OIYP2004 1 Year Anniversary Publication
Introduction
The world’s second sitting of the Oxfam International Youth Parliament took place in Sydney, in 2004, bringing together 301 remarkable individuals, representing diverse organisations and communities. This group was represented by creative young leaders working for social change with the power to turn ideas into action. During this meeting Action Partners received a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and strategies to confront local and universal challenges. One year later, the ideas have become successful projects and many are achieving remarkable change in their communities. The strength of the OIYP network one year on is a testament to the commitment of Action Partners working towards change and supporting each other. Now it’s time to look back and see what has happened during these 12 exciting months!
Impact - AcTion PARTNER UPDATES
The following profiles are examples of some of the truly inspirational work Action Partners are doing across the OIYP Network.We are interested in hearing more about Action Partner progress and the impact OIYP is having making in your communities and encourage you all to send updates and photos to iypaction@oxfam.org.au
Ezequiel Misarayme José Perú Action Area: Indigenous Rights
In his effort to defend and express indigenous rights as set out in his OIYP Action Plan, Ezequiel helped run the Sixth Festival of Alpaca-breeding communities “Papu Uywaqkunapa Suqta Raymin” on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th of August 2004, at the Rumichaka-Occollo fairground, Aracucho, Peru.
The aim of the festival was to celebrate and affirm the culture of the alpaca breeding communities of Ayacucho, especially of the Vinchos, Paras and Chuschi districts. The event dealt with issues relating to the process of indigenous unity between organisations on the coast, in the Andes and Amazonia. These issues included natural resources, political autonomy and self-determination, identity, culture and education, and economic solidarity. “The festival operates under the belief thatsocial development and cultural affirmation are parts of an inseparable whole in the quest for community empowerment.”-Ezequiel Misarayme Jose
Catherine Bevilacqua Italy Action Area: Human Rights
At OIYP2004 Catherine proposed creative action for change: to use drama as a vehicle for human rights activism and education, a tool in her work with Italian youth groups of Amnesty International (AI). We caught up with Catherine during her recent trip to Australia. She brought us up to date about recent activities she has been involved in over the past 12 months.
On October 10th, human rights activists took to the streets to speak out to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty. Members of youth groups she worked with contributed to this event, that raised more than three thousand signatures, with some creative action: as they lay on the ground like corpses on a crime scene, their silhouettes traced in chalk, passers-by stopped in their footsteps to look at the case profiles chalked on black signs next to their bodies and read out on a loudspeaker by activists “My name is Iskandar. I ‘confessed’ under torture. Now I am sentenced to death -Uzbekistan”. Catherine says that it was a simple but effective idea to raise awareness that day, as people approached volunteers to know more.
Mukundadura Upendra Chinthaka Perera, Sri Lanka Action Area: Youth Culture
When Chinthaka attended IYP2004, his intention was to form a youth organisation to build a bridge between the government and the youth. Following IYP2004, he and his fellow Sri Lankan Delegates decided to establish a Sri Lankan Youth Parliament (SLYP). “SLYP has great potential to directly influence the long term strategic and social developments of Sri Lanka and assist with the rebuilding of the nation by mobilising young people to work for positive social change.”–Chinthaka Perera
During the Tsunami, the SLYP team undertook relief work and developed project plans for long term rehabilitation and community development in areas worst affected by the disaster. They concentrated on providing access to continuing education for students in affected areas and on trauma recovery activities. There believe there is a huge need for counselling and therapy due to significant trauma and are developing a “Mentoring Program”.
The SLYP are now working around the clock in preparation for the first Sri Lankan Youth Parliament to be held in Colombo on the 23nd of August 2006 where they are expecting over 200 participants to gather.
Mimi Zou Australia Action Area: Peace-Building
Australian delegate Mimi Zou is working to implement a range of local and global projects that aim to challenge young people to explore the multi-dimensions of their cultural identity through creative means. One of her projects is the publication of a cultural diversity journal.
Mimi has also developed ‘Kaleidoscope’ - a dynamic and multifaceted campaign led by young people and involving several community-based initiatives such as a multimedia CD ROM documenting the experiences of indigenous youth, migrants,refugees, and their contributions to Australian societyand will be distributed to over 40 000 students from diverse backgrounds.“Kaleidoscope is a celebration of the diverse contributions cultures have made to Australian society and encourages a positive representation of minority groups in mainstream media and popular culture,” she says. Mimi also plans to initiate skills training workshops to facilitate youth self representation, and to establish a cultural grant scheme for young people to create their own community projects.
