Young people living with disabilities must demand systemic change to ensure that balloting stations are accessible for all, both now and in the future, writes Vibhu Sharma, 24, a Correspondent from Delhi in India.  Elections, in any democracy, continues to be a source of heated debates. While political candidates make tall (sometime egregious) promises to …

“It’s time young people living with disabilities are heard” Read More »

Kiyara Matambanadzo, 16, a Correspondent from Harare in Zimbabwe, writes that more complex discussions about ‘rape’, ‘sexual assault’, and the meaning of ‘consent’ need to take place in the mainstream if change is to occur.  In today’s society there are few words more powerful than the word ‘rape’. Rape is an utterly horrifying and inexcusable …

“The meaning of the word ‘NO’” Read More »

Chimwemwe Manyozo, 28 is, Commonwealth Correspondent from Lilongwe, Malawai and co-founder of Maphunziro265, a youth development reflects on its contribution to making the Commonwealth fairer, more secure, more sustainable and more prosperous.  As we are drawing close to the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Commonwealth Youth Forum, I have been battling with the Question ‘How …

“Motivation and education: my contribution to making the Commonwealth fairer” Read More »

MaryJean Nleya, from Botswana, reviews the 11th Commonwealth Youth Forum held in London, where the 53 Commonwealth nations were represented by young leaders and their heads of government.   The anticipated Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM) kicked off in London and Windsor as 53 national flags of all Commonwealth nations-states lined and flew in …

Our Correspondent at the Commonwealth Youth Forum Read More »

Young people play a critical role in improving Commonwealth countries. Mary-Jean Nleya, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Botswana,  shares highlights from a recent training programme in London to help Commonwealth youth leaders improve their skills.  “Unforgettable” is probably how some of the Commonwealth youth leaders would describe their experience sharing ideas with the Duke and Duchess …

Youth leaders wow royal couple with their ideas Read More »

Young people can be a force for good or evil in their community writes Wathsaridu Karunarathna,  26, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka, who argues that youth-centric programmes are needed to create what is known as the 5th space. This is a space where young people can develop their own views of themselves and the world …

Where can we find a space to grow ? Read More »

Tertiary education is important, writes Solo Matthewsella, a  Correspondent from Suva, Fiji, who says despite its importance perhaps too much emphasis is placed on this path to youth development in the Pacific Islands. Meanwhile too little attention is given to exploring other development and employment pathways for the vast majority of young people in his …

“Is university the way out for everybody?” Read More »

A growing youth population poses both challenges and opportunities for Pakistan, writes Faisal Saleh Yaqub, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan, who argues that the Pakistani state must address some critical issues to ensure the youth bulge is positive for the country. According to Pakistan’s National Human Development Report 64% of Pakistan’s population …

“Youth bulge: Boon or bane?” Read More »

YOUTH WORK WEEK SPECIAL: Youth work is not a recognised profession in most developing countries. But with hundreds of highly skilled and talented young people leaving Nigeria each year in search of greener pastures, Abisola Onatoye, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ogun State in Nigeria, asks whether youth workers can help motivate young people to …

Supporting youth work can pay off for Nigeria Read More »