Ayo Morakinyo, 26, an electrical engineer and Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, argues that parents need help to take better responsibility for their children and encourage them to actually be in school, where they can learn the skills that will set them up for life. There is a group of six girls I sometimes see when …

"Uneducated parents need help with parenting" Read More »

Old age brings hardship for those who fall below the poverty line, writes Shomira Sanyal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, who argues that existing pension plans should  be revised to help the poor lead more dignified lives. Raniben[1], residing in a village in Gujarat, is more than 70 years old. She …

"Universal social security pensions for the elderly" Read More »

Efforts to reduce poppy production in Afghanistan have shown little result, writes Pax Nvani, 25, a Correspondent from Eket in Nigeria, who argues for an approach that uses understanding as well as cash. Afghanistan is reportedly the world leader in opium production, with approximately ninety-three per cent of the illicit production, generating revenue equivalent to …

"A testament on poverty enlightment" Read More »

Tanzania is rich in resources and potential, writes Collins Kimaro, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Tanzania, as he describes the paradox of poverty persisting in spite of those assets. The English word ‘paradox’ is derived from the Greek word ‘paradoxon’, which means contrary to expectation. With synonyms of inconsistency, absurdity or enigma, this accurately describes the confusion one …

"The Tanzanian paradox – poverty amidst potential" 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 »

 Poverty is a major challenge in both developed and developing countries, and poverty reduction is number one among the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Paul Odhiambo, 26, a Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, applauds the goal to cut poverty by half by 2030, but suggests that target may not be achieved. I am afraid that most countries, especially …

“Saving as a method of ending poverty” Read More »

Entering school years was like entering a jungle, writes Tumaini Makole, 25, a Correspondent from Tanzania, where the odds of successful survival were low. He urges African leaders to take action, and change that experience for the sake of children and the future. I am writing this letter while my eyes are shedding blood tears. I …

“Making it through the jungle: letter to leaders” Read More »

Swapnil Mishra, 21, a Correspondent from India and currently studying in the U.S., looks at the historic and economic roots of poverty. He argues for the need to provide basic necessities and the opportunity to make personal and economic choices. After reading the five different individual stories from John Isbister’s “A World of Poverty”, about people …

“Poverty imposes an inability to make choices” Read More »

Uganda’s rural poor face multiple challenges to development, writes Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda, who argues for the need to place human rights at the centre of development policy. The rural poor in Uganda lack access to financial services, they are at the edges of communities, often isolated and have limited access …

“Let’s bring dignity back to the poor” Read More »

Making life insurance mandatory for the nation’s workforce could be an invaluable way to provide long-term economic stability in Nigeria, writes Samasi Anderson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bayelsa State. A vibrant insurance sector contributes significantly to the expansion of the economy. When the insurance sector is sound in an economy, there are several benefits. First, …

“Immunizing Nigeria from future economic shock” Read More »