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 »

The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE)-Southern Africa partnered with the Youth to Youth Empowerment Network and Invest in Youth Initiative to hold the “I am an Entrepreneur” event in Mzuzu, Malawi, on 16 January 2016. The aim of the conference was to provide knowledge to small and medium-scale business owners, as well as prospective entrepreneurs, about the legal process of …

Commonwealth Youth Network partners to host “I am an Entrepreneur” conference Read More »

The internet has come to stay, writes Emmanuel Olutokun, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, but many areas of the world still face significant hurdles to access. He looks at some of the problems and solutions. In a rapid and fast-changing world, it is quite safe to say that there still remain portions of …

“Development affects access to the internet” Read More »

Volunteer work is highly valued in academic and career circles, writes Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who recently completed an extended volunteer experience. She writes that volunteer work benefits both the volunteer and the recipient. In recent years, the importance of volunteering has resurfaced in the media with vehemence. Volunteer …

“Volunteerism has benefits and significance” Read More »

NGOs have played a critical role in many countries, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues that it is time for partnerships that encourage accountability and development. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Uganda and elsewhere play a critical role in influencing socio-economic and political development. The year 1980 arguably marked the …

“NGOs should rethink dependency syndrome” Read More »

Building confidence between opposing parties is a crucial step in resolving conflict, writes Christine Shahbenderian, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nicosia in Cyprus, as she looks at two important examples that employed the strategy.  Nelson Mandela once argued ‘if you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then …

“Confidence-Building Measures build peace” Read More »

Angelique Pouponneau, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, recalls the career of former President Sir James Mancham, and argues that in spite of controversy and exile, he was an inspirational figure. It was unfortunate to learn that the words posted on Facebook were in fact correct, the first President of Seychelles had passed away. Sir …

“A tribute to peace and Sir James Mancham” Read More »