On this page we publish the names of all current Commonwealth Correspondents:
Alisha Lewis from New Zealand.
“I’m a journalism student from Auckland, New Zealand. Originally from India, my family moved to New Zealand when I was four years old. I love writing – both creative and transactional – as well as reading, theatre, travelling and dancing.
“Aside from studying, I work as an intern for ONE News – at TVNZ, our national broadcaster – and as sub-editor for my university magazine. I hope to enter into journalism, ultimately working for established editorial publications within New Zealand or overseas.”
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Amanda McClintock from Australia.
“I am a working-class girl, full-time university student and mental health advocate from sunny south-east Queensland.
“Living in a small country town after growing up in the city only increased my passion for making a difference in my community and further afield, and for speaking up about the issues that matter most.
“Youth have a voice and it needs to be heard. Stand Up, Speak Up and Be Heard!”
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Arianne St Louis from Trinidad & Tobago.
“I have always been very passionate about creative writing, but my love for the English language led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English.
“While on sabbatical from pursuing my masters, I enjoy cycling, swimming, watching movies and blogging about each of them.”
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Ayodeji Morakinyo from Nigeria.
“I am an animated and artistic writer hailing from the southwest region of Nigeria. I hold a degree in electronics and electrical engineering and am certified as an IT professional.
“On days when I am not busy with engineering and management activities, I write prose poems, short stories and journalistic commentaries. In the coming years, I hope to help other people’s lives around the world and aid in the reformation of Africa.”
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Craig Dixon from Jamaica.
“I grew up in a small bucolic village called Pell River, in western Jamaica. I have been to many mountain tops – seen many things, tasted many things, conquered many things.
“I studied public relations and history at the University of the West Indies, Mona. I am an intern at the moment in the Spice Isle, Grenada, working the Roving Caregivers Programme which provides early childhood stimulation for economically deprived infants and toddlers. I want to be an anthropologist, focusing on literacy, peace and reconciliation.”
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Daniel Boxill from Barbados.
“I am a freelance Barbadian multimedia artist with experience across several disciplines including music, fine arts and literary arts. I’m an award-winning, nationally-featured poet, writer and student working on a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in english literature and linguistics.
“I’ve just had one of my poems published in an anthology featuring some of Barbados’ premier writers. I love writing. Music is my drug of choice. I’m always busy. Designing something or other wise using or improving my artistic abilities or volunteering somewhere.”
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David Masengesho from Rwanda.
“I work as intern/trainer at Digital Opportunity Trust Rwanda in its Reach Up! program where I deliver a livelihood, ICT and business training course to community participants. I work as research assistant at the Rwanda Development Board’s Tourism and Conservation Department.
“I am passionate about empowering communities and have been involved in different community development activities such as gender equality, women empowerment, youth advocacy, climate change and. I like networking, travelling, meeting different people of diverse backgrounds and exploring different cultures.”
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Diana Phoebe from Uganda.
“I am a Ugandan, from the Buganda Clan, and have a passion for my country. I love writing, reading, travelling and knowing what touches people the most.
“I love expressing myself but do not forget the fact that there other people of different races, cultures and religions in the world who have totally different opinions from mine. I also think that no one should be denied the freedom to express themselves.”
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Eva Maria from New Zealand.
“I am a family coach, international speaker, social media expert and author of the bestselling parenting book ‘You Shut Up!’ Though Russian-born, I currently live in New Zealand, and today work with various groups, businesses and families.
“I am on a full-on mission to help improve 10,000,000 adult-youth relationships around the world.”
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Fale Andrew Lesa from New Zealand.
“I am an international diplomat having represented the New Zealand youth sector in a host of international initiatives. The completion of my tertiary education at the University of Auckland (BA/LLB) will usher in a professional dedication to diplomacy and foreign affairs.
“My interests include community development, foreign affairs, globalisation, youth empowerment, reading (non-fiction/fiction as well as current affairs), creative/critical writing, chess, debating, history, linguistics and social interaction. My passion for writing has led me to this forum.”
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Francis Ventura from Australia.
