what is AYAD? The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Program aims to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa and make a positive contribution to development. The Program achieves these aims by placing skilled young Australian (18-30) on shortterm assignments in developing countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa. AYAD volunteers work with local counterparts in Host Organisations to achieve sustainable development outcomes through capacity building, skills exchange and institutional strengthening.
The AYAD Program provides support to AYADs including living and accommodation allowances, flights, pre-departure training, incountry management, insurance, medicals and debrief on return.
One of the great privileges I have in working
Read about Melissa Bull’s experience getting her ‘hands dirty’ in waste
for the Australian Youth Ambassadors for
management; bringing real and very visible change to San Juan in the Philippines.
Development (AYAD) Program is meeting the
Melissa must have had a serious impact on her colleagues as the councillors
fantastic people from our Host Organisations.
of the Municipality of San Juan passed a resolution to adopt her as a ‘special
Recently I was in Ghana helping our new In
daughter’ of San Juan!
Country Manager prepare for our first ever AYADs in Africa and had the opportunity to
If we look further down the development ‘problem tree’ to the root causes, we find
meet Nana Oye Lithur. Nana’s office is all
Summer Edwards engaged in a centre for the empowerment of women in rural
bare walls, overflowing desks and the buzz of
China. Summer comes to the obvious, but for some reason always surprising
infectious energy. Listening to Nana I was once
conclusion that poor rural women do have ideas and in fact lots of them!
again struck by the dimensions of need in Africa and how these needs draw out spectacular responses from some very special people. Nana is one of those
Then, right down at the bottom of the ‘problem tree’, we find Gillian Cook, helping
people. She began by telling us how yesterday she was in the north of Ghana
to give climate change a higher profile in the Solomon Islands by “transforming the
with three poor fishermen helping them understand the Ghanaian legal system
national paper into a climate change vehicle” and helping to get three Solomon
and their rights. The next week she was appearing in front of Ghana’s parliament,
Islanders to Copenhagen.
advocating children’s rights. Nana, and her organisation, the Human Rights Advocacy Centre, exemplify the spirit of the work that the AYAD Program seeks to
In a passionate but reasoned argument Sean Jacobs outlines why sport is not just
support. Read more about her organisation in our article on Ghana.
a valid vehicle for development, but a very potent one. Join Sean as he spends his mornings writing strategic documents, his afternoons in social development
In the most significant change to the Program since doubling in size in 2005 the
and his evenings training champions.
AYAD Program will be sending volunteers to Ghana this year. We are hopeful that the number of countries and volunteers in Africa will increase over the coming
Also in this magazine you will read about Jennifer Ward and the “amazing race’
The AYAD Program is an Australian Government, AusAID initiative and is fully funded by the Australian Government’s overseas aid agency, AusAID. AYAD is managed by Austraining International, a
years. This is aligned very much with the Australian Government’s increased focus
orientation in East Timor during her first week in country and Fabia Lonnquist
on Africa and the Millennium Development Goals.
reflects on her AYAD experience, going from ‘the pacific way’ in Fiji, to a
South Australian international project management company.
In this Exchange as always, I am amazed at the breadth of assignments that the
Development Internship with UNICEF. AYAD Program supports.
Even after 20 years in the ‘development business’ I learnt some good stuff reading through this magazine and I think you will too.
Brett Gresham AYAD Project Manager Austraining International
contents 4 Ghana Here We Come!
Exchange January - March, 2010 Editor
Orit Bierenboim
Sub Editor
Erin Green & Alice McCormack
Design:
Danny Connery
Agency of New Design
Contributors:
Sean Jacobs
6 Both Ends of the Deep End
Summer Edwards
8 Empowering Resourceful Women
Gillian Cook
Jennifer Ward
Fabia Lonnquist
Melissa Bull
10 It’s a Long Way from Copenhagen 14 AYAD Gallery
Photo credits:
16 The Amazing Race: Dili
Cover - Gillian Cook
18 The Pacific Way
Ghana Here We Come - Marcella Vrolijks
and Paul Van Mele
Both Ends of the Deep End - Lucy Erasito
Empowering Resourceful Women
22 Australian Partner Organisations
- Summer Edwards
It’s a Long Way from Copenhagen
23 Calendar
- Gillian Cook
The Pacific Way - Fabia Lonnquist
Not in My Backyard - Melissa Bull
20 In My Backyard
Cover: Gina Makaa, Maylin Sese and Christina Ora recently got the opportunity to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen as part of the Solomon Islands delegation. AYAD Gillian Cook tells us about their inspiring story, and her involvement, on page 10. Left: Children scare away birds during the rice ripening stage in Kumasi, Ghana. To find out more about the Program’s expansion into Ghana turn to page 4.
