A simple gift of hospitality prompted Mridul Upadhyay, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, to consider how small minorities are affected by the pressures of global demand and development. What was the best thing offered to you to eat, as a gesture of hospitality, when you visited someone’s home? For me it …

“Tribal lifestyle is threatened by development” Read More »

Cities are full of rising entrepreneurs and icons of the cultural scene. Moses Mokoanene, 27, a Correspondent from Letlhakeng in Botswana, introduces readers to two of them in this look at everyday life. When you arrive in Letlhakeng circle from Molepolole, in your left side is Taj Hardware, where a 31 years old Ontuetse Kenosi …

“A businessman thrives and music is back” Read More »

Ebony Reigns ruled Ghana’s airwaves in recent months, writes Michael Gyekye, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, until a tragic accident plunged the country into mourning over a lost talent. “Young and talented and beautiful and intelligent and sassy and beloved.” No words could better do justice to the fast-rising young Ghanaian music sensation, Ebony Reigns, …

“Ebony Reigns broke grounds and hearts” Read More »

Hip hop has found expression in a rising artist who is finding fans of the music and culture in Botswana, writes Moses Mokoanene, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Letlhakeng in Botswana. Kennedy Bogosi, well known in the music fraternity as Blaqcash, was born in Molepolole, and grew up at his home village, Khudumelapye, where he …

“Hip hop hits the mark with Botswana fans” Read More »

Metolo Foyet, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon now living in Niger, is enthusiastic about the superhero movie Black Panther, which is earning accolades for challenging Hollywood’s usual vision of Africa and of women. Accra, mid-February. Landing at a silverbird cinema. Free refreshments! Childlike glee! Viewers in stunning tribal dresses and an implike caressed Impi …

“A positive take on Africa: God bless Wakanda!” Read More »

Questions about faith and belief have Sarmad Shahbaz Bhutta, 19, a Correspondent in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, looking at the connection between humanity and religion. What is the basic necessity of a human’s faith and belief? Ever wondered why are we in this world? What’s the cause of our birth? Humanity is one of the most acceptable …

“Integrating humanity and religion” Read More »

Adopting best practices is a seen as positive, but Muhammed Badamasi, 22, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, argues that cultural bias must be considered in making assessment of what is best for the situation. The term cultural cringe was developed by A.A. Philips, in his controversial 1950 essay of the same name. Cultural cringe is …

“Best practices can result in cultural cringe” Read More »

by Cody Mitchell Technology growth has changed much about how we live our lives. Cody B. Mitchell, 16, a Correspondent from Moree, Australia, says there is a down side to constant technology, and argues for limits on its use. The early 21st century saw the ‘Digital Revolution’ spread like wildfire throughout the developed world. By 2010, …

“Hazards of technology in a connected world” Read More »

Education about a nation’s history and culture is essential to creating the social fabric that leads to good citizenship and leadership, writes Abdullah Al Hasan, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh.  Every country has its own history and culture. Every country has a long tale to tell. The way the current world is …

“Teaching the value of history and culture” Read More »

Dreaming of the future is a powerful motivation, but as Richmond Setrana, 25, a Correspondent from Tema in Ghana writes, parents sometimes take over the dreams of the youth. The true worth of a man’s life is not in what he achieves whiles he plies the land of the living, but is determined by the …

“African parents – the master dreamers” Read More »