Our global correspondent community is fast growing. This cohort, the number of applications reaches a new height despite a short period of application window and we are proud to present the new batch of global correspondents. They will bring local stories of impact from August to December 2021.
Angelika Buergo, Philippines
Angelika Buergo, 21, is a fourth-year communication and media studies student at the University of the Philippines Visayas. She also contributes articles for the Daily Guardian and Philippine Daily Inquirer. When not writing, she does digital art and illustration for young adult authors.
Asif Amer, Bangladesh
Asif Amer is a development strategist and researcher who has worked for 7 years for his community's development. He has developed and implemented 7 programs and 16 projects based on the sustainable development framework, which provided support to approximately 23,300 people. Currently, he is working with the UK Govt. 'Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office' Bangladesh based office in the field of research and project development. His dream is to develop a society where social justice is met, everyone enjoys equal rights, and the environment is safe from any harm.
Chenxuan Li, China
Chenxuan Li is an MPhil Development Studies Graduate at University of Cambridge. Having traveled extensively throughout East Asia and the Pacific, She is interested in exploring the dynamics and exposing the challenges of development in this region. As a lifelong learner and an active storyteller, Chenxuan is passionate about gaining inspirations from and sharing ideas with the wider community, hoping to draw more people into the re-discussion and re-imagination of development in this world of change.
Daniela Balderrama, Bolivia
Daniela Balderrama is a social communicator from Bolivia. She enjoys working with teenagers on social and educational projects. Also, she has a deep fascination with good stories in novels, webcomics, mangas, and music.
Digi Therese, India
Digi Therese K.J is a 3rd year BA Communicative English, Literature and Journalism student at CMS College Kottayam. She is passionate about writing, reading, clicking pictures and binge watching on k-dramas. She is free spirited and loves to experiment with everything new.
A A ISAAC TAMSON, Nigeria
A A ISAAC TAMSON is a poet, writer, SDGs enthusiasts, and Activist. He has written several articles that advocates for the strengthening of education system, provision of free and quality education, promotes gender equity and defend the Fundamental human Rights. He is the author of ANGELIC EXUBERANCE: the poetic tales and splendor of an angel.
Caleb Tiam-Lee, Philippines
Caleb Tiam-Lee is a Grade 12 Senior High School student taking up the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand. He contributes lifestyle stories to the Philippine Daily Inquirer - Lifestyle. In his free time, he loves to play basketball with friends and family.
Flory Ann Tacuban, Philippines
Flory Ann Tacuban is an undergraduate student at University of the Philippines Visayas taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. She contributed news articles to Daily Guardian, a local newspaper company where she had her internship program. She loves filmmaking and writing.
Kaung Min Khant , Myanmar
Kaung Min Khant (Kelvin) is a fifth year Chemical Engineering Student at Yangon Technological University. He is also deep rooted in the studies of data science and aspires to become a data-driven business professional. In his free time, he enjoys reading blogs, books and swimming.
Lamia Mohsin, Bangladesh
Lamia Mohsin is currently working as a Junior National Consultant-Researcher for Global Center on Adaptation at the Resilience and Inclusive Growth Cluster of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh. As a young development professional and researcher, her key areas of work include projects focusing on local gvernance, climate resilience, adaptation and resilient rural livelihoods. A passionate writer, Lamia is also working as a contributor for The Business Standard, a Bangladeshi national daily.
Myoh Minn Oo, Myanmar
Mhem Myoh Minn Oo (Matt) is a political enthusiast and activist, an independent researcher and human rights advocate. He has participated in several democracy, federalism and human rights related projects for the country's systematic transition towards a democratic and federal state. He is avid to broaden the public through journalism and information and wants to contribute local events and news towards international knowledge.
Merin Tom, India
Merin Tom is a second year post graduate student at Christ University Bangalore, pursuing her interests in M.Sc. Sustainable Development. Thriving to make impactful contributions to the community. Apart from academics, music, dance and creating new experiences excites me. Heart core animal enthusiast & tree hugger.
Min Aung Thu, Myanmar
Min Aung Thu is a mechanical engineering student from Yangon Technological University, Myanmar with a passion for economics and technology. He enjoys reading and immersing himself in different arrays of sports.
Myat Hsu Khine, Thailand/Myanmar
Myat Hsu Khine is a Construction Cost Consultant at one of the International Construction Consultancy Companies in Thailand. Driven by her interest in sustainable development goals, she strives to generate greater impacts through actions.
Niño Aldjenn Belocura, Philippines
Niño Aldjenn Belocura is currently a student at the University of the Philippines Cebu, studying Bachelor of Science in Management minor in Marketing. He was a student journalist for a school paper, project lead, and a volunteer for different initiatives that helped his community. He is passionate about innovation and research. Personally, he enjoys playing soccer and going on various outdoor activities.
