Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (formerly Oxfam International Youth Parliament, before they realised that the word ‘Parliament’ – with its connotations of formal political participation – was causing problems for some participants) is looking for 300 more young people who are currently working to achieve positive change in their communities to join the OIYP Network.
Between 2007 and 2010, Oxfam will work with participants to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding and to talk and share with other young people, with a view to using these opportunities to support their work with their community. Training will include an eight-day event in October 2007 in Sydney, Australia.
Applicants are selected on:
- Demonstrated resilience
- Commitment to positive and sustainable change
- Analytical ability
- Community or organizational support
Applications close 31 January, 2007.
For more information, and to download an application form, see the official website at http://www.iyp.oxfam.org/.
As a participant in the last cycle, I have to highly recommend this program, which provides numerous opportunities to learn more about global issues and to meet others from across the world working on similar issues. It’s incredibly well structured and administered (all by young people) and has built a reputation as a respected and valuable personal and professional development program. Despite prior talk of it being held in Canada, it looks like the training event will again by held in Sydney (where the last two Parliaments have been held, and where the Secretariat is based), so young Australians will find it especially accessible.
If you’re thinking of applying, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries about my experiences.
