David Braun

OIYP Volunteer for the Research Team

My name is David Braun. I studied law at university but was never really comfortable with the idea of working for a big law firm.  I spent my last semester on exchange in Berlin, and afterwards I took the opportunity to travel to Africa, in Malawi and Tanzania.  I had the most amazing time in Africa, meeting the wonderful locals, volunteer teachers, doctors and nurses, and workers from the UN, GTZ, and the Peace Corps.  I had already been considering pursuing international relations and development, and my time in Africa really inspired me to follow that ambition.  I made up my mind during a hike on Mount Mulanje.

I have been volunteering at the Sydney Oxfam office since September 2004. I started off working at reception, just to get my foot in the door, and then moved to the International Youth Parliament. I wish I had known of it years ago! At the moment I am working on an awareness-raising toolkit for Action Partners.  The IYP is such a vibrant network, and an inspirational example of what engagement and commitment can achieve.  I am glad to be part of it. Knowing I have a small part in the good work of so many young leaders around the world keeps me coming back to the Oxfam office.I hope to study International Relations in the near future, and I am sure the experiences and skills I have gained at Oxfam have given me the perspective I need to make an excellent contribution in that area