Quake's aftershocks rumble through Taiwan's society

Quake damage leads to improvised classrooms for Taiwan's schoolchildren

In this story: Volunteers reach out to young Greek quake victims  New court marks milestone for native tribe in Canada Xinjiang Uygur region enjoys tourism growth Omanis get in step with healthy lifestyle Lighting program puts Beijing attractions in spotlight Some famous figures to visit Singapore About CNN World Report RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Kevin Grieves
CNN World Report

It's been over a month since Taiwan's devastating earthquake, but the island is still on shaky ground. The September 21 quake killed more than 2,000 people and sent panicked residents running into the streets. Many thousands of aftershocks have been recorded in the weeks since. Recently the island has been shaken by a series of moderate earthquakes, leaving many Taiwan residents feeling even more rattled.

CNN World Report contributor Formosa TV reported on the government of Taiwan's response to the needs of the earthquake victims. Some 13,000 buildings sustained damage from the September earthquake, from residential buildings to factories to schools. Formosa TV reporter Cary Chuo says the military reacted to the disaster by dispatching personnel and equipment to the stricken areas "with impressive efficiency."

Taiwan's government, however, is struggling to maintain its assistance to quake victims because of a growing budget deficit. Funds for reconstruction are growing slim, and Chuo says Taiwan authorities may have to fall back on a lottery program to cover the budgetary shortfall. Building contractors are also feeling public pressure to answer charges of shoddy construction.

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Greece's Star Channel reports more than 100,000 people were left homeless. Windows Media 28K 80K

Volunteers reach out to young Greek quake victims

The earthquake that destroyed large parts of Athens, Greece, last month left thousands homeless. Entire families were forced to flee their damaged apartment buildings and have been living in tent cities. That displacement is especially difficult for children. But as Greece's Star Channel told CNN World Report, some Greek youth are lending their time to help the homeless children cope with the quake's aftermath.

New court marks milestone for native tribe in Canada

For decades, the government of Canada had sought to integrate native peoples into mainstream Canadian culture and had in many cases encouraged Indians to abandon their traditions and customs in favor of European-influenced culture. But now there are signs that the trend is beginning to be reversed: Native peoples are making gains in achieving self-governance, such as in the recent establishment of Canada's newest territory, Nunavut. Nunavut is governed by elected officials drawn from the predominantly Inuit population.

Chief Roy Whitney of the Tsuu T'ina Nation inaugurates a new court

In the Canadian province of Alberta, a native tribe is following the example of the Inuit by launching Canada's first aboriginal court system, and contributor station CBC was there for the court's inauguration. The new court will have full jurisdiction on the land of the Tsuu T'ina, whose reserve is located near Calgary. CBC says the court will be unique in that it will try to blend native tradition with Canadian provincial justice.

CBC reporter Joanne Faryon says the Tsuu T'ina court system hopes to address a serious problem afflicting Canada: A disproportionate percentage of people incarcerated in Canadian prisons are Indians. "The new court will send fewer people to jail," says Faryon. "It will instead look for ways to keep them in the community."

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Xinjiang Uygur region enjoys tourism growth

A region of China is banking on the appeal of its ethnic traditions to bring in visitors from around the world. Located in the northwestern part of China, and enveloped by vast desert basins, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is China's largest administrative region in terms of area. It is also home to breathtaking and diverse scenic beauty, but it has remained off the beaten path for most international tourists. Now Chinese tourism promoters hope to put the Xinjiang Uygur region on the map for world travelers and adventure-seekers.

China Central Television (CCTV) recently visited Xinjiang, focusing on the area's tourism success and its potential as a destination for international travelers. CCTV found that cultural offerings abound: The ethnic groups that populate the region, of which the largest group is the Uygurs, a Muslim, Turkic-speaking people, display their heritage in the form of traditional costumes, artwork, food, and dance.

CCTV reporter Han Bin says the region now welcomes some 6 million visitors annually, both from within China and from abroad. Han says the local population is benefiting from the increased tourism as their living standard rises from tourism income, and residents hope to build on the foundation of a burgeoning new sector of the local economy.

"They believe this recent tourism trend is only the start of a more lasting lucrative industry -- in which they themselves are the attraction," he says.

Omanis get in step with healthy lifestyle

The streets of Muscat, the capital of Oman, recently filled with the footsteps of health-conscious Omanis. The World Health Organization sponsored the "Muscat Walk," and Oman Television captured the event with its cameras for CNN World Report.

Omanis march to a healthy beat during Muscat Walk

Fittingly enough, the walkers set out from Oman's Ministry of Health and covered a distance of about 6 kilometers. According to Oman TV, about 1,000 people participated in the event.

But the "Muscat Walk" was not all work and no play. Reporter Lakshmi Kothaneth says the marchers got a chance to rest and reenergize themselves. "After the walk it was time to taste some healthy food and receive some pamphlets on a healthy diet to maintain the fitness they have tested and passed with positive results."

Lighting program puts Beijing attractions in spotlight

Beijing's architectural gems glow in the light of the illumination program

The 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China attracted numerous visitors to the Chinese capital, Beijing. That occasion gave Beijing officials an opportunity to show off their city in its best light ... literally. The government spent the past 6 months installing new lights at various Beijing attractions, and CNN World Report viewers were treated to the sparkling end result as shown by a new contributor station, Beijing TV.

Beijing TV took its cameras around the city after dark and showed the colorful combination of lights reflecting off of Beijing's architectural treasures. Tiananmen Square, with its Great Hall of the People and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao, shines in the glow of thousands of lights. Beijing TV reporter Christine Shen says the effect is carefully calculated by using lights with different intensities and colors. "The whole square's lighting ensures a proper focus and maintains a harmonious atmosphere," she said.

Some famous figures to visit Singapore

Who's flesh, and who's wax? The tennis star is flanked by real admirers

Singapore is preparing for an influx of international movie stars, sports figures and political leaders next month ... but don't get out the autograph books, because they won't be signing any names. In fact, the celebrities won't be doing much of anything except standing around. That's because the "stars" are wax figures, part of the famous Madame Tussaud's exhibition.

Television Corporation of Singapore gave viewers a preview of the Asia-bound Madame Tussaud's exhibition, noting that this is the first time it is appearing outside London in more than 162 years. Fans will be able to pose alongside the likenesses of such big names as Harrison Ford, Martina Hingis or Deng Xiao Ping. TCS reporter Shakuntala Santhiran predicts that one figure in particular will impress the local visitors: A wax portrait of Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, sure to provide a memorable shot for the family photo album.

"For many, it'll be a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture a moment this close with the senior minister on film," said Santhiran.