The media plays an instrumental role in any democracy, and as such the freedom of the media is perhaps one of the most visible indicators of a functioning democracy, writes Victor Ndede, 21, a Correspondent from Eldoret, Kenya, as he examines the fundamental role of the media in the electoral process. One of the greatest …

“Media’s role in an electioneering period” Read More »

On World Press Freedom Day, we heard and read much about a free press and freedom of speech being strong and necessary pillars of democracy. We also heard distressing statistics about death and harm to journalists, and about repressive legislation and arbitrary detention that makes it difficult for journalists do to their jobs. These are …

Young writers play vital role in media freedom Read More »

Health-related absences have marked this term of presidency in Nigeria. Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, looks at the facts and the impact on government and the public. The latest news about Nigeria’ President, Muhammadu Buhari is that he will now function as the commander in chief from the comfort of his room, according …

“Nigeria and its ‘freelance’ president” Read More »

Midwife services do not have a high profile in her home culture, writes Ashley Foster-Estwick, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who takes time on International Day of the Midwife to look at the pros and cons of the profession. I searched today in my local phone directory for a midwife, eager to see a …

“Where are the midwives in Barbados?” Read More »

Uganda’s rural poor face multiple challenges to development, writes Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda, who argues for the need to place human rights at the centre of development policy. The rural poor in Uganda lack access to financial services, they are at the edges of communities, often isolated and have limited access …

“Let’s bring dignity back to the poor” Read More »

To mark the 2017 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network (CYSDP) in partnership with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), Lagos, hosted a Public Forum on Sport for Development and Peace in Nigeria. The Event which took place on Thursday 21st April 2017, was …

CYSDP hosts public forum on Sports for development and peace Read More »

Kenya is heading to general elections in August of this year, but Eric Omwanda, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, argues there is little for citizens to celebrate if an electioneering period is still bound to traditional lines. He suggests empowerment strategies for change. It has been a tradition for the electorate of Kenya …

“Strategies for electioneering year in Kenya” Read More »

It has been a long struggle to give women a voice, writes Judith Akoth, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kisumu in Kenya. Although it has been an uphill journey to ensure that women enjoy equal opportunities in leadership, education and income, she questions the concept and results of legislation aimed at electing women. In all these …

“Women can earn elected leadership by merit” Read More »

Technology is booming, but is not equally available to all citizens. Musa Temidayo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, looks at bold new technology that connects people to services, increases accountability and manages scarce resources. The ubiquitous existence of technology, in my opinion, has a potential to fundamentally transform the delivery of public services in …

“Looking at technology to boost governance” Read More »

Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, makes the case for an open state budgeting system, arguing that it will improve the level of transparency and accountability in governance. A budget is considered open if citizens have access to budget documents and a high level of involvement in the budgetary process. Corruption in many …

“Calling for a transparent budget process” Read More »