Fifty years ago this month, Rwanda won independence from Belgium. Since that time the country has experienced desperate brutality and, latterly, an economic resurgence. Fale Lesa, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, recalls his own life-changing trip to the heart of East Africa. In September of 2010, life was very much a nestle of …

"Happy Birthday Rwanda, thank you for hosting me on your soil" Read More »

The State of the Nation address Rwandans heard as 2012 closed its books indicates positive economic trends. David Masengesho, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda, says President Paul Kagame reported that safety and good governance contributed to increased revenue and financial opportunity. Job number increases, safety, peace and good governance contributed to the …

"Positive trends as Rwanda moves into a new year" Read More »

Less than two decades after the Rwandan genocide the country has seen a revolution in health care, writes Biodun Awosusi, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria.  Mortality rates are down and treatment numbers are up under leadership that sees health care as a priority in economic recovery.   The 1994 genocide in Rwanda dealt a …

“Rwanda records most exciting recovery in public health history” Read More »

The United States Supreme Court made a long-awaited and historic decision on same-sex marriage, but as David Masengesho, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda currently residing in the USA writes, the decision does not mean the end of the LGBT community’s struggle for equal human rights.  June 26, 2015, marked a historical day …

“Our tomorrow: LGBT moves to the future” Read More »

Young entrepreneurs across East Africa have formed a regional coalition of youth business organisations. It is called the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs-East Africa and includes 15 organisations from six countries: Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania and Uganda. The Alliance will encourage young people to start their own businesses, develop their enterprise skills and tackle …

Young East African entrepreneurs join forces to boost enterprise and create jobs Read More »

LGBT refugees and asylum seekers require special consideration, as they face double persecution in both their home countries and in the refugee and diaspora communities, writes David Masengesho, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kigali in Rwanda, currently residing in the USA. In countries where violence, human abuse and political oppression can ruin peoples’ lives, there …

“LGBT refugees need special consideration” Read More »

The issue of street kids has earned the attention of government authorities and policy makers, yet it remains a growing challenge in African cities and towns, writes Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 26, a Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda. When you talk to someone from western countries about street kids as an issue they might …

“Concerted effort needed to help street kids” Read More »

Freedom of speech has been a fundamental human right since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda, argues that while we should enjoy these rights, they are not absolute. Duties and responsibilities may impose some limitations as the world draw lines between rights …

“Drawing a line: hate and freedom of speech” Read More »

Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda, reminds us that Ministers at the 9th CYMM made a commitment to promote youth work as a profession. Professionalisation would come through education and training for sectors where youth engagement is important, such as  police, health, youth ministry, social work, and others. This …

“CHOGM should reaffirm value of youth work” Read More »

This year’s CHOGM put the UK in the spotlight and set an ambitious agenda for youth, writes Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda, and anticipates equal success when Rwanda hosts the 2020 event. Probably you’ve heard many stories about Rwanda, some positive others negative, but since 2000 Rwanda …

“Rwanda steps up to host the 2020 CHOGM” Read More »