Exchange Magazine welcomes submissions from AYADs and alumni (RAYADs), Host Organisations and Australian Partner Organisations. Please contact the AYAD Marketing Manager, Orit Bierenboim at info.ayad@austraining.com.au for further information.
Exchange is printed on recycled paper.
ghana
development needs in ghana (using the UNDP Human Development Report 2009)
• Ghana ranks at 152 (out of 182) on the Human Development Index (Human
Fast Facts: • Location: The Republic of Ghana is located on
The AYAD Program has a distinguished history working with
the Western side of Africa bordering the Gulf of
communities, organisations and governments across the Asia Pacific to
Guinea, between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo • Size: an Area of 238, 537 sq km
fight poverty, empower local people and improve the quality of life of
Development Report 2009 UNDP) • 53.6% live on less than $2 per day (30% on less than $1 per day)
• Population: Approx 23 million people.
communities in developing nations. Since 1998 the AYAD Program has
• Capital: Accra.
sent over 2700 volunteers to live, work and make a difference in 21
• One third of rural populations lack access
• Languages spoken: English, Twi, Ga and Ewe.
countries across the Asia Pacific region.
to safe drinking water and only 11% have
In 2010 the AYAD Program is excited to welcome not only a new
• The average literacy rate in cities is 63%
country but a new region to our growing family as the first AYAD
whereas in rural areas the average is 40%,
volunteers are mobilised to Ghana in Africa.
and in the northern rural areas, this average
• Natural resources: gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone. • Main exports: Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminium, manganese ore, diamonds • Gross Domestic Product growth: 6.2% per annum
mdg’s
adequate sanitation
has been said to be as low as 6.9%
Gold Coast, due to the abundance of
• The rate of HIV is stabilising in Ghana,
gold that was found in the country.
however it has been estimated only 30% of AIDS cases are reported which has been
• Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty
Ghana became the first sub-Saharan
associated with inadequate access to health
African colony to gain independence on
services. Nationwide, only 469 eligible HIV-
March 6, 1957.
positive children were receiving crucial Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Given that more than
• Achieve universal primary education
The Republic of Ghana is named after
Since 1982 Ghana has experienced
6,000 children are eligible for ART, there is
• Promote gender equality and
the medieval Ghana Empire of West
political stability and poverty reduction
still an enormous gap in the area of paediatric
empower women
Africa (the name Ghana comes from the
is a key component of many present
• Reduce child mortality
title of the Kings that ruled the Kingdom).
government development policies.
Ghana is said to have human habitation
In 2007 oil reserves were discovered off
dating back to 50,000 BCE.
the shore of Ghana and, although this
• Improve maternal health • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
is not expected to flow for a while, this
• Ensure environmental sustainability
In the 1400s European exploration
indicates there will be a major boost
• Develop a global partnership for
began in the region. Ghana became
to the economy. Already Ghana is the
development
part of the British Empire in 1847 during
world’s second largest producer of
which time Ghana was referred to as the
cocoa with a strong export market.
