Students have a clear vision of the future they want, and as Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados reports, they were not hesitant to share those views with the United Nations Secretary General when he attended the CARICOM Heads of Government summit. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary General, paid a visit to …

“Caribbean students speak out with UN leader” Read More »

Youth recently met with decision makers and government ministers during the Asia Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India says the discussions are a vital step toward action and the CHOGM in Malta. “We, the youth, are not just 50 per cent of today’s population. But …

“Youth participate in lead-up to CHOGM 2015” Read More »

World leaders have agreed on Sustainable Development Goals, but Angelique Pouponneau, 25, a Correspondent from Victoria in the Seychelles, says meeting those goals will require the awareness and participation of young people.  With the agreement and confirmation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the Member States, it has to be asked whether …

“The role of young people in the next 15 years” Read More »

Young people are deeply affected by politics, but too often are not engaged in the process, writes Tiloma Chandrasekera, 27, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, as she argues for more youth involvement. Date: 17th August 2015 – Time:14:16 hrs – Place: somewhere in Colombo In less than two hours, voting will conclude for the general election in …

“Youth participation in Sri Lanka’s democracy” Read More »

Commonwealth Youth Award 2013 winner Anoka Primrose Abeyrathne is a Sri Lankan eco-social entrepreneur, environmentalist and youth activist. Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, interviewed her to celebrate Commonwealth Youth Work Week in November, celebrating the achievement of youth workers, youth organisations and young people throughout the Commonwealth. This year’s theme is “Youth Workers …

“Youth workers are a win-win for government” Read More »

Market women, artisans, and members of Buruku Community in Benue state, Nigeria, participated in a free medical programme. Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, participated in and reports on the event organised by the National Youths Service Corps.  Buruku is a riverine community, with prevalence of malaria, HIV and other concomitant infections. It has …

“Corps members’ mission to save lives” Read More »

African youth have opportunity ahead, but Carole Nyemeck, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Yaounde in Cameroon writes that the first step is to move toward positive attitudes. I was queuing for a public service in Yaoundé, waiting to be received, when I met a group of youths like me. Naturally, as it is always the case in such circumstances, …

“Reclaiming the African mind from defeatism” Read More »

Being an immigrant means making a sometimes difficult transition, but Harnoor Gill, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Georgetown in Canada, writes that giving back to the community helped to establish a sense of belonging. My journey begins when I was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong. As a young boy, I would constantly become sick due …

“Volunteering eases the immigrant journey” Read More »

 A youth leader who is committed to empowerment has won another role as an activist, this time as a regional ambassador, writes McLloyd Kudzingo, 27, a Correspondent from Malawi. Youth leader and woman activist on education and sexual reproductive health rights Carol Chidothe has been selected to become regional ambassador for Southern Africa for the …

“Malawi activist is democracy ambassador” Read More »