Inspiration leads to action. We curate and share thought leadership, stories and news from the community.
Equality & Inclusivity
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...
Africa Day 2020: Africa's youth are rising to the challenge
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: Kavindya Thennakoon on Writing Truth To Power
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.
The Commonwealth: Past, Present, Future
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.
Kofi Mensah-Tandoh: Life as a back-up foster carer during CV-19
Medium
Young women leading Coronavirus action in Zambia
Tisiyenji Ngoma is the CAMFED Association (CAMA) Chairperson for Kasama District, Zambia. Read about the actions she and her CAMA sisters are taking to help more girls during this time.
Young women leading Coronavirus action in Zambia
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!
Get involved! Quest to Bidibidi: Reaching Uganda's largest refugee settlement during CV-19
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.
Saturday Art Class: Social emotional learning through art
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...
A note from our CEO: Reasons To Be Cheerful
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.
Join QCT for #GivingTuesdayNow!
Medium
Try explaining Social Distancing in a context of Ubuntu
Fiona Mavhinga, Executive Adviser of the CAMFED Association (CAMA) reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on community.
Try explaining Social Distancing in a context of Ubuntu
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.
QCT Conversations: Mike Omoniyi, The Common Sense Network
News
QCT in action during COVID-19
Learn more about how Team QCT is responding globally to the COVID-19 pandemic.
QCT in action during COVID-19
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.
Bella Lack: Youth Director for Reserva YLT
Mental 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.
Ayesha Begum: Olly's Future - MENtal health open mic nights
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.
QCT in conversation with our President and Vice President, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
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.
Commonwealth Day 2020: A Message by Her Majesty The Queen
Education
Future Foundations
QCT has partnered with Future Foundations, to bring to life a joint pilot programme, The QCT GSL Grant Award.
Future Foundations
Equality & Inclusivity
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.
Esther Marshall: Author of 'Sophie Says'
Gender Equality
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.
International Women's Day 2020: Meet the young leaders fighting for gender equality
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.
Kierran Pearce: Multi Schools Council
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.
Sarah Boateng: Investing in Girls Education in Africa (IGEA)
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!
2019: Looking back at QCT's highlights!
Equality & Inclusivity
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.
Maisie Palmer: Mxogyny
Breaking Stereotypes
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.
Michael Jacques: Can't Read, Can't Write, Here's My Book
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 at One Young World 2019: A week of connecting, inspiring…and back flips!
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.
QCT Conversations: Hunter Johnson, The Man Cave
Health
Meera Elbay: Your New Normal
Meera Elbay is the founder of Your New Normal, an enterprise supporting bereaved young adults in the UK.
Meera Elbay: Your New Normal
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.
One Young World: Introducing QCT’s 2019 cohort!
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.
Beth French: Let's Talk About Loss
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.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex join QCT to celebrate CAMA leaders in Malawi
News
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrate youth leadership and female empowerment as they kick off...
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrate youth leadership and female empowerment as they kick off their tour of Africa
Changemaker Profile
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."
Rianna Patterson: The person behind the profile![20181129 091726 001[1]](https://images.ctfassets.net/2udv7y0pnkpk/50XHSG5ikPybjpAEgjoUIE/43452c4c8d8f33a460db7427489af034/20181129_091726_001_1_.jpg?w=768&h=432&f=center&q=85&fl=progressive)
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...
Marva Langevine: Guyana Golden Lives Organization
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.
Jodie Dennie: Peace of mind
Education
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...
Joana Baptista: Experiences of a young entrepreneur
Education
International Youth Day 2019: Meet the young leaders transforming education
Meet the young leaders transforming education for us all.
International Youth Day 2019: Meet the young leaders transforming education
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.
Wen Shin Chia: Green Yards
STEM
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...
Midia Shikh Hassan: Dextra
Resources
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.
Leading Change: A bespoke leadership course designed for changemakers just like you
Breaking Stereotypes
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,...
