The state of the Russian economy depends on the role of its exports – especially oil, writes Enitan Damilola Temidayo, 23, a Correspondent from Nigeria now studying in Moscow, as he looks at the impact of low world oil prices and economic sanctions. Economic growth between 1999 and 2008 was strongly influenced by the continuous uptrend …

“The modern economic crisis in Russia” Read More »

Craig Dixon, aka Juleus Ghunta, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Jamaica, met with The Reverend Sean Major–Campbell, a controversial leader who washes the feet of gays and urges the government to ignore religion in crafting laws. His work covers a wide range from crime, to corruption, to climate change, to Cartesian scepticism. Juleus Ghunta: The most developed countries …

“Brain before Bible: interview with a Reverend” Read More »

Ghana has taken a bold step by introducing free senior high school education. Nutifafa Geh, a Commonwealth Correspondent alumni from Ho in Ghana, writes that the programme is earning praise and support. Education is power and an enabler, and to remove the financial barrier in accessing secondary education, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo …

“Free secondary school takes off in Ghana” Read More »

Rush hour traffic is a problem for drivers, pedestrians and the economy, writes Luchelle Feukeng, 23, a Correspondent from Yaounde in Cameroon, who looks at causes and solutions. At certain hours in the politic capital of Cameroon, it becomes really difficult for road users to move from one point to another. It is possible to …

 “Traffic congestion makes it hard to move” Read More »

Climate change is a fast growing threat to human health. Nancy Saili, 25, a Correspondent from Solwezi in Zambia, argues that as global temperatures rise, the impact will be on mental as well as physical health. Climate change brings serious health risks through injury, death, ill-health, and mobility impacts, especially in developing countries where most economies …

“Climate change and mental health issues” Read More »

Politics in African countries are based on tribalism, writes Paul Odhiambo, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who argues for adherence to democratic practice. In moving toward general elections in Africa, leaders from different tribes come together to form coalitions or parties based on tribalism but not ideologies. They often convince citizens that their …

“Will bad politics end in African countries?” Read More »

Standardised testing is a common academic measure, but Aura Whittier, 17, a Correspondent from San Juan, Trinidad, argues the powerful tool discriminates based on factors that students cannot control. There my friend was, sobbing uncontrollably in my arms. He burst into tears in front of his mother as soon as he received his results; again …

“Tests are standardised, but students are not” Read More »

Youth bulges are a global phenomenon and Uganda is no exception, with youths accounting for more than three-quarters of the population. As Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala writes, that means successful youth assistance programmes are a priority. Uganda’s youths face many daunting challenges, notably labour under-utilization, with more than one quarter of the …

“Policy action a challenge to youth initiatives” Read More »

A prolonged election process created a state of tension for Kenya. Sunday Memba, 21, a Correspondent from Matete in Kenya, examines the core of the problem and suggests how to move forward. Chinua Achebe, the eminent African writer and critic, stated the problem on page one of his 1984 book, “The Trouble with Nigeria”. “The trouble …

“Examining the trouble with Kenya” Read More »

Metolo Foyet, 20, a Correspondent from Cameroon now living in Niger, rejects negative and defeatist attitudes about Africa’s potential. She offers an inspiring view of risks worth taking in order to build society.  “The story of Africa is untold!” is the new dish on the continent’s talk menu. It is a piece of bone-in meat …

“Is Africa’s story untold, or only partly told?” Read More »