Oxfam International Youth Partnerships

To establish and support an international network of young people working towards positive and sustainable change in their communities across the world.

In 2000 we coordinated the first sitting of the OIYP in Sydney, bringing together young leaders from over 100 countries to share their ideas and strategies to bring about change. Since then, this network of ‘action partners’ have worked for change in their own communities, collaborated and learnt. They have also driven the development of a program of support which now involves ongoing support in skills development and networking, research and a small grants program. The second sitting held in 2004, launched the present three-year cycle of action with 301 new action partners from 92 countries. Their work is diverse and innovative in design and aims, covering areas such as education, HIV/AIDS, human rights, peace-building, trade justice, labour rights and sustainable development & agriculture.

OIYP is built on the important role young people can play and are playing in bringing about positive change. With the next round of OIYP planning to start in 2007, we can provide young people with the opportunity to be part of this global network. We also depend on a network of volunteers and interns to make it all happen. We run a four month internship (4 days a week) working directly on programs in Sydney as well as recruiting volunteers for key positions.

For more information on OIYP have a look at our website at
Check out our monthly newsletter ‘Voice’ for the latest update on the work of action partners at http://www.iyp.oxfam.org/news (or subscribe by emailing iypenquiries@oxfam.org.au). You can also read profiles on our action partners and learn more about the issues they are working to address