Why do gangs use young people?

One big reason is that it keeps older gang members safe. If a child does the crime, the gang leader stays hidden and avoids jail. Young people usually get shorter sentences, so gangs see them as useful.

Many of these kids come from tough homes and poor areas. They might not have strong adult role models or feel like they belong in society. Gangs take advantage of this by offering money, clothes, and a sense of belonging. Some young people feel they owe the gang and commit crimes to show loyalty. Others are threatened and feel trapped.

How can society stop this?

Some people think we should give young criminals tougher punishments to scare them away from gangs. But research shows that harsher punishments often don’t work on young people – they might just get pulled deeper into crime.

A better way is to focus on prevention. We need more youth activities, school support, and help for families in poor areas. Schools can teach kids about gangs and their dangers. We also need more trusted adults – like teachers, youth leaders, and social workers – who young people can turn to for help.

Conclusion

In short, gangs use young people because they’re easier to control and get lighter punishments. Tougher laws may not solve the problem, but helping kids early on can. By giving them better options in life, we can stop gangs from recruiting them and tackle the problem at its source.

This small and charming cafe was opened by a man who traveled a lot in Europe, to countries such as Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria. These countries inspired him a lot in opening the business, but most of all France, which influenced him to choose the theme and the menu. In Romania, this cafe is unique, because of the name it bears. The themes of the cafe that were debated, were chemistry and the traditional Romanian one. The chosen name means “the culture of artists”, suggesting a bohemian, artistic place, frequented by creative people. This is highlighted by the presence of paintings, vintage objects, and even the first three stanzas of “Luceafărul” written on the wall. Besides the delicious drinks and pleasant atmosphere, the place organizes cultural events such as poetry evenings, live music performances, and reading clubs, in collaboration with the association “ iCarte, iParte”, which is a book club from Bucharest. Every Sunday at the end of the month, people passionate about reading come to the cafe and share impressions related to the book of the month.

However, owning a business is not that easy as problems arise along the way. One of the obstacles that many face is the high price of the rent, the owner confessing to us that at present, only from this business they cannot pay the rent and the rest of the expenses, and that they pay them from other businesses they have. The competition with other businesses in the hospitality industry being quite high, makes attracting and also retaining customers another challenge in efficiently managing a cafe. However, one of the methods by which the cafe gets loyal customers is the online launching and the promotion, through social media platforms. On Instagram, their official profile allow people to discover content related to previous book events, as well as cute and funny videos. Also through this medium, the program and information about upcoming events can be found. The manager admits that if he could start over, he would most likely change the location, choosing a more pedestrianized area, which could bring in more customers.

”I encourage young adults to choose an apprenticeship first, to practice until they and their mentors consider them prepared, and then to open their own business”, the cafe owner advises those who wish to embark on this journey. He also added that age doesn't matter, only the experience in the field in which they want to work. Discipline, dedication, hard work and the desire to be the best are values that all professions have in common and without them success in life is impossible.

So, opening and running a business is a challenging journey which involves taking risks and overcoming challenges, but if you are passionate and dedicated you can succeed and achieve your goals. If you want to turn your ideas into reality, starting a business can be a great opportunity.

I really love this place; it holds a special place in my heart because my teammate and I have won many matches and awards there. We’ve shared so much happiness and joy, and I truly feel that this place has ignited my passion for beach volleyball. There are two nets and a nice area to rest after a tiring match. The staff is not only professional but also very kind.

In conclusion, I highly recommend visiting this place, even if you don’t play beach volleyball. You’ll truly enjoy it! As I mentioned, there are plenty of other activities available if you’re not a fan of sand or sports. It’s a great idea for you and your friends to hang out in a different setting, away from the mall or the city center.

But the Music pub is more than just a music venue. It’s a popular spot for socialising, hosting events like open mic nights and workshops that bring people together. For me, it holds a special place in my heart because it's where I formed a meaningful bond with my new colleagues. We connected over our music preferences and supported each other with schoolwork, making it a memorable part of my highschool experience.