“G’day! My name is Francis Ventura and I am currently studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Melbourne. I am also the youth director of the Australian Republican Movement.
“As Melbourne is the sporting capital of the nation, I have a keen interest in cricket and Australian Rules football. I also love exploring Australia’s beautiful environment. After my studies I would like to dedicate my life to human rights, with a focus on protecting civilians living in war zones or under totalitarian regimes.”
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Genitta Pascal from St Lucia.
“Born in Dominica, I was diagnosed in 1996 with leukemia and subsequently received a bone marrow transplant in Dominica and chemotherapy in Trinidad. I then took up residence in Saint Lucia in July 1999.
“In spite of my medical challenge, I have been academically successful and I’m now touring the world of work. My future ambition is to become a human resource manager. I also intend to assist underprivileged and idle persons.”
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Grant Duthie from Australia.
“My name’s Grant Duthie and I’m a high-school student on the Gold Coast of Australia. My favourite subject is geography, because it is so relevant and the focus is on conservation and sustainability, which are global issues affecting us all.
“Through my concern for the environment I have been lucky enough to have been given a number of opportunities to work with a number of organisations, such as Polar Bears International, and UN Youth Australia. In the future, I hope to work for the United Nations and make a thorough contribution to these causes.”
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Gys Weverink from Canada.
“I am studying political science and African studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Born in the Netherlands, my family and I moved to rural Ontario in 1999, when I was 12-years-old. When I am not busy with my study, or working away in the summer, I am likely either in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee or somewhere in the shade attempting to tackle my ever growing reading list.
“Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to complete a masters at the African Studies Institute in Leiden, the Netherlands, and hopefully take the culmination of my study efforts to the continent which has always fascinated and intrigued me.”
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Jennawade Pratt from the Bahamas.
“I am a medical administrative assistant. I aspire to become a nurse in the area of special needs. I enjoy reading and writing poetry, songs, and plays. I also enjoy painting, sewing, photography and dabbling with graphics.
“I love to research, and I’m challenging myself daily to indulge in the richness of all aspects of our culture (this includes cuisine, history, the arts, sports and music). I love to laugh, and I enjoy quality time with my husband and son… so I guess you can say the laughter never ends!”
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Jo-Annah Richards from Montserrat/UK.
“Born on the beautiful island of Montserrat, I currently reside in the UK. I hold a degree in Law and currently work in the commercial division of a large financial institution. I have a keen interest in the creative and performance arts, and have been part of drama groups and choirs from an early age.
“I am interested in creative writing and have written poems, short stories and skits from an early age. The rhythm of words and creating imagery has always engrossed and enticed me. In May 2011 I released a self published book called The Ill Concepts of The Caribbean Woman.”
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Joshua Hamlet from Trinidad & Tobago.
“In life my goal is to inspire and motivate. My passion lies in youth mobilization with particular focus on politics. I am a spontaneous person and yearn for new experiences.
“My articles reflect my academic orientation as well as experiences that define my life. The goal is honesty, to applaud where needed and scold where required. I recently graduated.”
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Keresa Arnold from Jamaica.
“I am a freelance journalist, public relations practitioner, social media enthusiast and blogger who believes in the power of communication in effecting social and political change.
“In 2007, I was nominated for a Prime Minister’s Youth Award for excellence in journalism.
“I strongly believe in the power of youth in bringing about significant change. To this end, it is crucial that countries that are serious about sustainable development will seek to engage youth in policy-making decisions.”
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Kyle Reneau from Belize.
“I am a 17-year-old living in the beautiful country of Belize. I am currently studying biology and chemistry and hope to one day be a forensic chemist or a forensic pathologist.
“I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hiking but I am not big on playing sports. My greatest aspiration is to become prosperous so I can use my wealth to help more people and have a larger and better impact on my community and maybe the world.”
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Leigh-Ann Worrell from Barbados.
“I am a reporter for www.barbadostoday.bb. I am passionate about women’s rights issues, theatre arts and cats.
“I like hanging out with my friends, live for the beach and (sorta) enjoy cooking. I eventually to work in the gender and development field in any part of the world.”