Mimi has further developed more initiatives emerging from the action plan- including directing and producing a theatre production involving young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Bessie Maruia Papua New Guinea Action Area: HIV/AIDS
Bessie was one of five young leaders honoured by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with an International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) Award. Bessie has trained 63 counsellors on HIV prevention. The UN presented her award at a ceremony held at their headquarters in New York on October 22nd 2004.
The work of Bessie’s organization is estimated to have reached 75 per cent of Papua New Guinea's population with basic HIV/AIDS prevention information. With more than 800 native languages, and diverse cultural practices, factual information on HIV/AIDS and related issues is difficult to find in PNG.
Communication & Networking
So! One year on and the OIYP network only grows stronger. Across 92 countries, many action areas, countries, action plans and languages – we continue to share, link and learn!
The strength of the OIYP network one year on is a testament to the commitment of all Action Partners to working for change and supporting each other. OIYP has tried to support this by providing communications and networking tools and opportunities.
In the past year OIYP has established e-groups that many Action Partners still use to keep in contact. The e-groups have become a great way of letting us know what they are doing, keeping in contact with other Action Partners and letting people know about opportunities. Our language team of volunteers and interns continue translating core OIYP documents into French and Spanish. Thank you guys for all your terrific work!
The OIYP Voice newsletter was relaunched in August and has gone from strength to strength – including updates on what Action Partners are doing including ‘stories’ of the month which look at the positive impact or constraints that Action Partners find in their daily work. It also examines a theme and presents opportunities, events, networking and action opportunities.If you want to share an update of your work, submit a story of the month or publicise an opportunity to get active please email iypvoice@oxfam.org.au.
The Action Support Team (consisting of dedicated volunteers, interns and staff) have been working around the clock responding to your requests for strategic support to help you continue to develop your action plans. Some examples of services the team have been providing include:
Letters of support- to build partnerships or to find other funding for your work
Research assistance- topics need to be clearly defined and allow for adequate time to complete
Advice and assistance- we provide feedback on project plans, proposals and communications
Targeted introductions– to Oxfam agencies, NGO’s and other funding bodies
Translations- requests need to be clearly defined and allow for adequate time to complete
If you have a request for support letters, advice, research and networking from the Action Support Team email iypaction@oxfam.org.au
So…what are we up to? Opportunities
We have relaunched the OIYP’s website –check out the new look website at www.iyp.oxfam.org. OIYP’s web team is entirely voluntary so we thank them for their amazing work! Especially Ben Rolfe our Webmaster. If you have any questions or suggestions please email iypwebmaster@oxfam.org.au.
A new exciting venture online is OIYP’s Project Page on TakingITGlobal – see http://projects.takingitglobal.org/oiyp- all Action Partner names are up there! We are inviting all Action Partners to set up their own OIYP Project Page on TIG with the OIYP logo and branding! This is a great way of keeping people up to date on what you are doing and managing your information online without needing any technical skills! If you need help registering or want the OIYP banner on your page e-mail iypaction@oxfam.org.au.
Benefits of TIG Project Pages
- connects you with young leaders involved in similar projects
- links you to events that are being run relevant to your project
- ability to down/up load relevant documents, logos and pictures
- track progress
- create or link to a web-based discussion board
- links to external URLsImpact – Action Partner updates
Skills Program
The Skills Centre has been revamped over the past three months with Anna Powell (long term volunteer) taking on a full-time position with the team as ‘Training and Development Coordinator’.
The OIYP Skills Program approach is based on the belief that you have the capacity to bring about positive and sustainable change. So, it is important that the Skills Program is driven by your strengths and needs. Based on your input, the Skills Program is reviewing some of its workshop materials; developing more materials and planning some exciting events over the next year.
To be involved with such a dynamic and inspiring group of people every day is such a privilege. I was involved with OIYP in the lead up to OIYP2004 and saw all the excitement and enthusiasm building up over those months. Now working here on the Skills Program I can see that enthusiasm directed into amazing work around the world. I am really passionate about what we can create and share together through the Skills Centre and look forward to the possibilities of the future! Anna Powell – Training & Development Coordinator
What has been happening since IYP2004?
For the last year, the Skills Program has been incorporated into the overall OIYP Program by ongoing & strategic mentoring, through Action Partner support, e-learning workshops and Action Partner visits.
