Oxfam International Youth Partnerships
2007-2010
A global force for change!
“I strongly believe that with communication, cooperation, commitment, unity and friendship we can overcome all barriers.”- OIYP action partner, Tonga
Postcard from the Pacific Regional Panel
Greetings,
I have just returned from Vanuatu where I met with young people from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu involved in Oxfam International’s Youth Partnerships program (OIYP). This program brings together young leaders from around the world to share their ideas, energies and aspirations for bringing about positive change in their own communities.
In most Pacific countries high fertility rates mean that young people make up a large proportion of the population. In Vanuatu for example, almost 70 per cent of the population is under 25. As a result, young people are facing ever more difficult problems. For instance, a lack of employment opportunities in the Pacific region means there are increasing numbers of long-term unemployed young people, with associated problems such as drug use, transactional sex, crime and civil unrest.
The OIYP program aims to harness the energies of young people to solve problems like this, by supporting them to implement their ideas and exert social influence and political pressure. This year Oxfam Australia involved former participants from the OIYP program in selecting our action partners for 2007. Their insight and ownership of the selection process meant that it was more thorough and relevant to young Pacific people – and that it was also fun and full of energy!
In fact, one of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the professionalism and energy of the young leaders from the OIYP program. It is clear that they are all committed to their pacific ‘brothers and sisters’ and to providing them with opportunities to allow them to become positive change agents as well. To be surrounded by these confident and dynamic individuals, with big smiles and raucous laughter, is a refreshing reminder that young people are vital part of the fight to end poverty, and ensuring that our work is relevant and appropriate to their rights and their lives.
Georgia Noy
Pacific Program Coordinator
What is OIYP?
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) is a global network of young people working with their communities to create positive, equitable and sustainable change.
The OIYP program works closely with 300 young people through a three year program. In 2007, OIYP is launching the third 3 year program, providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge and to exchange with other young people from around the world.This will bring the number of members of the OIYP network to close to 900.
How does it work?
Between 2007 and 2010 OIYP Action Partners will have opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding and to talk and share with other young people. Action Partners will be able to use these opportunities to support their work in the community.
Action Partner participation in OIYP will start in April 2007 with Action Partner preparations beginning for the journey toward Sydney, Australia for Kaleidoscope 2007.
“As a young person, I’m taking action to make sure the future is better. In addressing this,I work with women and young people because to me, these are the backbone to the future.” – OIYP action partner, Uganda
“The OIYP builds a network of like minded young people working in different communities all over the world.”– OIYP action partner, Sri Lanka
