OIYP2004 Publicación de 1 año de aniversario
Introduccion
a segunda sesión mundial del Parlamento Internacional de la Juventud de Oxfam se llevó al cabo en Sydney, en 2004, en donde se reunieron 301 importantes individuos que representaban a diversas organizaciones y comunidades. Este grupo estuvo representado por líderes creativos que trabajan por el cambio social con el poder de convertir las ideas en acción. Durante esta reunión los Socios de Acción recibieron una oportunidad única de intercambiar experiencias y estrategias para enfrentar retros locales y universales. Un año después, las ideas se han convertido en proyectos exitosos y varios socios están logrando un cambio considerable dentro de sus comunidades. La fuerza de la red del OIYP después de un año es prueba del compromiso de los Socios de Acción que trabajan por un cambio y se apoyan entre sí. Es hora de que echemos un vistazo y veamos qué es lo que ha sucedido durante estos últimos 12 emocionantes meses!
ImpactO - ACTUALIZACION DE LOS SOCIOS DE ACCION
Los siguientes perfiles son ejemplos del trabajo verdaderamente inspirador que algunos Socios de Acción están llevando a cabo dentro de la red del OIYP. Nos interesa saber más acerca del progreso realizado por los Socios de Acción y del impacto que tiene el OIYP en sus comunidades y los alentamos a que envíen sus actualizaciones y fotos a iypaction@oxfam.org.au
Ezequiel Misarayme José Perú Área de Acción: Derechos Indígenas
En su esfuerzo por defender y expresar los derechos indígenas como lo estableció en su Plan de Acción del OIYP, Ezequiel ayudó a que se llevará a cabo Sexto Festival de Alpaca –comunidades en reproducción “Papu Uywaqkunapa Suqta Raymin” el jueves 26 y el viernes 27 de agosto del 2004, en la feria de Rumichaka-Occollo, Aracucho, Perú.
El objetivo del festival fue el de celebrar y afirmar la cultura de las comunidades de reproducción de alpaca de Ayacucho, especialmente de los distritos de Vinchos, Paras y Chuschi. El evento trató los problemas relacionados con el proceso de la unidad indígena entre las organizaciones en la costa, en los Andes y el Amazonas. Tales problemas incluyeron recursos naturales, autonomía y autodeterminación política, identidad, cultura y educación y solidaridad económica. “ El festival opera bajo la creencia de que el desarrollo social y la afirmación cultural son partes de un todo inseparable en la búsqueda de poder para la comunidad.”-Ezequiel Misarayme Jose
Catherine Bevilacqua Italia Área de Acción: Derechos Humanos
En el OIYP2004 Catherine propuso una acción creativa por el cambio: utilizar el drama como vehículo para el activismo y educación por los derechos humanos, una herramienta en su trabajo con los grupos juveniles italianos de Amnistía Internacional (AI). Nos reunimos con Catherine durante su reciente viaje a Australia. Nos puso al tanto de sus recientes actividades durante los últimos 12 meses.
El 10 de octubre los activistas por los derechos humanos salieron a las calles para hacer oír su voz y celebrar el Día Mundial contra la Pena de Muerte. Los miembros de los grupos juveniles con los que trabajó contribuyeron con el evento, recolectaron más de tres mil firmas, con ciertas acciones creativas: ya que se tendieron en el suelo como cuerpos en la escena de un crimen, sus siluetas se dibujaron con gis, los transeúntes se detenían para ver las perfiles escritos en negro junto a los cuerpos y se leían por los activistas en los altavoces “Me llamo Iskandar. ‘Confesé’ bajo tortura. Ahora estoy sentenciado a muerte -Uzbekistán”. Catherine dice que fue una idea simple pero efectiva para despertar las conciencias ese día, ya que la gente se acercaba a los voluntarios para saber más.
