Many think of Africa as a poor and backward continent, writes Denise Juvane, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mozambique now living in England, who argues those narrow perceptions are based on one-sided media messages.  A couple of days ago I was listening to one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s influential speeches and it got me thinking …

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Homelessness is a reality for thousands of Australian youth, a situation that Francis Ventura, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, describes as a ‘scourge’ that demands public awareness and political action. While considering society’s challenge to end youth homelessness, it is important to keep the words of late South African former President Nelson Mandela in …

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Technology start-up companies could offset youth unemployment that is growing at an estimated one million a year, writes Ayo Morakinyo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, but entrepreneurs need infrastructure help at the government level. Recent statistics on youth unemployment have shown that millions of young people in Nigeria are still unemployed and more than …

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Multi-national corporations have enormous influence over food production, writes David Masengesho, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda who is currently in the USA. At the same time, consumers are demanding accountability from those corporations. It is on Saturday, May 24, about 2:30pm EST, I am in Portland Public Library.  I find myself unable …

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Sri Lankans are embracing World Environment Day as part of their crowded calendar of special events, says Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, but while the growing environmental awareness is an encouraging first step much work remains to be done. Sri Lanka is a land where people have so many religious …

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The tireless work of Canadian humanitarian and doctor James Orbinski shows what is possible to make the world a better place, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya. With more of this spirit in Africa, Eric contends, the continent can reach its true potential. James Orbinski is a living example of a …

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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 …

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Living in an island nation brings a wealth of beach opportunity, says Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, as he describes some of the enticing options available to residents and visitors. It was last January that I received a random Facebook notification that I have won a free whale watching tour. …

"The land of beaches – Sri Lanka is calling you!" Read More »

Climate change has been regarded as an environmental or business  issue, but Naman Sanghvi, 23, a Correspondent from India, argues that viewing it as an ethical issue changes the imperative for action. Can we evoke greater motivation among negotiators if climate change were to be treated as an ethical problem and not simply a leash on …

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A shift in the cost of renewable energy has Khadija Holder, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, taking a new look at the viability of electric vehicles. She argues the innovative vehicles now making gains in developed countries can be equally beneficial in developing nations. Years ago, a debate with me on the winning energy strategy …

"Electric vehicles: for developed and developing nations" Read More »