In short, Music pub Sibiu is not only known for its great music, cosy atmosphere, and excellent service but also for the special memories it can help create. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it's worth checking out. For me, it's not just a café—it’s where I’ve made long-lasting friendships and celebrated memorable moments, including a surprise birthday party from my friends.

He reminded her of someone, she had definitely seen those piercing emerald-green eyes and that lush long black hair. The man stood so nonchalantly, almost as if he had been there before. As she was ready to close the door, she figured out who this stranger resembled, it was Daniel, her ex-husband. This was impossible; he had been in a car accident almost ten years ago and passed away on impact. She had started to see him around a week ago, but she shrugged it off thinking it was just a coincidence. And yet, he stood in flesh and blood in front of Sheila with a smile like nothing had happened. As her face turned gale she awkwardly smirked at Daniel, but then he said:

“I missed you darling! It’s been a long day.”

“Uhhh….Long….Day. HOW ARE YOU HERE!?” said Sheila frightened and with a voice crack.

“What do you mean? I’ve been to work and now here.”

At this moment, Sheila collapsed on the sofa, feeling as if she was hit by a truck. Daniel sat won on a chair near Sheila and began to hear the woman’s side of the story. He looked puzzled as his wife told him about the crash and his burial, how all of his friends came to say their goodbyes. Sheila, searching through her memories started to weep, seeing this, Daniel hugged her but fell through Sheila, as if she wasn’t there.

“You….you….are…A GHOST!” said Sheila jumping on her feet.

“Wait, so I did die. This is why I woke up in the middle of the road, that’s where the crash took place!” said Daniel at first excited about his revelation, but soon began to realize the gravity of the situation.

The two stood in silence for a couple of hours, but gradually began to reminisce over the good old days. Sheila described how he was always on her mind and that his face became more and more blurry over the years. All through the night they chatted and laughed, she admitted that since his passing she had become shy and miserable. The golden apple of her eyes vanished and she was left without any goals in life.

The clock struck midnight when Daniel grabbed Sheila’s hand and they were able to feel each other, tears went down their cheeks as they were hugging so warmly like the flame of their first kiss had never gone away. The two quietly snuck out of the apartment and went to the park and sat down on the bench near the lake. The frigid wind whipped Sheila’s face, but she didn’t care. The lake had frozen and all the city lights were bouncing off the ice in a dance between the rays and the snow. Sheila could swear her favourite song began to play. The two stood in silence just like the first time they had gone out, it was the same place. The moon appeared over the frozen lake like a spotlight for Sheila and Daniel, and then morning came as the song came to an end.

Breaking News: Woman found frozen on a bench. The police have identified her as the CEO of an important law firm. Her coworkers say they don’t know what drove her to do something like this. A case has been opened but few leads have come out. And now for the weather….. .

A New Cultural Landmark

Using one of the flyers provided at the opening, we can get a close look into the story behind the gallery. The Faces and Traces Exhibition features the works of two underground, contemporary artists, Alexa Telentin and Rone (Cicerone Florin Cojocaru). The gallery reflects themes of identity through an engaging and  humorous lens. The opening invites people to cogitate on the intersection of reality and imagination.

We spoke with one of the organisers about the gallery and the artists involved. This is what she had to say “I already knew these artists, Rone and Alexa - new, provocative and underground. They present bold and thought-provoking works which can be interpreted in a humorous way or as a playful discussion. “The Urban Sheep” is a rather “tame” series, but there will be more exhibitions in the future. Even if we are a pretty diverse team, we were able to organize this opening and I believe we will be able to make this space work. We are trying to create something different, other than what already exists.”. At the moment we are sure, after this short interview, that future exhibitions will definitely be organised.

A couple of Rone’s pieces come from his collection “My Friends from Beyond”, a series of portraits that give us a glimpse into abstract yet introspective representations of human beauty and individuality. With a fine arts background from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bucharest and further artistic growth in France and Germany, Rone blends constructivist and deconstructivist techniques, crafting a dynamic and immersive visual world.

