In 1999, a group of young people in Sydney, Australia decided to support young people from around the world working to create positive change. The idea of OIYP founder, Brett Solomon, was to bring many of these people together at the beginning of the new millennium to share practical skills and...
[ view more ]

In 1999, a group of young people in Sydney, Australia decided to support young people from around the world working to create positive change. The idea of OIYP founder, Brett Solomon, was to bring many of these people together at the beginning of the new millennium to share practical skills and inspiration. With the support of Oxfam Australia, a small staff team and a large group of volunteers fundraised and organised to create this massive event.
[ view less ]

At the event in 2000 the first Action Partners were overwhelmed by the power of being connected to each other and wanted to continue to learn from each other and work together. The success of the gathering and the Action Partners’ desire to remain connected encouraged Oxfam to continue to...
[ view more ]

At the event in 2000 the first Action Partners were overwhelmed by the power of being connected to each other and wanted to continue to learn from each other and work together. The success of the gathering and the Action Partners’ desire to remain connected encouraged Oxfam to continue to support OIYP.

From 2000 until 2004, a skills and grants program were developed, Voice newsletter launched and young people were consulted on their experiences of globalisation. The second program of OIYP was launched in 2004. A lengthy selection process resulted in 300 young people from 91 different countries being selected as Action Partners for a 3 year program – OIYP 2004-2007. These Action Partners traveled to Sydney in July 2004 to attend 8 days of workshops – to build skills, share experiences and plan for future
[ view less ]

Over the past 3 years, Action Partners have continued to work with others in their communities with the support of Oxfam and fellow Action Partners. Through the OIYP program they have grown as people – broadening their perspectives, building new skills, gaining knowledge and sharing practical...
[ view more ]

Over the past 3 years, Action Partners have continued to work with others in their communities with the support of Oxfam and fellow Action Partners. Through the OIYP program they have grown as people – broadening their perspectives, building new skills, gaining knowledge and sharing practical ideas for action. Action Partners have:

Participated in online skills discussions in project management, advocacy, partnership building and trade justice
Led their own discussions on Millennium Development Goals, gender and HIV/AIDS
Gathered to build skills, review their work and strengthen regional networks
Directed action research publications to reflect on their work and learn from each other
Been supported by Oxfam with mentoring and direct support on Action Partner projects
Through these conversations, workshops and projects, Action Partners and Oxfam staff learnt from each other – broadening their perspectives on their community, the world and how we can contribute to positive change.
[ view less ]