QCT Blog

News

About: QCT in Conversation with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Our CEO blogs on the conversation we held earlier this month, its context within wider discussions happening at QCT, and where we are going from here.

News

Team QCT discuss justice and equal rights with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, President and Vice-President of QCT, joined young leaders for a conversation on fairness, justice and equal rights as part of an ongoing series of youth-led...

Health

Introducing: Hello South Asians

Read about Hello South Asians - The new project which shares important information about COVID-19 in over 20 South Asian languages.

News

Overcoming Racism and Injustice Together

Young people are vital voices in the fight against injustice and racism - find out more about how we're working together in pursuit of a better way forward.

News

Introducing: 10 organisations now working with QCT in Africa

We are now delighted to announce the 10 organisations QCT will be supporting across sub-Saharan Africa! Find out more about each project here.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth: Necessary Lessons. New Directions.

In this final blog, CEO Nicola Brentnall talks about how the Commonwealth’s past can and should shape the identity of the QCT as an organisation, how it develops its offer and how it works in the...

Equality & Inclusion

Africa Day 2020: Africa's youth are rising to the challenge

To celebrate Africa Day 2020, Brighton Kaoma and Alice Ruhweza share their thoughts on the positive impact African youth are driving across the continent today and their potential for more in the...

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth: Kavindya Thennakoon on Writing Truth To Power

Youth activist Kavindya Thennakoon talks about how deeply personal the acknowledgement of the history of the Commonwealth is for her, and shares an open letter on the need to better recognise this.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth: Past, Present, Future

Youth activist Kavindya Thennakoon and CEO Nicola Brentnall reflect on the legacy of historic injustice within the Commonwealth, and how this continues to shape the experiences of young people.

Changemaker Profile

Kofi Mensah-Tandoh: Life as a back-up foster carer during CV-19

Kofi Mensah-Tandoh is a secondary foster carer for young people. Read more from Kofi as he explains how CV-19 is affecting the foster care sector, and why he was inspired to foster at a young age.

Education

Get involved! Quest to Bidibidi: Reaching Uganda's largest refugee settlement during CV-19

Have fun and get active during lockdown, whilst helping to raise awareness for vulnerable children in refugee communities through East African Project's 'Quest to Bidibidi' fundraising challenge!

Education

Saturday Art Class: Social emotional learning through art

Saturday Art Class uses art to encourage life-skills, character building and social emotional learning in low income schools and communities in Mumbai. Read more from the co-founders here.

News

A note from our CEO: Reasons To Be Cheerful

Nicola Brentnall, CEO of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, shares how the leadership and skills demonstrated by so many young people everyday, inspires her to stay positive, even during the toughest of...

News

Join QCT for #GivingTuesdayNow!

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on 5 May 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

QCT Conversations

QCT Conversations: Mike Omoniyi, The Common Sense Network

In this 'QCT Conversations', we chat to Mike Omoniyi, founder of The Common Sense Network - a publication that creates spaces for young people to engage critically.

News

QCT in action during COVID-19

Learn more about how Team QCT is responding globally to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Environment

Bella Lack: Youth Director for Reserva YLT

Bella Lack is an environmental campaigner and Youth Director for Reserva YLT. Learn of the moment she felt compelled drive positive action and the vital conservation work that Reserva is doing.

Health

Ayesha Begum: Olly's Future - MENtal health open mic nights

Olly's Future is a suicide prevention charity co-founded by Ayesha Begum. Here, Ayesha talks about their MENtal health open mic nights, which encourage young men to speak up about their mental health.

News

QCT in conversation with our President and Vice President, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, President and Vice-President of QCT, recently met with a number of young leaders to discuss mental health, equal opportunities and the importance of positive change.

News

Commonwealth Day 2020: A Message by Her Majesty The Queen

On Commonwealth Day 2020, Her Majesty The Queen delivered a message focusing on the themes of diversity, connections and achieving prosperity.

Education

Future Foundations

QCT has partnered with Future Foundations, to bring to life a joint pilot programme, The QCT GSL Grant Award.

