In a year-end review, Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 17, a Correspondent from Malaysia, highlights the major political shifts, trends and achievements that could shape democracy in an evolving and influential part of the globe. 2016 was a trying year on many fronts. Global markets contracted and growth slowed, even in commercial giants like India and …

“Democracy in Southeast Asia: 2016 in review” Read More »

There is a difference between education and learning, writes Ishan Agarwal, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, as he argues in favour of reforms that will promote creativity and analytical thinking in a process that extends beyond the classroom. Francis Bacon observed about education that “crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them and wise …

“Education to build a better future for all” Read More »

Abhay Shah, 17, a Correspondent from Siliguri in India, writes that civilization teaches us to improve, but many countries in the world are partial regarding ‘gender’. Here, he looks at the issue in words and images. Will the last generation of the 21st century differ very much from the first? Will it be healthier and …

“We must promote gender equality” Read More »

Recent appointments to the national Senate raise questions about commitment to gender equality, writes Alicia Wallace, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas.  On December 11, 2016, Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner became the first woman to serve as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in The Bahamas. This followed a petition by seven Free National Movement (FNM) …

“Senate postings highlight gender issues” Read More »

Some high-flying social enterprises in Ghana have been given business development support by the British Council Ghana, writes Michael Gyekye, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, as he takes a look at two enterprises that recently won top awards. The British Council’s Global Social Enterprise Programme, which draws on the UK’s expertise to support the …

“Investing in success with social enterprises” Read More »

As a new year begins, Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, takes a look at the successes achieved and the challenges still facing a president who was elected on a wave of expectation for change.  It is now close to two years since Nigeria’s President, Mohammadu Buhari, came into power with an entrance that …

“What is wrong with the president’s agenda?” Read More »

Reading an article that reported ill-informed statements prompted Zainab Shamim Potrick, 24, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, to put the record straight as she makes a plea for understanding and respect among cultures and religions. I read an article recently about a famous tourist who has traveled all the listed countries on the world …

“We need respect – it starts with knowledge” Read More »

As he approaches the end of his teen years, Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Warri in Nigeria, looks at the role and impact of sports, and reflects on changes being made to the way they are being organised and promoted. When it comes to sports, neither do I have a natural affinity for them …

“Young people deserve more than sports” Read More »

Continued uncertainty has prompted calls for military intervention to oust the Gambia’s President in favour of the declared winner of the December presidential election, but Michael Gyekye, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, argues for a peaceful option. Just like many others on the continent and beyond, I yearn for an urgent resolution of the political deadlock in …

“Resolving the impasse in the Gambia” Read More »

Spreading holiday cheer and winter hospitality gave Nahiyan Pasha, 16, a Correspondent from Ilford, UK, opportunity to appreciate the work of the elders in our communities, and how fellowship can express thanks and give comfort. Amidst the cold and lifeless British winter day, a warm bright light shone through as the organisation, Community Heroes, held their …

“The perfect way to tackle lonely winters” Read More »