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 »

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 »

As the popularity of English as a second language rises, Shastri Sookdeo, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad now living in Amsterdam, looks at the effect on the incentive for native English speakers to become bilingual. The number of people that have learnt English as a second language has always amazed me. In the East …

“Perspective of a native English speaker” Read More »

Raising awareness of the needs of others is an important first step in equality. Dilshan Jayasinghe, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mississauga, Canada, describes programs that help those in Canada and in a fellow Commonwealth country. 2017 is the year that Canada celebrates its 150th Birthday celebrations. 2017 is also a year that University of …

“Canadian efforts help raise awareness” Read More »

Uganda has a plan to transform its economy, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues the key to turning the plan into reality is to identify and foster positive national values. We have moved four years into the implementation of Uganda’s Vision 2040, the country’s development plan, which seeks to transform …

“National values: key to achieving Vision 2040” Read More »

Young people devote time and energy to ‘following’ celebrity news and styles, writes Tshwanelo Fokazi, 24, a Correspondent from Ekurhuleni, South Africa, but at the same time youth are able to uphold their own standards and beliefs. Are you wondering what Trevor Noah said to Miley Cyrus during his interview with her last week? Ask me, …

“We ‘follow’ celebrities; they aren’t our leaders” Read More »

 Pakistan has many attributes, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, among them its natural beauty. She takes readers on a brief tour of some of the highlights. Welcome to the most powerful Islamic country. Welcome to one of the world’s seven atomic powers. Welcome to the land surrounded by rivers …

“Tourists find a natural welcome in Pakistan” Read More »

Rapid growth of pop television is distracting students from studies and introducing mature content to young audiences, writes Kenneth Gyamerah, 26, a Correspondent from Kumasi in Ghana. He recalls television’s early days, and calls for measures to protect children from inappropriate programming. When I was growing up in the early 2000s , people who had televisions were …

“Telenovelas influence education in Ghana” Read More »

As social media reaches saturation level, concern grows about the impact on road safety. Mary Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Commonwealth Correspondent in London, UK, writes that earlier hopes about hands-free devices offering a solution are being dashed as researchers find that distraction not tied to just one technology.  New penalties to combat drivers using their mobile …

“Bigger penalty for driving while on the phone” Read More »

 The millennial generation has been criticised as self-indulgent and lacking in the discipline to meet traditional goals in life. Hsin-Yi Lo, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Melbourne, Australia, presents a different view of the hurdles facing her generation.  Young Australian property developer Tim Gurner kicked up a social media storm when he claimed millennials can afford their …

“The sorrow of young millennials” Read More »