Mukundadura Upendra Chinthaka Perera, Sri Lanka Área de Acción: Cultura Juvenil
Cuando Chinthaka asistió al IYP2004, su intención fue la de formar una organización juveniles para construir un puente entre el gobierno y los jóvenes. Después del IYP2004, Chinthaka y sus compañeros delegados esrilanqueses decidieron establecer un Parlamento Juvenil Esrilanqués (SLYP). “SLYP tiene un gran potencial de influir directamente los desarrollos estratégicos y sociales a largo plazo de Sri Lanka y ayudar a reconstruir la nación al movilizar a los jóvenes para que trabajen por un cambio social positivo”. –Chinthaka Perera
Durante el Tsunami, el equipo del SLYP llevó a cabo trabajo de alivio y desarrolló planes de proyecto para la rehabilitación a largo plazo y el desarrollo de las comunidades en las áreas más afectadas por el desastre. Se concentraron en proveer el acceso a la educación continua para estudiantes en las áreas afectadas y en actividades de recuperación de trauma. SLYP es de la creencia de que hay una gran necesidad de orientación y terapia debido al trauma significativo creado y están desarrollando un “Programa de asesoramiento”.
El SLYP ahora se encuentra trabajando a marchas forzadas preparando el primer Parlamento Juvenil Esrilanqués que se va a llevar a cabo en Colombo el 23 de agosto del 2006, en donde se espera que se reúnan 200 participantes.
Mimi Zou Australia Área de Acción: Construcción de la Paz
La delegada australiana Mimi Zou está trabajando para implementar varios proyectos locales y globales dirigidos a retar a los jóvenes a que exploren las varias dimensiones de su identidad cultural a través de medios creativos. Uno de sus proyectos es la publicación de un diario de diversidad cultural.
Mimi también desarrolló ‘Kaleidoscope’ – una campaña dinámica y multifacética dirigida por jóvenes y que involucra a varias iniciativas de la comunidad tales como un CD ROM multimedia que documenta las experiencias de los jóvenes indígenas, emigrantes, refugiados y sus contribuciones a la sociedad australiana y se distribuirá a más de 40 000 estudiantes de diferentes culturas. Mimi dice que: “Kaleidoscope es una celebración de las diversas contribuciones que las culturas han hecho a la sociedad australiana y alienta una representación positiva de grupos minoritarios en los medios de comunicación dominantes y la cultura popular,”. Mimi también planea iniciar talleres de capacitación para facilitar la representación de los jóvenes por sí mismos, y para establecer un programa de becas culturales para que los jóvenes creen sus propios proyectos comunitarios.
Mimi además ha desarrollado más iniciativas surgidas del de acción, las cuales incluyen la dirección y producción de una obra de teatro que incluye la participación de los jóvenes de comunidades cultural y lingüísticamente diversas.
Bessie Maruia
Papua Nueva Guinea Área de Acción: VIH/SIDA
Bessie fue uno de los cinco líderes honrados por el Programa de Desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas (UNDP) con un galardón del Día Internacional para la Erradicación de la Pobreza (IDEP). Bessie ha capacitado a 63 consejeros sobre la prevención del VIH. La ONU presentó su galardón en una ceremonia celebrada en sus oficinas centrales en Nueva York el 22 de octubre del 2004.
Se estima que el trabajo de la organización de Bessie ha alcanzado al 75% de la población de Papua Nueva Guinea con información básica sobre la prevención de VIH /SIDA. Con más de 800 lenguas nativas, y prácticas culturales diversas, es difícil encontrar en Papua Nueva Guinea información basada en los hechos sobre VIH /SIDA y problemas relacionados.
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Communication & Networking
¡Asíque! A un año de su creación la red del OIYP sólo sigue haciéndose más fuerte. En 92 países, varias áreas de acción, países, planes de acción e idiomas – ¡seguimos compartiendo, uniéndonos y aprendiendo!
