DAKAR, 10 October 2008 (IRIN) - Sexual exploitation in African schools has become so widespread that children have come up with their own terms to refer to sexual relations with their teachers. From ‘Sexually Transmitted Grades’ to ‘BF’, or bordel fatigue, which refers to exhaustion from multiple sexual activities with teachers, this slang hints at the prevalence of exploitation in Africa’s learning environments.

GULU, 10 October 2008 (IRIN) - John Kibwola, 14, braves the scorching afternoon sun as he sells his collection of plastic bottles along Acholi Street in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu.

HWASSA, 09 October 2008 (IRIN) - Ethiopia's schools have opened for the new academic year, but severe food insecurity in some regions has kept thousands of children out of class.

AGADEZ, 09 October 2008 (IRIN) - Sub-Saharan migrants continue attempting dangerous and illegal crossings into Libya and Algeria. They pick their way through Niger’s Air mountains, circumventing a mountain rebellion, increased mountain banditry, and North African border crackdowns, according to migrants and smugglers in Niger’s mountain gateway town of Agadez.

TOLIARA, 07 October 2008 (IRIN) - The warning posters start at the airport in the capital, Antananarivo, informing visitors that Madagascar says "NO to sex tourism" and "Malagasy women are not tourist souvenirs".

COTONOU, 08 October 2008 (IRIN) - Fear, a lack of blood donation supplies and ill-trained health staff have led to a dangerous blood shortage in Benin, said the head of the country’s blood donor association.