ART. • Life expectancy at birth is 56.5 years (as compared to Australia at 81.3 years) • Maternal mortality rate is 560 per 100 000 births (as compared to Australia where the number is so small as to be statistically insignificant) • Mortality rate of children under 5 is 120 per 1000 births (as compared to Australia at 6 per
Data sourced from: CIA - The World Factbook, BBC News, Lonely Planet, Oxfam – Ghana Development Report and the UNDP Human Development Report 2009
1000 births)
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
Our Ghana In-Country Management Team. Austraining International has partnered with WUSC (World University Service of Canada) in order to support and manage AYAD volunteers in Ghana. WUSC has a strong background in volunteer management across Africa, Asia and Latin America and bring a wealth of Africa experience to the AYAD Program. Lead by Akwasi Addae-Boahene and Patience Gamado, our Ghana ICM team will ensure the AYADs destined for Ghana are well looked after. Akwasi Addae-Boahene has been the Ghana Country Director for World University Service of Canada (WUSC) since August 2004 and has a wealth of experience working on HIV/AIDs and education programs in Ghana. His extensive experience and enthusiasm for the power of volunteering make him a fantastic addition to the AYAD team. Patience Gamado has spent over 16 years working for VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) as well as the University of Ghana Medical School and the Ghana Ministry of Education and Culture. Her background in volunteer management and excellent experience in Ghana will ensure a strong, supportive environment for our new Africa AYADs.
The Africa Rice Center is a research organisation which focuses on contributing to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment. The Center aims to benefit both African farmers, for whom rice means livelihood, and also local people for whom rice means food. AfricaRice works hard to find the best methods for achieving their work. Intensive methodologies, such as Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR), have been supplemented by technology-mediated learning methodologies, using video, radio and information communication technologies in the attempt to both decentralise and democratise learning within the rice sector. In Ghana, agricultural production is not keeping pace with population growth, so the need to increase productivity for farmers is vital for the survival of the community.
International Water Management Institute (IWMI) – Ghana IWMI is a non-profit international research centre supported focused on improving the management of land and water resources for food, livelihoods and nature. IWMI helps contribute to the Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty and hunger and maintaining a healthy environment, as access to food and water are vital in order to meet these goals. IWMI concentrates on water and related land management challenges that poor rural communities face. IWMI Africa shares the vision of the African Union for “an Africa free from hunger and poverty” and supports its New Partnerships for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Program. The IWMI sub-regional research portfolio has its focus on efforts to reduce poverty and provide improved food security through sustainable and efficient agricultural water use. Related projects range from the analysis of adoption factors for treadle pumps to basin scale modelling, irrigation policy development, the relationship between malaria and irrigation, and health risk reduction despite wastewater use.
Human Rights Advocacy Center The Human Rights Advocacy Center (HRAC) focuses on promoting information related to human rights, to the people of Ghana. This is in order to ensure there is an understanding of their rights and what protection they are legally entitled to. Some key areas which the HRAC are focused on include the right to information, constitutionalism and women’s rights.
UNICEF Ghana UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is focused on advocating measures to give children globally the best start in life. In Ghana UNICEF is involved in various activities to ensure that children in Ghana have access to civil rights and freedoms, basic health and welfare, education, so all children can develop to their full potential. UNICEF Ghana is focused on projects on equality of education, water and sanitation, maternal and child health working in partnership with key government and non-government actors and local communities.
5
Sport as a vehicle for development is still struggling in its attempts
The obvious health benefits of training or playing a sport, coupled with the
to be recognised in the mainstream development world. For AYAD
important tonics of team work, respect for rules, cooperation and tolerance
Sean Jacobs it’s a no-brainer. You don’t need to look any further
(to name a few) all underscore sport as a key ingredient in development.
than his year spent working with Fiji Swimming to see the breadth
My experiences with Fiji Swimming have highlighted such benefits and, in
of impact sport can have in local communities.
many respects, expanded them.
When peering down the corridors of development, there’s a casual
Swimming is unique as a sport in its ability to engage and draw in wider
tendency to look to the museum of collective categories. Multiple AYAD
sections of the community than other sports. I’m reminded of this every
missions, for example, make valuable progress down the strict avenues
time I enter my office at the National Aquatic Centre in Suva to witness
of governance, infrastructure, public health or education. Categorised
healthy, active, male and female squad swimmers from all bands of the
or boxed this way, sport as an important and even innovative vehicle for
socioeconomic order share lane space with disabled swimmers and the
development has, for some time, scuffled for a share of the
elderly.