Defying Stereotypes: Ifrah Faiz
Resources
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.
Online Safety: Keeping yourself and others safe online
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...
Starting Out: Reviving Roots
Sport
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...
Devanshi Rathi: Project Checkmate
Health
A new resource for communities fighting HIV
This Global HIV toolkit is the result of a year-long collaboration led by young leaders across the Commonwealth in South Africa and Canada, and has been designed to educate, equip and empower young...
A new resource for communities fighting HIV
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...
Joshua Powell: Protecting endangered species
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...
Dr Victor Ugo: Dealing with stress
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, to mark her 92nd birthday and recognise her lifetime belief in the...
The Queen's Commonwealth Trust celebrates its first birthday
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.
iDebate: The power of critical thinking
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.
HRH The Duke of Sussex joins the party at QCT event in Zambia
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.
M-Shamba: Protecting the environment through sustainable agriculture
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.
Child Awareness Project: young people fighting 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...
Green Generation Initiative: working towards a green future
Education
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.
Get Involved: QCT announces exciting scholarship opportunity with One Young World
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.
The Duchess of Sussex becomes Vice-President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust
News
International Women’s Day panel with The Duchess of Sussex shines a light on the role of young men...
The Duchess of Sussex participated in a panel discussion convened by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust for International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day panel with The Duchess of Sussex shines a light on the role of young men and women in female empowerment
News
The Duchess of Sussex to join panel discussion with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust on International...
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.
The Duchess of Sussex to join panel discussion with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust on International Women's Day
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.
Engaging with Institutions: Jonathan Andrews
Health
Hayden Taylor: 3 tips to help you overcome failure
Hayden Taylor, social entrepreneur and Managing Director of Unloc, shares his tips on overcoming failure for 2019.
Hayden Taylor: 3 tips to help you overcome 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.
Building A Movement: Dami Makinde
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.
Hello World: Digital Education
Sport
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!
Starting Out: GirlDreamer
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.
The Justice Desk: Creating a more just and equal world
Education
Supporting Youth-Led Innovation to Achieve the SDGs
3 years since the adoption of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), young people aged between 15-30 are still frequently overlooked as critical agents of change for ensuring the successful...
Supporting Youth-Led Innovation to Achieve the SDGs
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.
Building A Movement: Chrisann Jarrett
Education
Starting a Social Enterprise: Circus Zambia
Gift Chansa and Charlotte Groen, co-founders of the inspiring youth-focused social enterprise Circus Zambia, share their leadership journey, challenges and advice for other young leaders on getting...
Starting a Social Enterprise: Circus Zambia
Education
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.
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Regina from Lusaka
bbcideas
How to solve youth violence (and how we can all help) - BBC Ideas
Knife crime and youth violence are rarely out of the news - musician and mentor Femi Koleoso says we can all play a role in tackling them.
How to solve youth violence (and how we can all help) - BBC Ideas
Education
African Prisons Project: Seeking Justice from Behind Bars
Prison Officer Winny provides legal support to inmates in the fight for justice and dignity.
African Prisons Project: Seeking Justice from Behind Bars
Health
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Victor from Nigeria
Victor Ugo founded the Mentally Aware Nigeria initiative; a community of young people determined to put an end to mental health stigma in Nigeria. Here, Victor shares his own experience with mental...
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Victor from Nigeria
This is africa
Gerald Chirinda talks Youth Leadership in Africa
Future Africa Forum founder and Zimbabwean entrepreneur Gerald Chirinda says the future is African and youths should get involved in changing the narrative
Gerald Chirinda talks Youth Leadership in Africa
Health
Jonathan Andrews: Mental Health Matters
Changemaker Jonathan Andrews shares some advice for breaking down mental health barriers.
Jonathan Andrews: Mental Health Matters
Health
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.
Fighting for Gender Equality: Kennedy from Nigeria
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 growing movement and reflects on this experience as her...