Alexa Tolentin showcases worlds from her “The Urban Sheep” series, where seemingly normal characters are transformed into exaggerated and humorous figures. Whether it is a samurai sheep, a lamb living it up in Las Vegas, or a tennis-playing sheep, Alexandra has a playful approach to contemporary life with a sharp yet tame perspective.

Overcoming Challenges to Open a Creative Space 

The path toward starting in this new space presented itself with had some problems. One of the founders revealed for us some insights into the process: “For a long time, this space had existed without a clear purpose. Coming from a business background, I wanted to develop a project that would make contemporary art more accessible. A few friends and I got together, and after a great deal of planning and effort, we made it happen.”

The founder also acknowledged that getting artists to display their work was an important challenge: “It was quite difficult at first, but also incredibly rewarding. We met a number of talented artists along the way, and this effort has helped us discover and bring attention to young, emerging talents.”

The founder's ultimate goal is to present many established artists. They also aspire to provide a platform for young creators who persistently battle to find meaningful recognition in the mainstream art scene. The team hopes that by offering a welcoming space for both experienced and emerging artists, they can create a hub of artistic expression for a broad audience.

An Exhibition That Invites Reflection

The Faces and Traces Exhibition explores the concept of identity, making viewers contemplate upon how they perceive themselves and others. Rone creates a world that oscillates between realism and abstraction, mulling over personal and collective identity. His art pieces seem to whisper tales of people who existed in the past and the ones who will exist in the future. 

Telentin’s series presents how ironic modern society can be. By merging familiar, everyday scenarios with caricatures, she confronts the audience to see themselves in those exaggerated, absurd and humorous scenarios depicted in her art works. The paintings encourage a connection between the viewer and the subject, evoking chuckles but also deeper contemplation on the roles individuals play in the day to day life. 

The Impact of the New Gallery

Art enthusiasts and discerning critics alike are already commending the gallery’s large effort to give more exposure to current and relatively lesser-known art. The initial gathering attracted a varied audience, including experienced art buyers as well as new artists looking for ideas. People reacted very well. Visitors also seem happy to see modern art shown in an approachable, new style. 

The founders envision the gallery as a space that is more than just an exhibition space. There are already plans to host a few workshops and artist talks with some interactive installations, guaranteeing the gallery stays a very active cultural center. In the future, they expect to work with artists and curators from all over the world so that their shows include a global perspective. 

We asked Simona Craciun licensed psychologist to express her opinion about the exhibition and this what she had to say - "This exhibition caught my attention because, as I was saying in class, in Sibiu, there aren't many places where people can come together, enjoy art, discuss art and simply create a community of art lovers. The event and the works presented also caught my attention - they were truly special. It felt like a home, honestly, like a home for all the arts. There were painting exhibitions, sculptures, good music and poetry books. I think the theme of the exhibition - identity - was captured through a psychological lens, with the soul of a psychologist. Plus, I have to mention the location - it’s really great, in my opinion. It’s in a central area, on a picturesque street, at the intersection of several roads, and suddenly, you stumble upon an art hub. For so many reasons, I love color - psychological reasons, aesthetic reasons and simply because. I really liked their works because they were full of color, that brings energy and beauty. And the style seemed very accessible to me. I forgot to mention the jewelry, but there was so much crowding around the jewelry section that I didn’t get the chance to spend enough time there. But yes, there were some really beautiful pieces. Tell me - what is a woman’s identity without jewelry? In the end, you see, you’re right - this involvement of the senses in aesthetics, all senses were engaged in this exhibition." Simona Crăciun also left a message for all the people that are still discovering and searching within themselves "If you want to find yourself, seek art—it will lead you to the essence of your being. A short encouragement for anyone." 

 A Space for Everyone 

This gallery stands out for its focus on inclusivity. By featuring diverse artistic styles and backgrounds, it aims to make contemporary art more accessible to the public. With affordable prices and an open-door policy, it welcomes people from all walks of life. 