spotlight. But in Fiji, learning to swim isn’t just a sporting activity. Fiji currently has As the Kofi Annan-initiated UN Inter-Agency Task Force for Sport,
the highest number of deaths by drowning (per capita) of any country
Development and Peace laments, “sport is seen as a by-product of
in the world. Despite the abundance of water, from tropical beaches to
development, not an engine.” Development work ministers to the vision of
waterholes, surprising and alarming numbers of Fijians are still unable to
sweaty brows, reconstruction teams and board meetings, rarely nurturing
swim.
the ambiguous category of ‘sport’. However, this old stigma is beginning to change as the field begins to gain a larger pedigree in the development
Recently, I’ve put six aspiring coaches from the local community through
sphere.
the Green Level or ‘learn to swim’ coaching course, held meetings with local school principals and engaged teachers, the Red Cross and even
Fiji Swimming's top young swimming talent during a swim camp in Suva
the town’s head of Police to come on board. I’ve also had the tremendous
The solution, I’ve found is the simple idea of ‘moving the truck with the
strongly buoyed by the International Olympic Committee and their Fijian
opportunity of working closely with Olympic legend Shane Gould, whose
trailer’. A few months into my placement a brief email pointed out a small
proxy – the Fijian Olympic Committee (FASANOC).
program actively works to eliminate drowning in the region and wider Fiji.
pool development in Ba town, which has catalysed multiple trips to the region to set up a swimming program. By developing a regional hub for
Overall, I’ve found that sports advancement means straddling issues of
I’ve also dragooned my burdened but eager counterpart, Joy Rakabu from
swimming in a province very much a laggard in terms of water safety we
governance, infrastructure, health and education – the broad themes
Fiji Schools Sports, into launching a modest yet strategic, targeted water
have the opportunity to address the issues at both ends of the spectrum
of development. My role as an AYAD with Fiji Swimming has immersed
safety and recruiting program in Fiji’s most vulnerable areas.
– basic water safety and more advanced competitive swimming. It is an
me heavily in all of these disciplines, from streamlining the functionality
exciting but challenging enterprise.
of governance within the organisation, to actively promoting more public
At the competitive end of swimming however, Fiji fares exceptionally well
pools, healthy living and the accession of swimming into the school
as a competitive Pacific swimming nation. This year alone at the Pacific
Whilst buoying such community and social development endeavors
Sun National Championships, a staggering 27 national records were
however, I haven’t neglected the responsibility of grooming the high-end
broken from swimmers across the six clubs in Fiji, not to mention the
group of talented swimmers, nor sorting the menu of governance-oriented
Although the next Michael Phelps is unlikely to carry a Fijian passport, if Fiji
highly successful FINA World Championship team sent to Rome in July.
issues that go into running Fiji Swimming as a national federation. In fact,
Swimming sustains its level of community engagement, the island nation
To further draw scrutiny to this polarized situation, the national champions
as I work on our strategic planning document with the Oceania National
will make its own swim legend. What’s possibly greater is that in pursuing
– the Makos Swim Club – are based out of the town of Nadi; a region
Olympic Committee, a clear fact emerges; creating a wider and more
this endeavor, we’ll also assist other valuable arenas of development in
burdened with a succession of drowning incidents.
diverse base of swimming stakeholders is a key plank in ensuring long-term
gearing Fiji toward a more prosperous and brighter future.
curriculum.
results at the competitive end of the pool. In short, broadening the base Multiple explanations exist for this; a chronic lack of public pools, logistical
dramatically increases the talent pool. For more information visit www.fijiswimming.com or contact Fiji
cul-de-sacs, scant service delivery and ramshackle access to the most basic water safety knowledge. It’s then that halfway through my tenure as
Thankfully, Fiji Swimming has a proud tradition of community engagement,
an AYAD in Fiji a clear question emerges – how do I reconcile the sport at
supplemented by key support from the Australian Sports Outreach
both the development and competitive ends?