Equality & Inclusion

Esther Marshall: Author of 'Sophie Says'

Esther Marshall shares her motivations behind creating the 'Sophie Says' children's book series, which sets out to teach youth about the likes of empowerment, mental health and inclusivity.

Equality & Inclusion

International Women's Day 2020: Meet the young leaders fighting for gender equality

Meet the young leaders who are working towards a fairer and more equal world.

Education

Kierran Pearce: Multi Schools Council

Kierran Pearce founded Multi Schools Council in order to bring together mainstream and SEND schools, breaking down negative perceptions and empowering young people to be confident in who they are.

Education

Sarah Boateng: Investing in Girls Education in Africa (IGEA)

Sarah Boateng founded IGEA to eliminate barriers blocking girls from accessing quality education. Read more from Sarah, including why her current focus is on period poverty, and her future ambitions.

News

2019: Looking back at QCT's highlights!

As 2019 draws to a close, QCT is reflecting on what has been a momentous year. Click through to see what got us all excited over the past twelve months!

Equality & Inclusion

Maisie Palmer: Mxogyny

Maisie founded Mxogyny, a platform for marginalised individuals to share creative work and have their voices heard. Here, she shares her motivations for starting and how she got things off the ground.

Equality & Inclusion

Michael Jacques: Can't Read, Can't Write, Here's My Book

Michael Jacques has autism and an intellectual disability. Here, he shares his story to educate people on social inclusion, and to inspire others that they can do anything they set their minds to.

News

QCT at One Young World 2019: A week of connecting, inspiring…and back flips!

In October 2019, QCT were proud to partner with One Young World to offer scholarships to 53 young leaders to attend the OYW Summit in London. Here is a round-up of this memorable and inspiring week.

QCT Conversations

QCT Conversations: Hunter Johnson, The Man Cave

In this first ever 'QCT Conversations', we chat to Hunter Johnson, founder of The Man Cave. Hear how he got things off the ground and how he combatted his initial feelings of imposter syndrome.

Health

Meera Elbay: Your New Normal

Meera Elbay is the founder of Your New Normal, an enterprise supporting bereaved young adults in the UK.

News

One Young World: Introducing QCT’s 2019 cohort!

QCT are delighted to announce that the 53 Queen's Commonwealth Trust Scholars have been selected to attend the One Young World 2019 Summit - learn more about the young leaders here.

Health

Beth French: Let's Talk About Loss

Beth French founded Let's Talk About Loss, a support organisation for young people aged 18-35 who have been bereaved, after she tragically lost her mother at the age of 20.

News

Duke and Duchess of Sussex join QCT to celebrate CAMA leaders in Malawi

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined CAMA members in Lilongwe, Malawi to celebrate their leadership.

News

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrate youth leadership and female empowerment as they kick off their tour of Africa

News

Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Scholarship to send 53 young leaders to One Young World 2019 Summit

QCT are delighted to announce that the 53 Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Scholars have now been selected to attend the 2019 One Young World Summit.

Youth Leadership

Rianna Patterson: The person behind the profile

"Being a young leader can be rewarding, empowering and life changing. But it can also, at times, be exhausting. Here, I share with you my journey as Rianna Patterson – the person behind the profile."

Health

Marva Langevine: Guyana Golden Lives Organization

Marva founded Guyana Golden Lives Organization to raise awareness on the impact of grief and loss in childhood, and provide support for bereaved families. Here, Marva explains her personal motivations...

Health

Jodie Dennie: Peace of mind

Jodie is the creator of The Mind Matters SVG campaign, which teaches young people about the importance of good mental health. Here, she shares her advice on obtaining peace of mind.

Youth Leadership

Joana Baptista: Experiences of a young entrepreneur

18-year-old Jo is the founder of She Dot, a social enterprise aiming to bridge the socio-economic gap for girls pursuing traditionally male careers. Here, Jo shares her experiences to inspire you to...

Education

International Youth Day 2019: Meet the young leaders transforming education

Meet the young leaders transforming education for us all.

