Singaporeans are caught in a vicious lifestyle that pits high expectations against the quest for happiness, writes Aristle Tay, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Singapore. He says the solution is a matter of perspective. The year 2013. It’s a new year with possibly new dreams and aspirations to chase. Somehow, I am not too optimistic …

“Does a journey of fortitude necessarily lead to true happiness?” Read More »

The stereotype of rural poverty has been turned on its head in Pakistan, where urban poverty is a dire problem that needs intervention through new government policies, writes Naseema Perveen, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Islamabad in Pakistan. Pakistan has been reported to be a place which is dangerous for human life; it faces a …

“Urban poverty is on a persistent rise in Pakistan” Read More »

Pakistan’s youth face daunting challenges, but Rizwan Anwar, 24, a Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan, argues many of the obstacles are issues the government must tackle so that youth – and the country – can reach its potential. Pakistan has a large youth population. An estimated 103 million or 63 per cent of the population fall under …

"Pakistan's youth face major problems" Read More »

The goal of universal primary education is not easily achieved, writes Latoyaa Roberts, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, who argues that progress can continue if commitment remains strong and barriers are tackled. The post 2015 Millennium Development Goals are approaching. Yet as a Global Youth Ambassador with A World at School and an advocate …

"No barriers to education – the goal" Read More »

Tuition fee increases are a significant hurdle for some students seeking higher education, writes Musa Temidayo, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, who describes how students at one university are fighting the trend. There has been growing nervousness among students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife (OAU), Osun State Nigeria. “…everything from development to management decisions starts …

"OAU students: saving free education for the poor" Read More »

Small island developing states are especially vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, 1-4 September, the Commonwealth is partnering with the United Nations, governments and international organisations to help build the resilience of these countries. Part of the discussion, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, …

SIDS 2014: "Why this summit is so important for SIDS and young people" Read More »

Small island developing states are especially vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, 1-4 September, the Commonwealth is partnering with the United Nations, governments and international organisations to help build the resilience of these countries. Khadija Holder, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad …

SIDS 2014: "Social development in Small Island Developing States" Read More »

Youth unemployment is a discouraging fact, but Advira Shand, 24, a Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, says policy changes and activism can pave the way to solutions. It has become customary to see scores of educated unemployed Jamaican youths lining streets in an attempt to gain access to employment. Growing up I was fed daily with the …

"Youths are unsuspecting victims of unemployment" Read More »

A summit on Nigeria’s education issues gave Musa Temidayo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, opportunity to discuss policy and to experience a different part of the country. I recently learned the happy news that I would be leading the crusade of the Global Youth Ambassador (GYA) #UpForSchool preliminary launch in Nigeria’s Edo State. So, I got set …

“Edo summit examines Nigeria’s education issues” Read More »

As Jamaica feels the impact of climate change, Tamara McKayle, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Jamaica, urges partnerships that will support programmes and changes to benefit the environment. “You know from I was a young girl, I never see the beach like this, I never see it really stay like this. We all hear inna wi …

“Partnerships are a solution to climate change” Read More »