Program through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are also
Swimming President Dennis Miller dennis@onoc.org.fj
7
Empowering Resourceful Women
AYAD Summer Edwards experiences the strength and capacity of local women in rural China when, with her Host Organisation, the Beijing Cultural Development Centre for Rural Women, a new rural resource centre is opened to encourage women to build their own path to development. As we turned into the grounds of the local school, I could immediately sense the importance of this occasion to the women of the village. Despite the freezing spring weather in the mountainous setting, nearly one hundred people (the majority women, but also a number of children and a handful of men) were gathered outside in the school courtyard, eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony. Accompanied by local government officials, three women representing the Beijing Cultural Development Centre for Rural Women (of which I was one) had arrived to establish a community resource centre that would equip the villagers (both women and men) with skills and resources to work together for the sustainable development of the community. While the villagers were gathered here to learn more about the resource centre, and how it could be used to enrich the community, they were delighted by the appearance of a ‘foreign friend’ in their village. Moreover, being able to speak and understand putonghua, this was a foreign friend with whom they could communicate. A rare delight indeed, and an opportunity that the women eagerly took up. The excitement of my presence soon settled however, for it was the resource centre with which the women were primarily concerned, and they held great hopes for what it may mean for their lives. The principles that guide the work of the Beijing Cultural Development Centre for Rural Women are to understand the needs of village women, from their own perspectives, rather than from the perspective of an outsider. Rural women themselves understand their own needs best. The Centre works to equip rural women with the skills and resources to lead their own development. This is enshrined in their organisational philosophy, ‘give someone a piece of fruit, they benefit for a day, give someone a seed, and they benefit their entire life’. Responding to the needs of rural women, as seen through their own eyes, the Centre has established a number of community resource centres in villages throughout the poorer provinces of China. This would be the first resource centre opened in Longhua county, a rural
region of Hebei province, to the north-east of Beijing. The community resource centre has two main functions: the first is to provide a library from which community members can access relevant books and educational material which are usually inaccessible to them; the second is to provide a meeting space in which village women and the broader community can collaborate to initiate community development activities. The proceedings opened with the usual speeches, cultural performances, and the unveiling of the plaque which marked the community resource centre. However, it wasn’t until the ceremony had concluded, that the significant proceedings would commence. Once the microphones were unplugged, and the name tags were put away, this was when the community development activities could begin. Small gifts were handed out to mark the opening of the community resource centre. Once we began to hand out the gifts - small books and sanitation pads - the crowd responded in the familiar manner of any crowd when there are free goods on offer - eagerly, with outspread hands. It was an amusing sight to see the excitement of the children as they ran off with their mother’s new packet of sanitation pads - it didn’t matter what it was, it was exciting because it was new. The resource centre will be run by the community, for the benefit of the community, and for women in particular, managed by a committee of ten women. The rest of the day was thus dedicated to training women in ways in which the centre could be used and managed, and highlighting the existing talents which village women could employ for this purpose. Watched over by curious children, peering through the windows and the doors, around 30 village women participated in the gender awareness and empowerment activities. Having grown up in, as well as having spent most of her adult life in a village herself, the trainer had an intimate understanding of her audience, and established a natural rapport. While not a single one of the village participants had ever come across the term gender (or, in the very logical Chinese languagesocial sex), it took very little time before they understood both the social expectations placed upon individuals as a result of their sex, and the gendered nature of access to resources and opportunities. The ease in which the women grasped this material was a result of
both the skills of the trainer in communicating the concepts, and the existing conceptual ability of the women themselves. Perhaps the best example of the village women’s own ability to critically engage with their situation was demonstrated when the issue of grassroots political leadership was discussed. Without any prompting from the facilitators, the village women quickly identified the major constraint of women’s election to political leadership was the failure of even women themselves to consider female candidates as appropriate leaders. While hesitant at first, when asked to identify the areas in which the resource centre could be used to help develop the community, the village women knew exactly what skills and knowledge they required to improve their own lives and eventually spoke up. Soon an extensive list of potential community training activities was compiled: health and sanitation, agriculture, financial and management skills, legal rights, and computer literacy. The women knew the outcomes they wanted, and they could recognise the manner in which to achieve them. My lasting impression of the day was of the amazing resourcefulness and ability of the village women. We often fall into the trap of assuming that poor people with a low basis of education, especially women, are disempowered and lack the skills and understanding to determine the best path for their own development. The most important lesson that I could take from my experience was that this is far from the case. The organisation in which I am on assignment works on a model of facilitation, enabling village women and their communities to choose their own path to development. The day was filled with hope and enthusiasm, and I left truly humbled by my experience. Despite the poverty in which the village women found themselves, their hardship did nothing to diminish their energy. This was a community which seemed to possess more optimism than any community of wealthier circumstance. We of the developed world can learn a great deal from the attitude of these women, and I certainly feel that I have. It is not material wealth which enriches our lives, but hope. I feel enriched for simply having experienced the hopeful optimism of this community of amazing women. For more information: www.nongjianv.org/web/english/index.html or contact Ms Chen shanshanchen@163.com
9
Rebecca Asigau from Papua New Guinea with Maylin and Gina at the Conference Centre.