Here are some snapshots of some recent activities….
Project Management E-workshop
92 Action Partners took part in the OIYP Project Management E-Workshop. This workshop has been held in conjunction with the Grants Program cycles in November 2004 and May 2005.
This has been a unique opportunity for both peer and individual learning to come to life. With the use of the Skills Centre Forum and email communication with facilitators, this learning has taken place across different time zone, communities and regions.
Here’s what some of the participants thought:
“The interaction with my workshop facilitator felt like a ‘brain storm’ with someone who has knowledge and could collaborate and advise me on the project” – Einav Yogev, Israel, Participant in the Project Management course, 2004.
“We used to run some social projects before this and I thought that we do not need evaluation on what we have done. The evaluation will help us to improve our work and give the perfect example to society”. - Jen Nie Kasim. Indonesia, Participant in the Project Management course, 2004.
“…brought a lot of clarity to areas which were sometimes grey to me and challenged me to think further’- Mary Ekemezie, Nigeria, Participant in the Project Management course, 2004.
“The exercises force critical thinking in aspects of the project you might have overlooked. I would say this is the best course I’ve been on”- Olusegun Olowu. Nigeria, Participant in the Project Management course, 2004.
Action Partner Visits
In March 2005, Sofiah Mackay (OIYP Program Coordinator) spent one week with 9 Action Partners in the Solomon Islands. This was an insightful experience for all involved and demonstrated the value of face to face contact for development of Action Plans; Action Partner support and learning for OIYP. We are now planning more visits particularly to Action Partners without regular access to the internet. This will be a chance for us to learn more about your projects and to provide more strategic mentoring and skills development – in person!
So…what are we up to? Opportunities
Online Skills Centre
The OIYP Skills Centre web page launches on July 5. The skills page is a great space for all action partners to access skills and training resources, as well as share their skills and knowledge with others. This new and improved site will be regularly updated and each month will focus on different skills training themes each month
You can get involved by simply logging on and downloading resources or by participating in a ‘Skills Share Sessions’ or ‘E-learning Workshops’. A calendar will be featured showing monthly and upcoming events that action partners can add to or use to find out what’s happening at OIYP. You have been asking for more skills training so here it is! Visit the new site and check out the July theme! www.iyp.oxfam.org/skills
Skills Centre Outreach Program
1-Action Partner Visits
We are planning to visit many of you over the next year! For those without regular access to the online skills centre, we see this as a fantastic opportunity to engage with you face to face. This will be a chance for us to learn more about your projects and to provide more opportunities for strategic mentoring and skills development.
2-Regional Action Partner Workshops & Skills Shares
Proposed workshops coming up are:
- Pacific workshop (September 2005)
- Southern Africaworkshop (October 2005)
- South-east Asiaworkshop (early 2006)
- Trade Justice workshop (Cambodia, September 2005)
We strongly welcome your ideas about these workshops!
3- Distance Workshops
For those of you without access to the internet but would like to take part in a distance education workshop – please contact Anna by phone, fax, or mail or e-mail annap@oxfam.org.au and we can arrange an effective way for you to participate.
Ongoing Action Partner Support!
Please email us at iypskills@oxfam.org.au if you feel we can support you further in any way. There are number of resources that we have at OIYP for you to access. We are also making sure that these are constantly updated so please let us know if you come across anything that we could use.
Research
OIYP has always been committed to research – in the past through publications like The Youth Guide to Globalisation and Highly Affected, Rarely Considered. In this cycle of action, since OIYP2004, OIYP has been committed to a different type of research – research that takes advantage of the enormous opportunities that this network offers to learn about how to create change more effectively!
At the beginning of this cycle, OIYP went through a process of defining our approach to research. We held a number of workshops in Sydney that some of you participated in. We also looked at the network and the opportunities for learning. Then we engaged with others in Oxfam to gain their input. From this process, OIYP has determined three major domains that we are focused on learning about in this cycle of action: models of change, role of young people in promoting change and why and how people are empowered or dis-empowered by change.
The research team has since been looking at and analysing the work of OIYP Action Partners – looking at the kinds of issues in your communities, the types of strategies that you are using to create change and the skills and resources that you do and do not have access to (by looking at your applications, action plans and through outreach calls). We have been analysing the trends that are coming out of that process and have been defining further research based on that.