La fuerza de la red del OIYP ha un año de su creación es testimonio del compromiso de todos los Socios de Acción por trabajar por un cambio y por el apoyo entre unos y otros. El OIYP ha tratado de apoyar lo anterior al proveer las herramientas y oportunidades de comunicación y la formación de redes.
En el último año el OIYP ha establecido grupos en línea con los que varios Socios de Acción aún siguen en contacto. Los grupos en línea se han convertido en una gran forma de avisarnos que es lo que están haciendo, manteniéndose en contacto con otros Socios de Acción y avisándole a la gente acerca de nuevas oportunidades. Nuestro equipo de voluntarios de idiomas e internos continúa traduciendo documentos importantes del OIYP en francés y español. ¡Gracias por todo su estupendo trabajo!
El boletín Voice del OIYP se volvió a publicar en agosto y se ha ido fortaleciendo cada vez más – incluyendo actualizaciones acerca de los que están haciendo los Socios de Acción incluyendo “historias” del mes que echan un vistazo al impacto positivo o restricciones con las que los Socios de Acción se encuentran en su trabajo diario. También examina un tema y presenta oportunidades, eventos, formación de redes y oportunidades de acción. Si quieres compartir alguna actualización de tu trabajo, enviar tu historia del mes o publicar alguna oportunidad para participar por favor encía un correo electrónico a iypvoice@oxfam.org.au.
El Equipo de Apoyo de Acción (el cual consiste de voluntarios dedicados, internos y personal) ha estado trabajando a marchas forzadas respondiendo a peticiones de apoyo estratégico para ayudar a que la gente siga desarrollando sus planes de acción. Algunos ejemplos de los servicios que el equipo ha estado proporcionando incluyen:
Cartas de apoyo- para construir sociedades o encontrar fondos para tu trabajo
Asistencia para la investigación– los temas necesitan estar claramente definidos y se debe tener el tiempo adecuado para completarlos
Consejo y asistencia– hacemos comentarios sobre planes de proyecto, propuesta y comunicaciones
Introducciones dirigidas– a agencias de Oxfam, ONG y otras organizaciones de financiamiento
Traducciones- las peticiones necesitan estar claramente definidas y se debe contar con el tiempo adecuado paras su compleción
Si tienes alguna petición para las cartas de apoyo, consejo, investigación y creación de redes del equipo de apoyo de acción envía un correo electrónico a iypaction@oxfam.org.au
Así que…¿en cuáles andamos? Oportunidades
Volvimos a lanzar la página web del OIYP – vean nuestra página con su nueva imagen en www.iyp.oxfam.org. El equipo web del OIYP es completamente voluntario así que ¡les agradecemos su increíble trabajo! Especialmente a Ben Rolfe nuestro experto en informática. Si tienen alguna pregunta o sugerencia favor de enviar un correo electrónico a iypwebmaster@oxfam.org.au.
Una nueva y emocionante empresa en línea es la Página de Proyecto del OIYP sobre TakingITGlobal – vean http://projects.takingitglobal.org/oiyp- ¡todos los nombres de los socios de acción se encuentran ahí! Estamos invitando a todos los Socios de Acción a que creen su propia Página de Proyecto del OIYP sobre TIG con el logotipo y marca del OIYP! Lo anterior es una gran forma de mantener informada a la gente acerca de lo que están haciendo y de manejar tu información en línea sin tener ningún conocimiento técnico! Si necesitas ayuda para registrarte o quieres la imagen del OIYP en tu página, envía un correo electrónico a iypaction@oxfam.org.au.
Beneficios de las páginas del Proyecto TIG
- te conecta con los jóvenes líderes que participan en proyectos similares
- te pone en contacto con eventos relevantes para tu proyecto
- capacidad para bajar o cargar documentos, logotipos y fotos importantes
- rastrear progresos
- crear o conectarse a un grupo de discussion en línea
- te conecta a URLsImpact – actualizaciones externas de socios de acción
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.