It’s a Long Way from Copenhagen As an archipelago of small islands in the Pacific, the Solomon Islands
There are a number of AYADs working in climate change roles in Honiara and
Out of the hundreds of youth from the global south who applied, three were
are feeling the direct impacts of climate change on communities and the
our combined effort means that climate change related activities, projects and
successful from Solomon Islands. But before they could get there, we had plenty
environment. For AYAD Gillian Cook, raising awareness on not only the
level of public awareness has increased over the past few months. A friend even
of work to do. One of the girls didn’t have a passport, and none of them had
impact but also possible responses to climate change is a community
joked to me recently “You have turned the Solomon Star (national newspaper)
warm clothes. Plus we had to organise visas for them in only a couple of weeks.
affair that needs to reach an international audience and the United
into a climate change journal!”. Overcoming logistical problems was something we could do as a small team.
Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is an important step The Climate Change Division in the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and
Solving the greater challenge of climate change was something the girls
Meteorology was created at the beginning of 2008 and while it is still in the
were about to contribute to on an international stage in a way that would be
Seventeen year old Christina Ora sat in front of thousands of people and
early stages of development, it has incredibly hardworking staff. I feel extremely
meaningful not only for them but also for their country and for the world.
delivered a strong message from the entire youth constituency at the United
privileged to be part of such a new Ministry, filled with passionate people who
Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
want to protect their unique environment and culture. Fellow AYAD Kellie Raab is
Within Solomon Islands, there are many low lying islands, coral atolls and artificial
working in a policy role in the Climate Change Division.
islands. Communities are already experiencing salt water intrusion in their crops,
in that process.
severe coastal erosion, higher king tides flooding their houses and fresh water
“You have been negotiating all my life,” she said. “You cannot tell us that you need more time. Please commit to these decisions now, because you hold our
There is plenty of work to do in my role as a Media Awareness Officer in the
shortages. People living in river delta areas are also suffering from increased
future in your hands, and survival is not negotiable.”
Climate Change Division. George, my counterpart, and I are tasked with raising
flooding of their crops and houses during the wet season.
awareness about climate change and educating the public. We have conducted This young woman, chosen to represent the hundreds of youth at the conference
workshops in schools and communities, planned radio programs and made
The world needs to hear these stories. And they would, at the biggest climate
and the millions concerned about climate change worldwide, comes from
posters in Pijin which address climate change impacts and give communities
change conference of all time, from three passionate young women.
Solomon Islands, one of the least developed countries in the world and one of
simple adaptation ideas. Gina, Christina and Maylin would be working with young Australians from Project
the most vulnerable to climate change. Her poise, confidence and determination were reminders to everyone that vulnerability doesn’t equate to weakness. It
We have worked with non-government organisations (such as Red Cross where
Survival Pacific to emphasise the urgent need to act on climate change to ensure
seemed to me as though there was barely a dry eye in the room.