For many visitors, the gallery offers a refreshing change from the often exclusive art world. “This space feels welcoming, like it belongs to everyone,” said one attendee at the opening. 

As the gallery grows, its founders remain dedicated to fostering creativity and accessibility. The successful launch of the Faces & Traces exhibition is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Sibiu’s art scene. 

With its fresh approach and commitment to artistic exploration, the gallery is set to become a key cultural hub, inspiring both local and international artists and visitors for years to come. 

A funny thing that happened when we went through airport security was that when I took off my scarf, it got caught up in my earring and when I pulled it, the earring fell. It wasn't so funny then, I was desperate to find it. But happily it fell in my pocket and after a couple of minutes of searching, I found it.

The flight was alright, quite tiring and when we arrived in London we went straight to bed.

The next day we visited Madame Tussauds, which was my favorite part of the trip. My favorite celebrity I’ve seen there was Harry Styles. He looked almost real. Outside the museum, there was a ginormous poster with him that said “Harry’s Home”.

I’ve also tried to go through the horror rooms there with my sister. In every room there was a story of a murderer, explained by a guide. We got scared and left by the fourth room. I was terrified, because there was a man dressed as one of the criminals and it frightened me because he was moving, with no facial expression, quite angry I’d say. And there were speakers that played awful sounds, just to scare you. Interesting idea… not for me though. I’m not a big fan of horror related things.

Later, we passed by Buckingham Palace. The gate was huge, and several guards were patrolling in front of the palace. They were armed and everything. They looked kind of funny because of the tall feather hats.

In London there is a cupcake shop, Lola, that has the best cupcakes I’ve ever tasted. They have a ton of different flavors, but my favorite is Red Velvet. They are just delicious. Too bad we don’t have a shop like this. Or, I just haven’t discovered it yet.

We’ve also walked across London Bridge and went to see Big Ben.

Mobile Stories, a tool that teaches students critical thinking and responsibility towards information they share and consume, is now available across Europe. After a decade of success in Sweden and a successful pilot phase in Romania, Ireland and Finland, the Mobile Stories platform has demonstrated remarkable potential in building student confidence and media and information literacy by providing a platform to produce quality journalism.

Using the new international version of Mobile Stories, students have already published 136 articles on mobilestories.com, with another 700 currently in production—still in edit mode, under review, or even approved for publication by a teacher. Their topics range from book reviews and local cultural events to in-depth feature articles on the decline in young people's mental health and child labor in the fast fashion industry.

During the Creative Europe-funded pilot phase, the Mobile Stories publishing platform and online course were adapted from Swedish into an English language version and tested in 21 schools across Ireland, Romania, Finland and other countries. Along with the translation of the tool itself, the project created open-access media literacy resources, including video tutorials featuring media professionals, worksheets, materials for cross-border collaboration and ethics guides.

All these efforts have led to a tool that most students find easy, relevant and fun to use, as Mobile Stories user experience survey shows. 91 percent of students said they found the video content engaging, and 96 percent said the content is up-to-date. Continuous research efforts so far indicate that students become more confident in their abilities to evaluate sources, check images and videos, as well as produce fact-checked content. They also improve their knowledge of the digital information landscape. For example, more students now know that not all visuals are reliable evidence and the first results on Google might not be the best and most trustworthy.

The platform's impact extends beyond numbers. Students get a practical, hands-on experience that values their voices and opinions. Teachers have been particularly enthusiastic about its transformative potential. "The students responded well and liked to work as if they were actors in an actual newspaper editorial staff," noted a Finnish teacher. Another educator from Romania observed that the experience "encouraged students to investigate, to seek confirmation, fostering habits of skepticism and diligence."

Students found particular value in the platform's publishing function. As teachers noted, seeing a finalised, professionally formatted article makes students "grow as individuals and realise they are capable of more than they previously thought" and "motivates the students because it looks so professional and authentic."

Are you an educator and would like your students to have this opportunity? Learn more on the Mobile Stories information website or reach out to jenny@mobilestories.se.