QCT on the Road: From Langata to Masaka
Health
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 Chief Executive, Nicola Brentnall, catches up with this incredible...
QCT on the Road: To Get Lost Is To Learn The Way
Education
QCT on the Road: Lead From Where You Are
Alexander McLean and the African Prison Project network have created a movement for justice in Kenya and Uganda. In her second blog, QCT's Nicola Brentnall celebrates their successes, drive for change...
QCT on the Road: Lead From Where You Are
Health
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.
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Kennedy from Nigeria
Education
QCT on the Road: The View From The Middle Seat
QCT's Chief Executive, 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 by...
QCT on the Road: The View From The Middle Seat
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...
Rianna Patterson: Dominica Dementia Foundation
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.
Defeating Doubt and Perceiving Purpose
Education
The Best Job Out There
Kayla Britten, Operations Manager at The Justice Desk explains why her job is the best job out there.
The Best Job Out There
Education
Social Mobility Matters
It's important to remember that there are many paths to social mobility, and no one path is ‘wrong’, or better than others.
Social Mobility Matters
BBC News
Africa’s potential 'game changer' in the fight against malaria
Four Ugandan students have developed a revolutionary way to test for malaria without drawing blood.
Africa’s potential 'game changer' in the fight against malaria
Health
The Man Cave: Challenging the stigma of male mental health in Australia
The Man Cave is a preventative mental health and emotional intelligence organisation for boys and young men aged between 13-18 years.
The Man Cave: Challenging the stigma of male mental health in Australia
BBC News
Uganda's food waste warrior aims to help farmers
Engineer Lawrence Okettayot has come up with a food dehydrator that could tackle the world's food waste crisis.
Uganda's food waste warrior aims to help farmers
Education
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Kiiza from Rwanda
Kiiza was really scared about moving to Rwanda. This is his story.
Take a Walk in my Shoes: Kiiza from Rwanda
BBC News
The woman tackling child marriage with football
Football tournaments in Northern Kenya are helping hundreds of girls break from child marriage, early pregnancy and female genital mutilation.
The woman tackling child marriage with football
UN Environment
Erik Solheim: Why you are never too young to make a difference
Erik Solheim: Why you are never too young to make a difference
Education
We Think Code
South Africa has an estimated 4 million young people unemployed and a shortage of at least 70,000 software engineers - but thankfully it also has the groundbreaking We Think Code_ initiative to...
We Think Code
Health
Little Dreamers Australia: Making life better for Young Carers
Helping Young Carers in Australia through connections, support programmes, and recognition.
Little Dreamers Australia: Making life better for Young Carers
BBC News
The African invention school inspired by bike parts
The innovators' school Twende in Tanzania is helping people invent solutions to local problems
The African invention school inspired by bike parts
Health
Shishir Water: Clean water in Bangladesh
Shishir Water is establishing a network of micro-treatment water works in Bangladesh, to provide clean drinking water for millions.
Shishir Water: Clean water in Bangladesh
BBC News
‘I was a scavenger, now I run the dump’
For eight years Yassine scavenged on a dump in Rabat, Morocco. But now he is the founder of the first cooperative for waste recycling in the country.
‘I was a scavenger, now I run the dump’
St. Lucia News Online
Barbadian volunteer honoured with prestigious Commonwealth Points of Light award by Her Majesty The...
(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has today recognised Corey Lane, from Barbados, as the 57th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional voluntary service helping...
Barbadian volunteer honoured with prestigious Commonwealth Points of Light award by Her Majesty The Queen
the Guardian
‘We no longer die in childbirth’: how Indian villages saved their mothers
A little feminism goes a long way in parts of rural India where the number of women who die in labour has been cut by 90 percent
‘We no longer die in childbirth’: how Indian villages saved their mothers
Health
The Myna Mahila Foundation
Providing sanitary hygiene to women across Mumbai
The Myna Mahila FoundationJoin the family
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