Pranesh Lavania, India
With his first professional stint in Journalism for social impact, Pranesh Lavania hopes to polish his skills to work in International Development domain. He has joined us from India where he graduated in Agricultural Science and is currently pursuing a Masters in Development Policy and Practice. His association with World Literacy Foundation and Students For Liberty is what makes him unique to this cohort.
Richard Olano, Philippines
Richard Olano is a student journalist and filmmaker from the Philippines. He is currently taking up a bachelor's degree in nursing at West Visayas State University, where he writes for the official university publication, Forum-Dimensions. He has independently produced, written, and directed six short films.
Ronan Chua, Philippines/Myanmar/UK
Ronan Chua is undergoing a personal reinvention. This professional creative has worked in advertising across the Philippines, Myanmar, and now in the United Kingdom. He believes constant personal development is just as important to keep and adapt our perspectives and lives in check.
Shivani Raheja, India
Shivani is a lawyer pursuing her Masters in Public Policy at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Her interests lie in bioethics, human rights and international relations. She actively forwards the cause of gender equality, healthcare equity and rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, Shivani can be found writing poetry, listening to various genres of music in different languages and discovering the world of magical realism through fiction.
Sumaiya Binte Ferdous, Bangladesh
Sumaiya Binte Ferdous is an aspiring development professional and SDG activist, currently pursuing her master’s in Development Studies at Bangladesh University of Professionals. Volunteering and social works are what she is so passionate about. She believes in making significant positive changes through small actions. She is a go-getter, always looking for new experiences and leanings.
Victoria Thaw, Myanmar
Victoria Thaw is a student from Yangon University majoring Library Information Studies. She is a feminist and a LGBT rights activist, writing about gender equality and human rights through her contents on social media. She also loves arts, nature, and animals.
Wai Yan Lin, Myanmar
WAI YAN LIN is the founder of NWAY OO, a social startup which is working on reducing plastic consumption, and a graduate from Oxford Brookes University majoring in business & management. He is into camping and trekking, and hanging out with his friends is one of his favorites.
Xinyi Cao, China
Xinyi is a senior student at Soochow University, taking up a bachelor of economics. She is interested in the international political economy in periphery countries. In her free time, she likes playing the piano. Recently, she is researching tattoos.
Yirui Gui, China
Yirui Gui is a sophomore at the University of Virginia, taking up a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Global Studies. She contributes writings about sustainability, culture analysis, and personal reflections on WeChat Public Account. Previously, she had leveraged design and business to raise awareness for climate change and taken multiple initiatives in global health and education equality. On a more personal note, her favorite food is her hometown Chongqing's spicy hotpot.
Yu Sun, China
Yu sun works as a research assistant at Institute of Development Studies (IDS), the world’s top-ranked development think-tank. She has three years of working experience in international development assistance architecture. She has spent five years studying and working overseas, and she is proficient in speaking English, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Zhang Jiayi, China
Zhang Jiayi is a rising junior at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen major in English and Global Studies. She’s also an incoming visiting student at the University of Oxford. Her interest lies in global politics and gender studies.
There will also be five recurring correspondents from 8th cohort who had their leave of absence due to some circumstances. They are excited to join again and write impactful stories.
Than Zin Sann, Myanmar
Than Zin Sann is a final year student, pursuing Bachelors of Arts (Honors) in International Relations at University of Yangon. She is interested in socio-economic issues and passionate about community development. Taking part in youth-led initiatives and community projects is what she enjoys doing and she believes that youth’s participation in social change is critical and has positive impacts for the societal development.
Htoo Cin Aung, Myanmar
Htoo Cin Aung is enthusiastic about supporting the community through her academic and professional experiences as well though voluntary workloads with her passion and eagerness. Her life quote is,"It's always the simple that produces the marvelous." She's always into simplicity for her integrity.
Hsu Pyae Win, Myanmar
Hsu Pyae Win is a creative writer who is always passionate about participating in the process of creating a brighter future for the youths in our country.
Zin Wai Yan, Myanmar
Zin Wai Yan is currently doing a liberal arts and sciences program at Parami Institute of Continuing Education. He did English for his bachelor’s degree at Shwebo University. He pulled off A+ in the first-semester research project which was about the role of Wa and China in the peace process of Myanmar while reading up on the other four courses at Parami. If you are the one who wants to talk about football, he could definitely geek out and talk your ear off about it.
Sumaiya Tasnim Adiba, Bangladesh
Sumaiya Tasnim Adiba is a student at Islamic University of Technology aspiring to be an Electrical Engineer in the future. She feels the most comfortable through her written words and that way, she feels like she can speak more. The vast world of marketing and entrepreneurship intrigues her, so she intends to explore more in those areas through her writing and other means possible. She's also a music freak person, she connects with low-hum tunes in a way that she never can with a living person and writing while listening to songs is what makes her feel truly alive.