Environment

Wen Shin Chia: Green Yards

Changemaker Wen Shin Chia is the founder of Green Yards, an environmental initiative that aims to reduce water pollution by producing eco-friendly cleaning products and candles from used cooking oil.

Health

Midia Shikh Hassan: Dextra

Midia Shikh Hassan co-founded Dextra, an initiative that provides 3D printed prosthetics to refugees and people in poverty. After initially struggling to discover her passions, Midia shares her story...

News

Leading Change: A bespoke leadership course designed for changemakers just like you

Originally created for The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, Leading Change is a valuable leadership resource, which QCT is delighted to now be able to share with a wider pool of talent.

Equality & Inclusion

Defying Stereotypes: Ifrah Faiz

Ifrah Faiz was born into a society where the birth of a boy brought joy to families and a girl was considered a social burden. Determined to break the mould and act as an inspiration for young girls,...

News

Online Safety: Keeping yourself and others safe online

We've created a handy one-pager with general advice and best practice guidelines for practicing good digital safety.

Environment

Starting Out: Reviving Roots

Reviving Roots is a grassroots social enterprise, set up to tackle drought vulnerability in the Kingdom of eSwatini. Although still in its early days, founder Lydia Slack shares what she has learnt so...

Education

Devanshi Rathi: Project Checkmate

Devanshi launched Project Checkmate to teach chess to underprivileged children, before expanding to cater for the blind. As well as enjoying the sport, young people also benefit from learning basic...

Health

Global HIV Toolkit: A resource for communities fighting HIV

This toolkit is the result of a year-long collaboration led by young leaders in South Africa and Canada, designed to educate, equip and empower young people to become HIV advocates for change.

Environment

Joshua Powell: Protecting endangered species

Joshua Powell founded Rangers Without Borders and is a champion changemaker in conservation. Here, he shares with us his expert advice on how we can help make a positive impact to our planet and all...

Health

Dr Victor Ugo: Dealing with stress

Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative is a non-profit organisation championing the fight against mental health. Founder Dr Victor Ugo is working with QCT to help bust myths and offer practical tips you...

News

The Queen's Commonwealth Trust celebrates its first birthday

On 21st April 2018, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust was presented to Her Majesty, The Queen by our President, The Duke of Sussex.

Education

iDebate: The power of critical thinking

After growing up as part Rwanda's post-genocide generation and witnessing a community rife of bitterness and resentment, Jean Michel Habineza founded iDebate Rwanda to encourage civil argumentation.

News

HRH The Duke of Sussex joins the party at QCT event in Zambia

Read about President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, HRH The Duke of Sussex's visit to Circus Zambia, where he met and heard from a number of young leaders from the region.

Environment

M-Shamba: Protecting the environment through sustainable agriculture

M-Shamba empowers youth through new agricultural techniques, enabling them to sustainably increase local food security and directly reduce poverty in their communities.

Education

Child Awareness Project: young people fighting for children's rights

Taha Khan founded the Child Awareness Project to educate, empower and engage young people to stand up for children’s rights.

Environment

Green Generation Initiative: working towards a green future

Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti lives in Kenya and is a passionate environmentalist. Founder of Green Generation Initiative (GGI), she talks to us about her inspirations, her motivations and how we can all...

News

Get Involved: QCT announces exciting scholarship opportunity with One Young World

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to announce that we have partnered with One Young World to offer scholarship places to the One Young World conference in 2019.

News

The Duchess of Sussex becomes Vice-President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex will today become Vice-President of the Trust.

News

International Women’s Day panel with The Duchess of Sussex shines a light on the role of young men and women in female empowerment

The Duchess of Sussex participated in a panel discussion convened by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust for International Women’s Day.

News

The Duchess of Sussex to join panel discussion with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust on International Women's Day

For International Women's Day 2019, the Duchess of Sussex will be joining the likes of Annie Lennox OBE, Julia Gillard and Adwoa Aboah in a unique panel discussion hosted by Anne McElvoy.

