of land over to the development agency. The agency sold them to local businesses. A prison and a law-enforcement center have been built on the land. Bob Aronson is the executive director of the agency. He is trying to sell the rest of the land. Aronson said farmers want to buy the land for cattle to graze and crops to grow. The profits from the land sale will be invested back into other projects in the county. Another organization – the Nature Conservancy – also seeks to protect the deer habitat. Aronson has offered the land to the towns of Romulus and Varick. They are closest to the depot. He said he will charge them one dollar if they manage who gets the land or how it will be used. White deer are seen as special animals. Native Americans believe they are a blessing. In Michigan, Missouri and Ohio, hunters and civic workers shot and killed white deer in an effort to reduce the deer population. Local residents were furious. Scientists say the deer are not albino. They just lack pigment in their fur. I’m Mario Ritter.   Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on reporting from the Associated Press. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have animals in your area that are dear to you? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   acre – n. a measure of land area in the U.S. and Britain that equals 4,840 square yards (about 4,047 square meters) albino – n. a person or animal born with a medical condition that results in very pale skin, white hair, and pink eyes bred – v. to produce young animals, birds, etc. : to produce offspring by sexual reproduction corps – n. an organized part of the military — used in proper names depot – n. a place where military supplies are kept or where soldiers are trained enclose – v. to surround something genes – n. a part of a cell that controls or influences the appearance, growth, etc., of a living thing installation – n. a place that is used for training soldiers, keeping military supplies and machinery, etc. offspring – n. the young of an animal or plant predator – n. an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals : an animal that preys on other animals storage – n. space where you put things when they are not being used thrive – v. to grow or develop successfully : to flourish or succeed unique – v. very special or unusual wilderness– n. a wild and natural area in which few people live

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Colombia Tries to End Five Decades of War with Rebels

The government of Colombia and the rebel group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are talking to end 50 years of violence. In one breakthrough of the peace talks, Colombia plans to pardon 30 Marxist rebels who are in prison. The talks have been ongoing in Havana, Cuba since 2012. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos set a target date of March 2016 for a final treaty.  In September, government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said both sides will “definitely” meet the March 23 deadline for the treaty. The two sides agreed to four main points. Land will be granted to poor farmers. Those in conflict with the government will be pardoned. All illegal drug production will be stopped. Rebel participation in politics will be welcomed.    The four points will be acted upon when the peace treaty is signed. A statement from Santos’ office said none of the 30 rebels to be pardoned have committed violent crimes.  Both sides will contribute to finding the tens of thousands reported missing. Government estimates show 220,000 people killed and millions displaced in the conflict that began in 1964. I'm Dorry Gundy.   Lou Lorscheider wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   breakthrough – n. an important discovery that happens after trying for a long time to understand or explain something   What do you think about the possible Colombian peace treaty? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or visit our Facebook page.  ​

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African Union Promises to Stop Child Marriage

The number of girls married in Africa is expected to double in the next 35 years, experts say. That means almost half, or 310 million girls, by 2050 will be married before they reach adulthood, says a United Nations report. The African Union says it wants to end child marriage in Africa. Delegates at a summit in Zambia are expected to set 18 years old as the lowest legal age for marriage across the continent.   Marriage before age 18 is already against the law in most African countries. Yet the UN says more 125 million African women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday. Experts say most were given to men in traditional or religious unions in violation of the law. Most child marriages involve girls, statistics show. Some boys ages 17 and younger do get married, but examples are rare. African Union chairwoman Nkosozana Dlamini Zuma says local culture that undervalues girls and women is to blame. Poverty and lack of education are also responsible, experts say. Cornelius Williams is associate director of child protection at UNICEF. He says studies show child marriage can be deadly. Child brides are less likely to finish school, he explains. They are more likely to become victims of violence. And, they are more likely to become teenage mothers, with a high risk of their children being stillborn. The best way to prevent child marriage is to enforce and improve educational options for girls, he says. That will change opinions about the role of girls in society. Enforcing the ban on marriage for girls younger than 18, he says, is necessary. So is educating parents. He says he could not think of his 16-year-old daughter marrying in the next two years. He says he wants his daughter to be able to determine her life path. He wants her to be able to determine whom she marries, what she wants to do with her life in terms of her profession -- in terms of any choices she wants to make. Cornelius Williams says, “I wish that for all girls in Africa.” I’m Kelly Jean Kelly. VOA’s Anita Powell reported on this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted her report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or post on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bride – n. a women who just married or who plans to be married role – n. position, the part that someone or something has in an activity or situation conceive – v. to think of or to create something in one’s mind determine – v. to decide something; to be the cause of something profession – n. a job that requires special education or training  

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