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Mark Anthony Ross from Guyana.
“The eldest of forty seven national UNV volunteers serving the United Nations Development Programme, I am also reading for a degree in communication studies. My interests are in youth development and governance, but most importantly I have a love for developing health materials for youth and writing newsletters and magazines.
“My hobbies include reading, research and entertaining friends. My future ambitions are to become president of my country and one day head a UN mission to an African country.”
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Meeckel Beecher from Jamaica.
“I am a development enthusiast who believes that the effective mobilization and utilization of youths are fundamental aspects of development. I believe education is a panacea for the world’s ailments and support the notion that literacy is a human right and is one of the best tools for human development.
“Literacy is essential in eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development. I am an Education Outreach Officer and currently the Jamaica Youth Ambassador to the United Nations.”
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Mehzabin Ahmed from Bangladesh.
“I come from Bangladesh, home to the Royal Bengal tigers and the longest natural beach in the world. I am passionate about working for sustainable solutions to development. I currently work as a development practitioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“I am also a freelance journalist and a novice debater. I am bilingual in Bangla and English. I love learning new languages, and am a keen but elementary student of French. What I have learnt from wise words and life experiences is that, “If you want others to change, you have to be willing to change yourself as well”. Feel free to call me Simi.”
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Nakeeta Nembhard from Jamaica.
“I am a 24-year-old development practitioner whose particular area of interest is the relationship between people and their physical environment. My formal training has allowed me to gain an appreciation of the development process and the factors involved in achieving national development objectives.
“I hold a Masters of Science Degree with distinction in Sociology and am a recipient of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Academics. Currently I am employed to the national trade and investment promotion agency, JAMPRO, as a consulting officer in planning and policy development.”
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Neil Thomas from Australia.
“I am a law and liberal arts student at the University of Western Australia in Perth. I am passionately interested in learning from other young people and raising awareness about social and global issues.
“My favourite activities include education, non-partisan political involvement, languages, watching sunsets, swimming, gazing out of aeroplane windows at city lights during the night and travelling the unknown world.”
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Nnadozie Onyekuru from Nigeria.
“I am a Nigerian student. I love books. I am young and restless with firm dreams that are only tempered by Christianity.
“I dream of a world where people, inspired by their common humanity, engage in a global wheel of ideas and do not use history as a tool for blame game but as a lesson for the future. In my spare time, I write stories, speeches and participate in activities that advance the respect of human dignity.”
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Peter Njoroge from Kenya.
“Born in a town bear Nairobi, I’ve had to face many challenges in line with many Kenyans who hail from humble backgrounds. Educated through public school from elementary school all the way to Kenyatta University where I studied economics and philosophy.
“I do various writing jobs to earn a living since writing is not only a calling but a vocation too. I hope that one day I’ll be able to actively help in the journey towards global youth empowerment – not just on a political level but social-economic too.”
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Ruth Howard from Jamaica.
“I am a university a graduate with a first degree in media and communications and Spanish. I enjoy reading, writing poems, stories and songs, socialising, researching, and exploring the people and cultures of the world. I live by a simple motto: ‘You live, you learn, you grow’ – which also summarizes how I approach each day.
“I try to learn as much as I can and to make as few mistakes as possible. I see room for growth and improvement in many areas in my country, and as I grow and learn, I hope to become the change I want to see in my nation, region and world.”
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Ryan Bachoo from Trinidad and Tobago.
“Hi, I am Ryan Bachoo, a journalist and public relations officer from Princes Town in Trinidad and Tobago. I currently work with the West Indies Cricket Board.
“I am currently working as a broadcast journalist for Cable News Channel 3. I also write on various talking points and current problems facing the world including international politics and the issues of a depleting economy.”
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Sam Bayes from Great Britain.
“I live and work in London, managing the membership team of the International Bar Association and its Human Rights Institute. The IBA is the largest membership association for lawyers that practice international law and the IBAHRI is a charity whose mandate is to protect the rights of lawyers and the independence of the judiciary.
“I’m currently doing a part-time MA in Social Science and am a proud Liberal Democrat Party member. I also enjoy writing, swimming, sailing and the cultural wonder that is my nation’s capital.”
