Libya has undergone a significant transformation since the toppling of dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. As efforts to turn the war-torn country into a flourishing democracy accelerate, young people are playing an increasingly pivotal role. Francis Ventura, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent based in Melbourne, Australia, asked Ms Ayat Saleh Mneina, the Founder of Shabab Libya, the Libyan Youth Movement, about the country’s …

"We want to interact with the world as we begin to rebuild Libya" Read More »

Backyards are falling out of fashion in Australia’s suburban landscape, says Pak Yiu, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent in Brisbane, Australia, who argues the trend has disturbing implications. The backyard has always been part of the Australian lifestyle. It has been a secure area for children to play and a place for Australians to enjoy a good …

“Our backyards are disappearing” Read More »

A WWI battle that took a horrendous toll was a defining moment in the histories of  Australia and New Zealand, writes Fale Lesa, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, who says the legacy of that battle shaped both countries. On the 25th of April every year for as long as anybody remembers, both Australia …

“Lest we forget: ANZAC day” Read More »

Controversy over development of natural gas reserves under James Price Point became a battle of David and Goliath proportions, writes Oliver Rogers, 23, a Correspondent from Perth in Australia. It divided friends and families, and raised troubling questions about aboriginal land rights.  James Price Point, or Walmandy in the language of the traditional owners, is …

“The land that divided a community” Read More »

An alarming number of young people are succumbing to the worldwide epidemic of negative body image, says Janine Wan, 15, a Correspondent based in Melbourne, Australia. At the same time there are efforts to counteract the harmful messages about so-called ideal bodies. On the 10th of May 2013, it was announced that the Positive Body Image …

“Negative messages hurt the right to self esteem" Read More »

Young people are far more than tomorrow’s leaders, writes Emily Murray, a Correspondent from Australia. She argues that young people are already at work changing the world today. Is there any mainstream phrase more patronising and controlling than “Young people are the leaders of tomorrow”? Oh move over you older person! Young people are already …

“Why young people are the best change makers” Read More »

In a few short years the Internet has made its way into everything from news to shopping, writes Janine Wan, 15, a Correspondent based in Melbourne, Australia, and with that has changed social interaction and entertainment. The first website I ever went onto was Club Penguin. Even at a young age I thought it was …

“Internet takeover – the best thing ever?” Read More »

Australia must wake up to the impact of  its attempts to destroy the identity of Indigenous people, writes Francis Ventura, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia. He says without reconciliation, Australia will continue to be a broken nation built upon injustice. I’ll never forget the first time I met the kids I’d be working with …

“Australia’s lost generation, and a need for healing” Read More »

An alarming trend that normalises sexual abuse has become known as ‘rape culture’, writes Janine Wan, 15, a Commonwealth Correspondent based in Melbourne, Australia. She says in some cases, the legal system and media are contributors to that unsavoury culture. One out of every six American women, and one out of every 33 American men, …

“Media must stop encouraging a rape culture” Read More »

Many young people graduating from tertiary studies are keen to work hard in their first place of employment, even to the point of working too hard or for too long. However as McKell Institute Research Fellow Christopher Angus articulates, this ‘vicious circle’ could have serious long-term impacts for not just the individual, but society as …

“Put ‘reasonable’ back in reasonable overtime” Read More »