The Youth Development Index, a new global measure of the development and empowerment of young people, was launched by The Commonwealth on 19 September. We asked contributors to YourCommonwealth.org to define youth development. Here are some of their answers: “Youth development is when there is equal opportunities for all youths to gain access to basic resources …
Africa needs fresh leadership to solve persistent problems, writes Abubakar Umar, 24, a Correspondent from Katsina in Nigeria, as he argues for youth to be given leadership opportunity. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow, they say. This saying I have known since infancy and I have been wondering if that’s true in its real …
"Are youths the leaders of tomorrow – or today?" Read More »
Large international organisations tackle tough issues of development and piece, and increasingly give a voice to youth in that process. While commending the positive, Mridul Upadhyay, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India wonders about the efficiency of large conferences that seem to yield more talk than action. Sri Lanka was a remarkable host …
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The World Conference on Youth was not all policy and resolutions, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka. Her behind the scenes view as a delegate describes how it also gave young people opportunity to experience the culture and landscape of Sri Lanka. The World Conference on Youth held in …
"The shine of the WCY – from one delegate's eye" Read More »
A national award identifies and promotes leadership qualities, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, who describes the program as an effective way to identify and empower upcoming youth leaders. Sri Lankan youth have a refreshing opportunity designed to encourage them to take a more dynamic step in shaping of the country’s …
From the Royal Commonwealth Society Do you know an exceptional young leader who deserves a @QueensLeaders award? The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is seeking to celebrate and support young people to take up leadership roles and improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth. In a news release, the Royal Commonwealth Society said Their Royal …
#TheSearchIsOn – Queen’s Young Leaders Programme Read More »
Timi Olagunju, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, was among the guest speakers at a one-day summit celebrating International Youth Day. Academics and decision-makers talked with students about post-2015 goals and the role for Nigeria’s youth. International Youth Day in Nigeria had as its theme ‘The Role of Youths in Advancing Development Goals and the Post …
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A student group in Cameroon is using volunteerism, team-work, and education to develop their vision of the future, writes Carole Nyemeck, 21, a Correspondent from Yaounde in Cameroon. For some, the dream includes studying in America to solve Africa’s problems. “The sky is the sole limit!” This could be the very leitmotiv of youth attending the …
Young people in Africa have many ideas for community development, but Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, argues that consolidating those ideas is an important step in turning plans to action. A fortnight ago, I received a phone call from a young Kenyan with a passion to impact his community through certain developmental initiatives. He is lost …
The power of social media is transforming community in Africa, writes Steph Carter, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Brisbane, Australia, who interviewed a woman at the heart of the social media revolution. In the West African region, social media remains a vehicle for social change and citizen empowerment. The region’s upward trend in the use …