This week, 3-18 June, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference (CSC) brings together 300 of the world’s most promising emerging leaders from business, government, labour, and the community sector together in Canada.
The first Commonwealth Study Conference was held in the United Kingdom in 1956. It was, in the words of its founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, “an extraordinary experiment”. It set out to provide an opportunity for high potential individuals from many different countries and all walks of life to leave behind their usual roles and, together, examine the relationship between industry and the community around it.
Over the two weeks, the Conference will expose each member to new experiences, provoking arguments and different perspectives, so that the quality and relevance of their decision-making as leaders is improved.
In the Commonwealth Year of the Youth, we are delighted two of our young Ambassadors, who after undergoing a rigorous selection process, have been accepted to attend the conference, and we are able to support them with a travel bursary for this amazing opportunity.
Rianna Patterson, Dominica
In 2016, at just 18 years old, Rianna founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation, in memory of her grandfather who passed away with dementia. This Foundation is a youth-led dementia charity that supports families and care homes affected by dementia.
Rianna received the Queen’s Young Leader award by her Majesty the Queen in June 2017 for her commitments to Dementia advocacy, and was a finalist of the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Development Excellence in the Caribbean Region in 2022.
As an ambassador of the Prince’s Trust, Rianna will be bringing young people to the Trust and sharing her story and the impact of their programmes on a national level.
Her passion to educate people about dementia has led her to another project; directing Dementia: The Island Journey, a documentary feature film (60 mins) focussing on dementia, culture, and her personal journey in creating an impact in the lives of older people in Dominica. Rianna has also recently been accepted to study for a full-time Master’s degree in dementia at UCL.
Commenting on her attendance to the CSC conference, Rianna says: “I see this opportunity as an experience that will provide new perspectives on different causes as well as key solutions to issues affecting the Caribbean region. I hope that this experience will also shape the work I continue to do at the Dominica Dementia Foundation, as well as my career plans as I intend to continue to contribute and work in the field of dementia.”
“I look forward to expanding my global network, exploring potential collaborations and seeking inspiration from various key speakers across the Commonwealth. I am also looking forward to the outcome of the study groups and exploring a new country with global changemakers,” says Rianna.
Sarah Lamba, Tanzania
Sarah is the Director of SYEAC (Smart Youth Effort for Advanced Community). Under its Save Elders Tanzania programme, she has mobilised a team of young volunteers to regularly actively assist in practically helping older people. Founded in 2016, the young people go out into the community, ensuring older people are cared for, have food, clothing and in some cases, the organisation assists financially, such as paying for rent.
Using social media, Save Elders Tanzania highlights the issues and challenges older people face and how small actions can make a real difference to an older person’s life.
The Save Elders Tanzania programme aims to support and improve the lives of older people in the communities in the aspect of economic, social, political, and cultures. In the partnership with friends and Older people forum in different parts of Tanzania, SYEAC- Saveelders together implement different projects and events such as’ choo-chamzee’, a programme where sanitation and solarforall were installed in older people’s homes.
The organisation recently launched STORIKA, the 50 legends story book. Putting the spotlight on outstanding elders who ‘dare to work hard no matter their age and health status’ the book aims to inspire and motivate communities to work hard no matter their age. The book is free to download here.
As a true advocate for older people, Sarah frequently speaks on national Tanzanian media outlets to ensure older peoples’ rights are recognised and they are included in government decision making.
Commenting on her attendance to the CSC conference, Sarah says: “I am looking forward to meeting international delegates, learning more about how they work and their organisation.
“It will be an honour to share my experiences, especially the work I’m doing with older people in Tanzania as an example for other leaders of an intergenerational opportunity for working with older people.
As well as an Ambassador for CommonAge, she also sees herself as an Ambassador for Tanzania, and Sarah is keen to share more about her country.
We at CommonAge strongly believe in supporting and encouraging emerging young leaders, particularly those from developing countries, who face many challenges when working to improve older people’s lives, and advocate on behalf of our elders.
Attending this conference is a once in a life time opportunity; we are sure Rianna and Sarah will greatly benefit from learning, networking and personal development opportunities the conference offers, and we are very much look forward to hearing about their experience.