Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, interviews Ayswarrya Ganapathiraman, a student leader and the Asia Representative in the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA) Steering Committee. He finds that her insight helps to explain the role of the CSA.  Mridul: Hi Ayswarrya! What is the CSA and why is it important? Ayswarrya: CSA is an …

“Interview: a Commonwealth student leader” Read More »

Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise relevant policy solutions through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political. The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding …

“Education for youth and Commonwealth” Read More »

Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise relevant policy solutions through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political. The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding …

“Youth and investment in women’s leadership” Read More »

Diwali is a celebration of light that infuses the atmosphere with happiness, but Abhilash Borah, 21, a Correspondent from Assam, India, sees it as a time to reflect on the needs of others and on the power of education. This is the time of celebrations of joy, and the time of life to enjoy the …

“Diwali raises concern about child workers” Read More »

Girls and women in Nigeria are getting a boost from a programme designed to help close the gender gap in school success rates, writes Timi Olagunju, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, who spoke to a trainer with the organisation. According to a 2014 UNESCO report, Nigeria has one of the largest number of …

“Initiative team empowers girls for the future” Read More »

Preconceived attitudes can limit the potential of individuals, writes Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, who argues in favour of challenging bias to allow personal and societal growth.  Often we are prevented from achieving success in a given field or endeavour, not due to lack of talent or skill, but rather due …

“Don’t let prejudice dissuade your ambition” Read More »

Concerted effort to reduce world poverty has made an impact, writes Humphrey Musila, 25, a Correspondent from Kenya now studying in the United States, who traces links among poverty, education, and hunger. The world has achieved a lot in combating poverty. At one point, more than a billion people lived in extreme poverty worldwide. Under-nutrition due …

“Making headway in fighting world hunger” Read More »

Technology is part and parcel of everyday life, writes Juliana Chia, 24, a Correspondent from Singapore, who challenges youth to raise questions about inequality of access that puts some students at a disadvantage. The fact is that we are surrounded by technology in our everyday lives. Like it or not, we are increasingly reliant on our smartphones, …

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Finding employment after graduation is a daunting challenge, but Joshua Orawo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, says a record of volunteer experience can help. The education system in Kenya and most African countries has been criticised on various occasions as focusing on producing employment oriented people as opposed to job creators and potential employers. …

“Volunteerism as a relief to unemployment” Read More »

Disappointment in one’s plans does not mean defeat, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but should be seen as an opportunity to reassess and use initiative. As a young individual living in the Caribbean, you sit and often times reflect on your past, present and future. You make a critical review of what has touched your …

“The youthful initiative to strive and thrive” Read More »