Education

Engaging with Institutions: Jonathan Andrews

Jonathan Andrews, trustee for Ambitious About Autism, shares his positive experience on working with stakeholder networks and expert advisory groups as a young leader.

Youth Leadership

Hayden Taylor: 3 tips to help you overcome failure

Hayden Taylor, social entrepreneur and Managing Director of Unloc, shares his tips on overcoming failure.

Education

Building A Movement: Dami Makinde

Dami Makinde explains how migrant laws prevented her from furthering her education at university, and how she became Co-Lead for Let Us Learn.

Education

Hello World: Digital Education

Ellie Besley-Gould and Katrin McMillan introduce us to Hello World - a project dedicated to ensuring children around the world get the education they deserve through digital means.

Equality & Inclusion

Starting Out: GirlDreamer

Amna Akhtar, co-founder and CEO of GirlDreamer, shares her journey to setting up her own business, and her inspiration and vision for the future.

Education

The Justice Desk: Creating a more just and equal world

The Justice Desk bridges the gap between governmental human rights policy and real-life experience, encouraging local community leaders to become human rights defenders in their own right.

News

Supporting Youth-Led Innovation to Achieve the SDGs

3 years since the adoption of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), young people are still overlooked as critical agents of change for ensuring the successful implementation.

Education

Building A Movement: Chrisann Jarrett

Chrisann Jarrett introduces Let us Learn - the youth-led movement engaging and mobilising young leaders to speak out and fight for their right to education.

Education

Starting a Social Enterprise: Circus Zambia

Gift Chansa and Charlotte Groen, co-founders of Circus Zambia, share their leadership journey, challenges and advice for other young leaders getting started.

Youth Leadership

Take a Walk in my Shoes: Regina from Lusaka

Regina Mtonga, founder of the Zambia-based Asikana Network, works to empower and connect women in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Now she shares her journey.

Equality & Inclusion

African Prisons Project: Seeking Justice from Behind Bars

Hear from Prison Officer Winny, who provides legal support to inmates in the fight for justice and dignity.

Health

Take a Walk in my Shoes: Victor from Nigeria

Victor Ugo, founder of Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), shares his own experience with mental health and his aspirations for the future of MANI.

Health

Jonathan Andrews: Mental Health Matters

Changemaker Jonathan Andrews shares some advice for breaking down mental health barriers.

Equality & Inclusion

Fighting for Gender Equality: Kennedy from Nigeria

Calabar Youth Council for Women’s Rights is an inspiring non-profit, advocating for the rights of women all over Nigeria. Read about their fight to overcome gender inequality.

Education

QCT on the Road: From Langata to Masaka

CAMA’s message is simple: when you educate a girl, everything changes. QCT’s Nicola Brentnall meets with the inspirational young leaders of this movement and reflects as her trip to Africa comes to an...

QCT on the Road: To Get Lost Is To Learn The Way

The Uganda Marathon has gone from strength to strength, inspiring local change and fostering a sense of connection and community. QCT CEO Nicola Brentnall catches up with the team in Masaka.

Education

QCT on the Road: Lead From Where You Are

Alexander McLean and African Prisons Project have created a movement for justice in Kenya and Uganda. QCT's Nicola Brentnall celebrates their successes, drive for change and hope in the fight for...

Youth Leadership

Take a Walk in my Shoes: Kennedy from Nigeria

Kennedy lives in Nigeria. As a young man, he was shocked by the gender-based issues faced by women and decided to take positive action. This is his story.

The Commonwealth

QCT on the Road: The View From The Middle Seat

QCT's CEO, Nicola Brentnall, has travelled to Africa to meet some incredible young people leading change in their communities. From London to Kenya, she kicks off a series of blogs.

Health

Rianna Patterson: Dominica Dementia Foundation

Rianna Patterson, founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, was driven by her determination to help others. Now she tells us about the steps she took to overcome adversity on her path to making...

Education

Defeating Doubt and Perceiving Purpose

WorldChangers Global invests in future leaders. Founder, Jak Hardy, talks about some of the personal challenges he overcame in finding his purpose.