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Samantha Khan from Trinidad and Tobago.
“Hello! I’m a student from Trincity, Trinidad, and I love to write, read and sometimes draw. I would live in the cinema if I had the choice. I enjoy learning about as many different cultures as I possibly can.
“My dream is to become a novelist and through that, to challenge the stereotypes and constraints of society, as well as to provide thought-provoking material to shed new light on life itself. I believe that if we all shine a little light into the world, it will inevitably become a brighter place.”
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Sarah Kilcoyne from Australia.
“I am a speech pathologist and lawyer from Brisbane, Australia. I am passionate about human rights, youth issues and the environment.
“I believe that everybody has a voice and a right to be heard and am committed to speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
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Sean O’Rourke from Australia.
“I live and work in Melbourne, Australia. I am working at VicHealth, full time at the moment, on a project that looks at the impact of bottle shops on alcohol-related harm more generally.
I am studying part time, completing my Masters in Policy and Human Service at RMIT. I also recently completed training by the Climate Project in Indonesia, with training provided by former US vice president Al Gore.”
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Sharlene Sturk from Australia.
“Hi my name is Sharlene Sturk, and I am passionate about human rights and helping individuals seek justice. When I finish completing my final year of high school I hope to have a career in law or perhaps politics.
“I would also like to write my own autobiography about my life experiences. Most importantly I would like to provide a voice to those who need it. Making a difference in the world we live in is what matters most to me.”
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Simon Hart from Britain living in Kenya.
“Hi, my name is Simon and I am originally from the UK. After spending time volunteering overseas inbetween my studies, I started working for an international NGO in New Zealand, and now I find myself living in Nairobi, Kenya.
“After completing my MA in International Development, I am very passionate about working in the development and political sector, and being in Nairobi helps me to pursue these ambitions.”
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Sonia Quamina from Trinidad and Tobago.
Read one of Sonia’s articles here: “The poll in the local Trinidad and Tobago Guardian newspaper, dated 2 April 2011, asked the question: ‘Should the parents of gang members be penalized?’
“In my life I have not been unfortunate enough to have had any direct connection to a gang member or their parent, nor have I had any connection to anyone affected by gang violence.”
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Steph Carter from Australia.
“I’m a student based in Brisbane, Australia. I am currently in my final year of undergraduate study at the University of Queensland, studying Development, Journalism and International Relations and will be commencing a Masters of International Studies in 2012.
“Aside from my study commitments, I lead a hectic life! I’m passionate about aid and development and am involved with World Vision Australia’s national youth movement ‘Vision Generation’. I also work part time in the travel industry (which might explain my love of travel) and when I have spare time, you can find me playing my piano.”
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Steven Nsubuga from Uganda.
“I am a 27-year-old software developer from Uganda. When I am not writing code, I am either reading my bible or playing Scrabble, football or badminton (I am a classic single-tasker, so I only one activity at a time).
“Sometimes you may also find me pondering who was the greater detective – Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes.”
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Tamica Parchment from Jamaica.
“I’m a television editor/producer and business communications specialist. I have a first degree in media and communications and international relations. I enjoy classic literature, art, studying languages and reading about foreign policy and other political issues.
“I have two goals I would like to achieve in my lifetime: to travel to many places around the world and to make an impact through media by encouraging behavioural change.”
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Tan Peiying from Singapore.
“I’m Pei Ying from Singapore, a 29-year-old female Chinese who loves swimming, animals, challenges, solo travelling and most of all, freedom! Presently doing my degree in Economics and Management from the University of London.
“Friends are an important aspect of my life. Career aspiration wise, I hope to take the future by storm (just kidding!). It is a wonderful opportunity to be sharing ideas with all of you and I hope everyone will have a great time at YourCommonwealth.org. ”
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Tayo Elegbede from Nigeria.
“I am a young broadcast journalist, radio presenter, writer, public relations practitioner and social entrepreneur with a passion for all-round human development.
“My core philosophies in life include honesty and integrity, open-mindedness, responsibility and accountability.”
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