Uganda has a plan to transform its economy, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues the key to turning the plan into reality is to identify and foster positive national values. We have moved four years into the implementation of Uganda’s Vision 2040, the country’s development plan, which seeks to transform …

“National values: key to achieving Vision 2040” Read More »

A dispute over a work permit has potentially large repercussions in Bermuda. Jake Elson, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues the episode represents deeper political and social conflict on the island. For a small island paradise of nearly 70,000, Bermuda can be an extremely fractious place. The oldest remaining British Colony in North …

“Visa row overshadows America’s Cup” Read More »

Kenya’s proposal for education reform is an important opportunity, writes Sunday Memba, 21, a Correspondent from Matete in Kenya, who argues that all sectors of society have a role in shaping the outcome. The  revelation of massive examination malpractices that marred previous Kenyan national examinations (except last year) is an indictment on society. Be that …

“Education reform: don’t miss the opportunity” Read More »

Students feel the need to attain high grades, but Kenneth Gyamerah, 26, a Correspondent from Kumasi in Ghana, raises concern about that pressure. He considers whether grades are in fact the most important measure of success. In February , 2017, it was reported that an 18 year old student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and …

“Academic grades do not guarantee success” Read More »

Nigeria’s recession is causing hardship. Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, explains how a drop in oil prices hurts national revenue and leaves public servants without pay. “Four days ago, it clocked six months since I received my last pay from the government of this state. Nevertheless, I will still have to resume …

“Public servants are working more to get less” Read More »

On Valentine’s day this year, Malawi’s national assembly passed a bill that called for the Constitution to raise the marriage age with parental consent from 15 to 18 years. Chimwemwe Manyozo, 27, a Correspondent from Lilongwe, Malawi, reports that the news was received with excitement, especially from activists and youth. One of the leaders in the fight …

“It’s 18! What’s next to stop child marriage?” Read More »

Women in the workforce can prepare to prove themselves and set their careers a notch higher, writes Judith Akoth, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kisumu in Kenya. She has tips for those who want to change jobs, set up a business, win employee of the year award, or take a rightful place in the coveted …

“Tips on closing the boardroom gender gap” Read More »

 An educator and social entrepreneur is helping solve Nigeria’s major challenge by training young people, especially girls, who are abused because of poverty. Sola Abe, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, interviewed this mentor, who teaches the culture of entrepreneurship and provides seed capital. Ogechukwu Ezeokoli is an educator, social entrepreneur and founder of Teens Economic and …

“This woman helps students start businesses” Read More »

India’s transgender community has been a target of chronic violence, intolerance and stereotyping.  Sugandha Parmar, 23, a Correspondent in Kanpur, India, writes that the Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill promises protection of rights and facilitates acceptance in social spaces. Such a legislative move engenders fresh questions amongst those aspiring for reform. Underpinning several LGBTQI discourses lies a …

“Transgender predicament requires action” Read More »

As focus is trained on equality and safety for women, Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda, notes that men are also victims of violence. He argues that advocating for those victims will create equality for all. Traditionally, women were regarded as the most vulnerable of people, due to power relations, cultural attachments, patriarchy …

“The forgotten gender violence: call for action” Read More »