What is the Commonwealth?

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The Commonwealth is about:

democracy
respect for human rights
the rule of law
peace
justice
co-operation
sustainable development

But how do these words relate to everyday life? What have they got to do with going to school, passing exams, looking for work, getting on with your family, trying to make a living, struggling against poverty and disease?

The Commonwealth is about people working together. It is about ordinary people being given choices and opportunities so that they can improve their lives. People have to be involved in making decisions. Every person's view has to be heard and respected.

'It is not for governments ... alone. It is for all the people of the Commonwealth.'

The future of the Commonwealth lies with its young people. You are that future - it is your Commonwealth.

What is Commonwealth Day?
Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March. Throughout the Commonwealth young people take part in parades, musical performances, competitions, sports contests, debates, fashion shows, food tastings, dance events and other forms of celebration. In the classroom they research the cultures of other countries, write essays, and take part in debates.

Each year Commonwealth Day has a different theme. In 2008 the theme is 'The Environment, Our Future'. The Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, sends a message to all Commonwealth countries based on that theme. Special observances take place in which people of all religions come together to pray, to affirm their belief in the ideals of the Commonwealth and to celebrate. The largest of these takes place in Westminster Abbey in London, which Queen Elizabeth attends.

'Commonwealth Day is about celebrating the common values that bind our countries and our people together. Because of the Commonwealth, school children in Tanzania and, for example, in Australia, are not complete strangers. They speak the same language, they experience similar school systems, they share similar values, and, in many respects, they share the same world view.' (Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General)

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