Oxfam International Youth Partnership Action Partner

The Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) network looked for 300 new Action Partners for its 2010- 2013 programme for young people who: care about what is happening in their community, are committed to working with others to overcome injustices, and want to learn from other young people working with their communities all around the world. OIYP is open to young people of all nationalities and ethnic groups, living in rural or uban areas, with any level of education. Oxfam aims to recruit equal numbers of young men and women and has a strong focus on the participation of indigenous young people and those marginalised in their communities.

To launch the 2010 - 2013 OIYP programme, Oxfam hosted an 8-day Kaleidoscope event in November 2010 with the 300 new Action Partners in New Delhi, India. At this event, Action Partners connected with people across regions and cultures who are facing similar challenges in their communities. There will be opportunities for cultural exchange, skills and knowledge building, and planning for how young people can contribute to changes in their own lives and the lives of others in their community.

The first year of the OIYP cycle introduces selected members to the network and focuses on supporting Action Partners to identify the support they need and the strengths they bring to realise their plans to contribute to positive change in their communities and regions. The second and third year of the OIYP programme are focused on learning and action support, including online forums, programme support, skill shares, and cultural exchanges. Throughout the 3 years, Action Partners continue to support, challenge, and inspire one another in the implementation of their vision of change through face-to-face, online, and other initiatives driven by the members themselves, supported by Oxfam.