Action Support Research
OIYP has a responsive research team that provides research where needed within the OIYP program, through the Action Support Team (you can reach them at iypaction@oxfam.org.au). We have also contributed to broader youth coalition research includingOIYP’s contribution to the Youth and MDGs paper (which can be found on our website –http://www.iyp.oxfam.org/news/publications/).
The research team also calls Action Partners to interview you for case studies for research and also to do ‘outreach’ calls and to get updates on your work and your perspectives on the OIYP Program. If you think OIYP may not have your correct phone numbers please email them to us at iypaction@oxfam.org.au.
So…what are we up to? Opportunities
Awareness raising and behavioural change research project
One of the clearest trends has been the number of you who are using awareness-raising or behavioural change strategies as part of your work for change. Because of that our first major piece of research looks at the use of these strategies within the network.
What is the process?In a few weeks you will all be sent a draft of this document – looking at different types of strategies, including workshops, peer education, campaigning, creative action for change and technology platforms for change, with case studies from the network and tools that you might find useful in reflecting on, evaluating, planning and implementing your work.
Feedback please! When you receive the document, there will be a link to a survey page where you can make comments and add your own content. This is a ‘work in progress document’ so your feedback, stories, case studies and tools are crucial! We will then be conducting an on-line forum on the OIYP Skills Centre where you can share your experiences with other Action Partners and other OIYP advisors and partners. If you have forgotten your password please write to iypaction@oxfam.org.au.
Future Research Projects
Our research projects are driven by OIYP Action Partner needs and we are currently assessing a number of potential projects including
- Youth-led responses to HIV/AIDS (collaborating with the Global Youth Coalition against AIDS)
- The ‘who’ in social change – organizations vs. individuals (who can make a difference and how?)
So, if you have any ideas, stories, case studies to share or you want to be involved in coordinating a research project, just let us know by e-mailing maymd@oxfam.org.au.
Any research that we produce will be on the publications page of our website.
Grants Program
Over the past year The OIYP Grants Program has been through an incredible journey. Since it was relaunched in September 2004, following the Parliament, it has been able to provide financial support to 57 Action Partners, 28 in Round 1 and 29 in Round 2.
The program has had a strong skills development and capacity building focus, with the Project Management E-workshop being an integral part of the grants cycle for both rounds. Thanks to the E-workshops we have been able to support your projects, to help you enhance your knowledge and your effective engagement in positive and lasting change initiatives. OIYP firmly believes that this network has become an amazing source of knowledge and during the past months has assisted the action partners to further their vision of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.
Here is a brief glimpse of what Action Partners active with the Grants Program have been busy with over the past year:
Ida Tolefac Ngufor Cameroon 
Action Area: Education
Ida’s action plan is about increasing the skills and improving the living condition of 100 youths (50 men and 50 women) and other underprivileged people in Lebialem community by setting up a micro credit system and building financial management skills. The community education program also addresses issues such as environmental degradation and poor farming practices, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy and early marriages.
Ida was a round 1 grantee and since receiving her grant Ida has run several financial management workshops for up to 31 individuals and with the help of additional finance from her organisation she has provided four micro credit loans for businesses to use for income generating activities.
One business owner, Nogong Odilia Nepih was able to set up a small fish selling business, an example of the self sustainability that Ida is trying to achieve in her community.
Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mian Pakistan Action Area: Human Rights
Shafiq’s Action Plan is a community-based mobilization strategy aimed at ensuring women's participation in local-level policy making and developmental decisions in the tribal areas of NWFP Pakistan.
In the first cycle of the OIYP small grant program, his project achieved a milestone by bringing women into Agency Councils. Shafiq’s radio programs which focussed on promoting gender equity and women’s participation in development were responded to with immense enthusiasm amongst tribal women and were instrumental for recruiting participants. His project has also been critical to providing an enabling environment for NGOs and other human rights organizations to work with women in the tribal areas of NWFP Pakistan.
Shafiq has been successful in securing a 2nd small grant from OIYP. This will be spent on building capacity of these women in the Agency Council to make their own choices, to speak out on their own behalf and to build greater strength in decision-making. His project aims to actually influence such decisions for sustainable human development and put an end to all kinds of discrimination towards women.
I am pleased to say that the core and primary objective of my project have been achieved. Because all of the Tribal Chiefs have allowed their women to be a part of the nomination process for membership of Agency Councils, it means that we have achieved a milestone. The project placed new history in Pakistan that women of these Tribal areas will make decision and exercise their rights given by state and our religion Islam”.- Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mian
A
hmad Al’Azzeh Palestine Action Area: Peace-Building
Ahmad is a recipient of an OIYP round 2 small grants which will enable the training of two schools in Bethlehem, occupied Palestine, in techniques of building peace, showing that the task of peacemaking can truly be achieved within communities by dedicated individuals equipped with the proper resources.
