No fewer than 2,000 students across schools in Abia State have benefitted from a week-long Commonwealth’s outreach project held in commemoration of Commonwealth Day.

The initiative, which was facilitated by the Africa Regional Coordinator (Literacy) of the Royal Commonwealth Society and Founder/Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire, Nkese Nikita, was designed to celebrate the shared values and principles that unite the 56-member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.

At the outreach, students were introduced to the history, structure, values and shared vision of the Commonwealth, with particular emphasis on Nigeria’s membership and role within the international community.

The beneficiary institutions covering both primary and secondary schools across the state include Academic Planet School, Bertram American International School, Godly Seed Academy, Great Emerald Stars Academy, Kingdom Heritage Model School and Wellspring Preparatory School.

In her remarks, Nikita noted that the programme was designed to deepen awareness about the Commonwealth and position young Nigerians for meaningful participation in global educational opportunities, while assuring them that their voices matter within the international space.

“Many of the students reportedly had little or no prior knowledge of the Commonwealth. However, through interactive sessions and structured presentations, they gained clearer insight into its purpose, benefits and youth-focused opportunities available across member nations,” she said.

As part of the awareness-driven initiative, 2,100 copies of the Commonwealth publication, “Our Story, Our World – The Story of 56 Countries,” were distributed to participating students, empowering them on global awareness and continued learning beyond the classroom.

On the importance of the initiative, Nikita noted that exposing young people to the ideals of the Commonwealth equips them with a broader global perspective, leadership consciousness and cross-cultural understanding.

She added that such knowledge fosters civic responsibility and prepares students to contribute meaningfully to international dialogue and development.

She encouraged the students to participate in the prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition, which provides a global platform for young people to express their ideas through essays, poems, drawings and scripts, while connecting with peers across Commonwealth countries.

Representatives of the participating schools commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, and expressed appreciation for the opportunities it has opened up for their students. (The Guardian)