The Oaktree Foundation

The Oaktree Foundation is an entirely youth-run international aid and development organisation. Our mission is to empower young people in the developing world through education in a way that is sustainable.

In Australia, we have established a National Office and state branches in Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia.

Over the last 4 years Oaktree has provided more than 40,000 orphans, vulnerable children, disadvantaged adults, families and members of the wider community with access education, books, technology, IT training, development courses and mentoring in 7 developing countries. We have also been the leaders behind the 2006 Make Poverty History Concert in Melbourne, and the Make Poverty History Zero Seven Youth Road Trip in 2007.

At the core of Oaktree’s work are our projects in developing countries. Oaktree’s development projects reflect our belief that education leads to empowerment and mobilisation. In 2008 our major campaigns are End Child Slavery (focused on India), one day 2008 (focused on South Africa) and Schools4Schools (focused on South Africa).

As Oaktree is an entirely youth-run organisation all of our volunteers are under the age of 26. There are many different ways to become involved with Oaktree; we are currently recruiting people for the following programs

Oaktree team: our organisation is run by young volunteers, so applying to be part of the Oaktree team provides young people with amazing leadership and professional development opportunities, while also making a difference.

Generate Volunteer Program: As a Generate volunteer, you'll be working in a team of volunteers on Oaktree's 2008 campaigns. It is a 6-8 hour a week commitment for 7 months, with down time in university exam periods. This is best suited to young people who’re looking to dip their toes into the world of volunteering and see what’s out there.

End Child Slavery Ambassadors: This is an intensive 8 week volunteer opportunity, where volunteers will be the public representatives of our 2008 End Child Slavery Campaign.