Working directly with the communities within Bethlehem the strategy is to support peacemaking from the grass roots. Ahmed aims to build up a new generation that is equipped for peace and democracy, a generation that will change the direction of the conflict and make a difference in their own lives and those around them through this project.
“Thank you, IYP, for providing those resources! Thank you for building peace!”- Ahmad Al’Azzeh, Palestine.
Emma Warahiru Solomon Islands Action Area: Education
Emma’s action plan aims to help ex-combatants of the ethnic tension at Marau, East Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands to help increase their access to sustainable livelihoods and recover from the conflict and man-made disaster.
Emma was a recipient of an OIYP small grant round 1 and ran a Garment-Making Workshop for Women in March 2005. There were 50 participants who now have new skills in garment making and business skills training. Emma also purchased sewing machines for the women. Five of the participants are now running their own small garments businesses enabling them to provide crucial incomes for their families everyday needs and also contributes to rebuilding Marau. Well done Emma!
With Round 1 coming to a close and Round 2 just beginning, the Grants Program is at an exciting crossroads, requiring reflection, on what has already occurred and forward preparation, with a responsive and clear vision.
A great deal of learning has already emerged from Action Partners projects and we are now focused on capturing and communicating the learning that has emerged to inform our future planning, programming and communications. This will ensure that we remain a network driven by the passionate, intelligent and committed youth of the network.
So…what are we up to? Opportunities
OIYP is committed to responding to the network with a responsive and flexible approach to strategic financial support that is active in supporting the Action Partners to achieve change.
The OIYP Grants Program will be relaunched with Round 3 of the Grants Program in September with some changes and improvements to the program to correspond with our current evaluation and learning. We remain committed to assisting you to achieve the change for global social justice that we are all striving for!
For more information about the OIYP Grants Program please e-mail iypsgrants@caa.org.au
Campaigns
One of the most relevant campaigns OIYP is involved now is MAKE POVERTY HISTORY. Global events including the G8 summit in July, Millennium Plus 5 Summit in September and the WTO (World Trade Organisation) ministerial in December have brought together a range of organisations, faith groups and celebrities united by a common belief that 2005 offers an unprecedented opportunity for a global movement against poverty. Within those organizations are Oxfam international and in particular OIYP with a specific program, the OIYP Trade Justice Project.
The OIYP Trade Justice Project has just begun and provides a core group of Action Partners from 2000, 2004 and members of the broader OIYP network with the opportunity to extend their knowledge about international trade and their capabilities in international trade advocacy. The project focuses on the impact of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and bilateral and regional trade agreements on developing countries in the thematic areas of agriculture and access to medicines.
In the lead-up to the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial in December 2005 participants will partner with local trade justice organisations to initiate actions plans at a local and national level. Participants will also work to catalyse action across the wider youth community as well as through networks affiliated with OIYP.
Meet some of the participants of the OIYP Trade Justice Project!
Erkulanu de Sousa, I(take out bold)YP 2004 Action Partner, works for Youth Action Towards Sustainability (Y-ACTS) in East Timor. He wants to raise community awareness on the importance of sustainable environment in order to meet the need of current generation. He works also on the conservation and deforestation issues which will be affected by international trade rules.
Norma Elvira Carías Montiel, IYP 2000 Action Partner from Atlántida, Honduras, works for the Youth Employment Summit Network in Honduras and for the Centre of Health Promotion and Family Attendance. Her work focuses on the coordination of projects of preventive health and the support of people living with HIV/AIDS. Her action plans include the creation of centres for the development for the young people, and the training of young activists. She wants to join the project as a mean of increasing her knowledge on how the WTO works, which will enhance her training capabilities.
Chukwumuanya John-Kennedy Igboekwuis an IYP 2004 Action Partner from Niger State, Nigeria, working with Young Corps for Social Responsibility (YCSR). YCSR is an NGO actively involved in the reduction of the burden of HIV/AIDS, through education and the access to the appropriate treatments. Their action plan consists on the implementation of a community dialogue that has been successful in the mobilization of stakeholders. As a young medical doctor, Chukwumuanya thinks that by joining the OIYP Trade Justice Project he will be able to effectively advocate for the access of people from developing countries to cheap medicines.
