Creating uniforms for people living with HIV is a questionable proposal, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, a 27-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who argues the concept could do more damage than good. The well-noted HIV pandemic has been around for the past thirty years. However, HIV has now been deemed a chronic illness, which means that an individual …

"Uniforms for HIV/AIDS ‘victims’ not acceptable" Read More »

Teaching communities to separate politics and violence is a vital part of the peace process, writes Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, but sometimes the lessons are short-lived. Following the 2007/08 post-election skirmishes in Kenya which left over 1,200 people dead, approximately 300,000 displaced, several houses, businesses and property looted and destroyed; a myriad …

"Do we forget peace lessons so fast?" Read More »

Old age brings hardship for those who fall below the poverty line, writes Shomira Sanyal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, who argues that existing pension plans should  be revised to help the poor lead more dignified lives. Raniben[1], residing in a village in Gujarat, is more than 70 years old. She …

"Universal social security pensions for the elderly" Read More »

With one year left until the target date for Millennium Development Goals, Eric Omwanda, 23, a Correspondent from Kenya takes a look at progress on implementation, especially in Kenya.  Millennium Development Goals were set in the year 2000 at the United Nations Convention in New York. All of the set goals had their target and timeframe. …

"Millennium Development Goals – a progress report" Read More »

Tuition fee increases are a significant hurdle for some students seeking higher education, writes Musa Temidayo, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, who describes how students at one university are fighting the trend. There has been growing nervousness among students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife (OAU), Osun State Nigeria. “…everything from development to management decisions starts …

"OAU students: saving free education for the poor" Read More »

A national award identifies and promotes leadership qualities, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, who describes the program as an effective way to identify and empower upcoming youth leaders. Sri Lankan youth have a refreshing opportunity designed to encourage them to take a more dynamic step in shaping of the country’s …

"Empowering award for emerging young leaders" Read More »

Different sexual and gender orientation is an open topic during Pride in North America, writes David Masengesho, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda currently residing in the USA. Every year in June is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and allied community (LGBTQA). LGBTQA pride parade, also known as gay …

"Pride in Portland – rainbows for diversity" Read More »

World Cup 2014 brought fans all the expected thrills of the beautiful game, but for Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, one thrill was the scope of online coverage of the event. Now that the World Cup is over, it’s back to life as usual for football fans. It’s been a …

"The tournament belonged to the world" Read More »

From the Royal Commonwealth Society Do you know an exceptional young leader who deserves a @QueensLeaders award? The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is seeking to celebrate and support young people to take up leadership roles and improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth. In a news release, the Royal Commonwealth Society said Their Royal …

#TheSearchIsOn – Queen’s Young Leaders Programme Read More »

India recently elected a majority government that promised sustainable development, but Abhay Joshi, 19, a Correspondent from India, says that every individual has to be a part of the development process.  India is a land of varied culture and has a multi-lingual, multi-religion and varied heritage which sets it a class apart from other countries …

"Everyone has to take responsibility" Read More »