Women can help bring peace and development to Africa, writes Amina Adhan, 22, a Correspondent from Nairobi, Kenya, who reports on a forum that examined the hurdles and the opportunities for women looking for political and social empowerment. Kigali, Rwanda, recently hosted a forum sponsored by the African Union, seeking to understand the challenges for women’s …

"Silencing the guns in Africa by 2020: women's role" Read More »

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 …

"We succeed together or fail alone…" Read More »

Youth want action to accompany policies on development, health, and employment issues, writes Alphonse Akouyu, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon as he reports on the Africa Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers meeting in Yaounde. The Africa Region Commonwealth Youth Forum was a key part in the agenda of the Youth Ministers meeting. This was an avenue for youths to discuss several …

"Youth leaders call for action in youth policies" Read More »

Building a nation requires responsibility and involvement from all levels of society including students, writes Nutifafa Geh, 29, a Correspondent from Ho in Ghana. Ants are wonderful insects and they affirm there can be unity in diversity. These creatures work collectively and in harmony for one goal ‒ to support their colony. The ant colony is …

"We are all involved in building our motherland" Read More »

Craig Dixon, aka Juleus Ghunta, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Jamaica, interviews Herbert Bangura, executive director of Young Peace Builders (YPB), a youth-led social advocacy organisation based in Freetown, Sierra Leone (SL).  In this interview they talk about issues including the legacies of SL’s civil war, recent political tensions, Ebola and YPB’s work and plans. Juleus Ghunta …

"Peace building – an interview with Herbert Bangura" Read More »

Youth Ministers gathered recently in the Caribbean, prompting Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, to examine the issues and call for a youth perspective in setting goals. “Youth unemployment is at an all time high”, “HIV among the youth is on the rise”, “Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular with the youth.” These are …

“Where do Caribbean youth go from here?” Read More »

Sustainable development can start at the local level and yet have a global impact, writes Dilshan Jayasinghe, 18, a Correspondent from Mississauga, Canada, who writes about his involvement in youth-driven international projects. Sustainable development and environmental stewardship in any society would not take place unless the populace has a keen understanding as to why such is …

“Canadian youth work for sustainable development” Read More »

Alvin Ma, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from  Canada, was in Paris to take part in an academic conference, but he took the opportunity to look beyond the ‘ivory tower’ with observations about language and life in city of the Eiffel Tower. “Oui, moi j’ai tombé, j’ai tombé la chemise.” Translated literally, this line from the chart-topping French …

“Eiffel Tower is not ivory: travel experiences” Read More »

Youth recently met with decision makers and government ministers during the Asia Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India says the discussions are a vital step toward action and the CHOGM in Malta. “We, the youth, are not just 50 per cent of today’s population. But …

“Youth participate in lead-up to CHOGM 2015” Read More »

Sustainable development in a region of Cameroon is getting a boost from a British organisation, writes Alphonse Akouyu, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon, as he describes his visit to projects and the communities they serve. The 21st century has witnessed an increase in international development initiatives around the globe. Non-governmental organisations, foundations, charities and …

“NGO goal: igniting action for development” Read More »