The taboo on talking about menstruation has been broken, writes Chimwemwe Manyozo, 27, is a Correspondent from Lilongwe, Malawi, but he argues the conversation should not turn into an either-or debate about access to supplies that serve girls’ need for health and success. Ever since I can remember, menstruation has been a topic that has not been …

“The campaign for free sanitary pads” 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 »

Independence day was a day of learning for Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Warri in Nigeria, who marked the occasion by taking part in sessions with change-makers and keen students. Fifty-six years after independence from the British, Nigerians are way into the journey of being responsible for the progress of her people, and …

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Dr. Fathia Ayodele Kareem caused a social media storm when she broke a record as an award-winning graduate. Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Correspondent from Ghana, interviewed the doctor, who is now working at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s largest public hospitals. Social media in Ghana went into overdrive in August when Fathia Ayodele …

“Out-dream yourself, says academic achiever” Read More »

Society is highly competitive, and it is obvious that status is determined by profession, writes Madusha Erandi Thanippuliarachchi, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. Parents commit to better education for their children, which raises question about the motives for and cost of higher education. Today in Sri Lanka, doctor, lawyer, and engineer are prominent professions that are highly …

“Higher education for earning or for serving” Read More »

History has returned to Nigeria’s school curriculum, but Emmanuel Olutokun, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, underlines the damage done by its absence and the importance of the subject for the country and its citizens. One of my favourite sentiments this year would be “those who are oblivious of history are doomed to make the …

“Six years without history can hurt society” Read More »

There is a difference between education and learning, writes Ishan Agarwal, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, as he argues in favour of reforms that will promote creativity and analytical thinking in a process that extends beyond the classroom. Francis Bacon observed about education that “crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them and wise …

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The rise of AIDS has been a massive heath issue globally. Omer Fayshal Pavel, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, writes that being educated about the virus is the first step in helping those with HIV live a better quality of life. We have a beautiful planet to live with a beautiful life to …

“AIDS remains a challenge to mankind” Read More »

In Barbados, Errol Barrow day on 21st January is a public holiday marking the birth of the Father of Independence and the island’s first Prime Minister. Ashley Foster-Estwick, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, writes that it is also a day for reflection on Barrow’s education policy. Errol Barrow enunciated many quotes during his tenure in politics, …

“What is the real price of being a student?” 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 »