Hind Ottmani, IYP 2004 Action Partner lives in Rabat, Morocco and works for Association of African Women for research and development (AAWORD) based in Senegal. He works on different issues affecting women in rural areas. He wants to encourage the organization of rural women in order to face a competition local and global. “ I believe that participating to this project will help to understand the challenges facing rural women in an everyday more globalized world”
So what are we up to? Opportunities
Get involved in the OIYP Make Poverty History Campaign Coalition. The project is designed to help young activists like you:
· better understand how your local work is affected by international trade
· provide you with links to other organisations working on the MAKE POVERTY HISTORY campaign
· equip you with campaigning and advocacy strategies
ALL young activists should find the campaign kits relevant as the training modules focus on international campaigning and advocacy techniques and can be implemented in other international campaigns.
Your projects and opinions on these issues are crucial and will be documented in a booklet produced by OIYP next year.
Don’t miss this opportunity of being part of this exciting global project!
E-mail clairep@oxfam.org.au to register interest or visit www.iyp.oxfam.org for more information
OIYP STAFF & VOLUNTEER SUPPORt
This year we have seen many changes to the OIYP staff team so we thought this would be a good chance to introduce you to the current team and all the wonderful dedicated volunteers who, over the next 12 months and beyond will be here to support you implement the final stages of your action plans. Visit our website to view their profiles www.iyp.oxfam.org/connect/
OIYP Staff team
Nicole Breeze – International Coordinator
May Miller-Dawkins – Program Coordinator
Robin Higgins – Program Officer (Grants & Outreach)
Anna Powell – Training & Development Coordinator
Being involved with OIYP in different ways over the last 3 or more years has been an incredible experience to work with so many activists and to learn, share ideas and take action on all kinds of scales. I have immense belief in the power of this movement to achieve real change in the lives of people. I always look forward to hearing from, talking to and where possible seeing Action Partners across the world – and having the chance to see the impact that we can have from sharing, learning and working together. May Miller-Dawkins – Program Coordinator
I have been connected to the OIYP Network for the past 5 years. It is encouraging to see OIYP grow as a network from the dream that initiated this project so many years ago and to recognise the effect that it has had on me, as a youth activist, to engage effectively in change now and in the future. The influence of such a dynamic network of inspiring and diverse youth leaves me humbled and committed to working collaboratively with others for positive impact around the world. Robin Higgins – Program Officer (Grants & Outreach)
Volunteers & Interns
I’m sure you will remember the 215 volunteers and facilitators from around the world who contributed to the success of the 2nd Oxfam International Youth Parliament – the other team of young social change activists who made the event an amazing experience. Since OIYP2004 we have had over 160 volunteers working along side staff members with a common aim; helping you to make your Action Plans successful projects.
Currently there are 28 volunteers and interns from Australia and from all around the world working in the Sydney office across all of the OIYP program areas. Without their specialised expertise and assistance we would not be able to sustain such a high level of support so we thank them immensely for all their hard work and commitment.
I have found OIYP to be very inspiring, particularly the people involved. 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. At the moment I am working on an awareness-raising toolkit for Action Partners.David Braun, OIYP Volunteer – Research Team
Hola amigos! My name is Maria I come from Madrid, Spain. I’m really impressed with the Action Partner’s work, such young individuals involved with their communities, managing projects, facing the problems and looking for active solutions…their attitude made me think and now, more then ever, I believe that if we all work together things can change. – Maria Subinas on a four week University Internship with OIYP- Communications
Salut a tous! I’m Marion, from Paris. I enjoy working with the Sydney team and many actions partners around the world. For me, Oxfam IYP paints the future with more beautiful colours. In French we use this little saying – if you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen…Same with your work: if you really want to help people, became an Oxfam volunteer - Marion Briere is on a eight week University Internship with OIYP - Communications
Working for OIYP over the last few months has allowed me to discover how I can use the skills and knowledge I have achieved through my social work degree and apply them to such an exciting context. I have loved interacting with the action partners and learning more about what issues they are facing in their communities. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here and continuing to contribute to the work that OIYP is doing!- Sarah Bollom is on a 80 day University work placement with OIYP – Grants Program and Skills Centre
On behalf of all the staff, volunteers and interns at OIYP in Sydney we would like to thank you for all your amazing and inspiring work you have been doing and encourage you to continue working towards a global vision of Youth Building a Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable World.
