Inspiration leads to action. We curate and share thought leadership, stories and news from the community.

Equality & Inclusion
Raphael Sofoluke: Disrupting an Industry
Raphael Sofoluke is a serial entrepreneur and author on a mission to ensure equality and inclusion for Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Raphael Sofoluke: Disrupting an Industry
Environment
Oladosu Adenike: I Lead Climate
I Lead Climate founder Oladosu Adenike shares insight into the work of her campaign, the critical importance of preserving Lake Chad, and the difference her activism is making for others.
Oladosu Adenike: I Lead Climate
Equality & Inclusion
Josh Clarke: Occumi
Josh Clarke is the co-founder of Occumi, a platform which uses advanced skills-identifying algorithms to help graduates maximise their recruitment potential and for employers to hire efficiently.
Josh Clarke: Occumi
Education
International Day of Education 2021: Meet the young leaders driving quality education during CV-19
Meet some of the education projects funded by QCT and find out how they have innovated their delivery during COVID-19 to continue providing vital education services in their communities.
International Day of Education 2021: Meet the young leaders driving quality education during CV-19
Equality & Inclusion
Jonathan Andrews: Disability Equality Matters
Jonathan Andrews is co-founder of the Commonwealth Children and Youth Disability Network. Here, he shares his personal experiences of autism and how we can create a more inclusive world.
Jonathan Andrews: Disability Equality Matters
Health
Erick Venant: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020
RBA Initiative founder Erick Venant shares insight into the global issue of antimicrobial resistance and offers practical advice on how we can all help to curb the threat.
Erick Venant: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020
Youth Leadership
QCT in Conversation: Leadership and learning in times of crisis
In this webinar, host Peter Ptashko and panellists Edem Ossai, Jean Michel Habineza and Benjamin Rukwengye discuss overcoming leadership challenges, the impact of social inequalities and more.
QCT in Conversation: Leadership and learning in times of crisis
Youth Leadership
International Youth Day 2020: Encouraging youth engagement for global action
Join us in celebrating young founders working to encourage youth engagement for global action across the Commonwealth.
International Youth Day 2020: Encouraging youth engagement for global action
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.
Introducing: 10 organisations now working with QCT in Africa
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...
Africa Day 2020: Africa's youth are rising to the challenge
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-19TED
Watch CAMFED Executive Director Angie Murimirwa's TED talk right here!
Learn about CAMFED's 'social interest' revolution, a pay-it-forward concept that is showing extraordinary potential for young women and girls driving social change.
Watch CAMFED Executive Director Angie Murimirwa's TED talk right here!
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 & 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.
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 & 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.
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 MalawiNews
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 mindEducation
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 youBreaking 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 onlineEnvironment
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
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.
Global HIV Toolkit: A 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.
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 ZambiaEnvironment
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 WorldNews
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 empowermentYouTube
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex - WE Day UK - 6 March, 2019 - Full
The Duke of Sussex spoke in the capacity of his role as President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a new organisation launched last year that is working in partnership with young people in the WE...
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex - WE Day UK - 6 March, 2019 - Full
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.
Hayden Taylor: 3 tips to help you overcome failureEducation
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 EducationSport
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 SDGsEducation
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 Circus Zambia, share their leadership journey, challenges and advice for other young leaders getting started.
Starting a Social Enterprise: Circus Zambia
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
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
Education
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.
African Prisons Project: Seeking Justice from Behind BarsHealth
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.
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 AfricaYouTube
The Justice Desk - Promoting the Power of Everyday Activists
The Justice Desk is an award-winning human rights organisation that operates in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. As an organisation, The Justice Desk offers their support, expertise and educational...
The Justice Desk - Promoting the Power of Everyday Activists
Health
Jonathan Andrews: Mental Health Matters
Changemaker Jonathan Andrews shares some advice for breaking down mental health barriers.
Jonathan Andrews: Mental Health MattersYouTube
When Climate Change Became Personal, She Turned to Radio | Short Film Showcase
Beatrice Phiri uses the power of radio to educate the Zambian people about environmental issues and encourage her peers to take action. In this short film from Makhulu, Beatrice shares her experience...
When Climate Change Became Personal, She Turned to Radio | Short Film Showcase
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 movement and reflects as her trip to Africa comes to an...
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 CEO Nicola Brentnall catches up with the team in Masaka.
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 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...
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 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.
QCT on the Road: The View From The Middle SeatJoin the family
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