Text size

For over seventy years Goodenough College has been home to thousands of postgraduates from around the world.

On a High Note: Songs For and By Young People

31 August 2006

‘The Goodenough Voices of the Commonwealth’ -- a music album featuring songs written, composed and sung by and for young people -- was launched on 22 August 2006 at Goodenough College, London, UK.

The album features six songs from a diverse range of music genres: disco-pop, ballad, rap, jazz, R&B and rock. This youth empowerment initiative seeks to inspire Commonwealth youth to contribute positively to their community.

The album is the product of a collaboration between the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council (CYEC), the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) and Goodenough College. It was launched by Major-General Andrew Ritchie, Goodenough College’s Director; Vic Craggs, Chief Executive of the CYEC; and Andrew Simmons, Acting Director of Youth Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat.

The project is the brainchild of Singaporean Charles Chao Rong Phua, who was a delegate to the 4th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF4) in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2003. After gaining additional experience working for the Commonwealth as Head of Operations for CYF5 in Malta in 2005 and contributing to Goodenough College as House Treasurer among other capacities, he discussed his plan to launch this album with various stakeholders and it was subsequently put into action.

Produced by Walter Koerte under the musical direction of Mr Chao Rong, the album was completed in five months utilising the musical talents of students from Goodenough College and across the Commonwealth.

Lyrics for the album were penned by Monica Hernandez, Maria Hadjiafxendi, Abba Lang, Artie Smiles and Jessica Benson. The music was composed by Artie Smiles, Danquan Yu and Walter Koerte. Musicians performing on the album include Abba Lang, Artie Smiles, Charles Chao Rong Phua, Helen Saltos, Rebecca Owen, Jessica Benson and Sarah Baird.

“The strength of this production lies in the fact that none of the team members are full-time music professionals, but students and young working adults who share an interest in music and community service. Therefore, the album exudes the creativity, energy and optimism of the youth,” said Mr Simmons.

“This album project is an important and innovative contribution to CYP’s effort to empower young people to participate in the development processes of the Commonwealth.”

Mr Craggs praised Mr Chao Rong and his team for their vision and foresight. “The CYEC is committed to working with young people to develop similar initiatives across the Commonwealth,” he stated.

The album can be downloaded free of charge from Goodenough College’s website (www.goodenough.ac.uk/393.html) from mid-September 2006.

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service, Issue 300, 30 August 2006