AYAD Steph Smith is placed) by collaborating on projects such as international
the very survival of small Pacific island countries. They would also be part of the
youth day, international climate action day and climate change speaking
Solomon Islands Government delegation, and would be supporting government
I will never forget the moment I found out that three young Solomon Islander
competitions in order to raise awareness about climate change and more
negotiators to help them achieve a strong agreement in Copenhagen.
women had been successful in their application to secure funding to attend
importantly, to help people adapt to its impacts. Two of the girls had never left Solomon Islands before and now they were
the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. One of the young women, Maylin kept saying “oh my gosh are you serious?”, Christina
During this time we worked alongside many passionate young Solomon
heading to a county where the temperature was at least 30 degrees less than
laughed and gave me a huge hug and there was a gaping silence on the end
Islanders and when an opportunity came up through Project Survival Pacific with
their home; where the city is all cement and brick, rather than overrun with
of the phone from Gina before she said “What?”. I felt like I had announced that
the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for some of them to apply for funding to
banana trees, frangipanis, hibiscus; where shops sell masses of consumer
they had won the lottery, and I guess in a way that is how they felt. After four
attend the conference, the Ministry and Red Cross worked together to support
goods, and where there are only seven hours of weak sunlight in a day.
months as an AYAD in Solomon Islands, this was one of the highlights of all my
their applications.
achievements so far and I had achieved more than I had hoped I could.
1
Left – Taking a break from conference preparations to enjoy some lunch Middle – The long process of filling out visa forms Right - Christina and Maylin presenting the Solomon Islands section in Pacific Voices.
But these young women were prepared, confident and ready to tell their story.
“I would like to share with people across the world what I think would be a
“The experiences I will have, things I will learn, people I will meet will all assist me
Kellie and I, as well as Steph from Red Cross, discussed with them how best to
solution that would be helpful and applicable for my country.
in gaining a deeper understanding of climate change which will help me to report more effectively on climate change issues when I return to Honiara.”
use media opportunities, how to understand climate change science and how the negotiating processes work. In turn, they enriched our understanding of the
“My passion is working with communities and especially women and youth
real impacts of climate change by telling us their Solomon Island experiences.
who are sometimes marginalised from decision making, to all work together to
Maylin, Gina and Christina arrived in Copenhagen ready to tell their story and
combat climate change at a community level.”
advocate for a fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement for their people. The atmosphere was intimidating with thousands of representatives from non-
Seventeen year old Christina Ora, who recently returned from a very successful climate change speaking tour in Canada with Climate Action Network Canada
“Young people in the Solomon Islands do not have many opportunities to be
government organisations jostling with country party delegates in the vast halls
and Oxfam Canada, found that by telling people her story, she was able to
educated about issues like climate change, or many opportunities to educate the
and it was impossible to walk 100 metres without being in the background of
influence how people felt and compel them to act.
rest of the world about what they are facing nationally.”
a media interview. People were furiously typing on computers, handing out
“People actually turned to me and said, ‘From your story we are ashamed of
“Young people need to gain experience out of these conferences, to speak out
ourselves. We have been living in luxury all these years, we have microwave,
about the issues affecting them, and to be better informed about it when they
dishwasher at home. We go to school in vehicles every day, whereas you guys
come home.”
pamphlets and badges and parading around in various fancy dress costumes.
Maylin, Christina and Gina braved the cold and the dark early morning starts and the intensity of such new experiences like catching a train for the very first time
in rural areas, your grandparents actually walk for thirty minutes to their gardens whereas as we just go to the supermarket and get everything there.’”
Everyone had a story to tell. Everyone had an agenda.
Twenty four year old Georgina Maka’a works as a reporter at the Solomon Star,
and seeing snow and threw themselves into making the most of this opportunity
Solomon Islands’ most popular newspaper. She was looking forward to working
to help people back home.
“They felt like they are to blame but I told them that it is not only their fault
with the Solomon Islands Delegation and the Pacific Media Team coordinated
because all of us are responsible.”
by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme during the conference in
Through Project Survival Pacific, they teamed up with other Pacific youth to
Copenhagen, focusing on stories about issues affecting Solomon Islands.
present a performance called Voices of the Pacific where they shared stories, photos, dances, songs, poems and experiences from their respective countries.
Christina was hoping to advocate in Copenhagen for a strong response from Gina wanted to use the media to pressure countries to agree to a fair and legally
They met with Australia’s top negotiator, Louise Hand and Climate Change
binding deal, by advocating for the position of Pacific island nations while she
Minister Penny Wong and spoke about what sort of response the Pacific needs
Maylin Sese works as a volunteer in grassroots community development activities
is reporting from the conference. One of her roles was to be filing stories for
from other countries.
in Solomon Islands that focus on the environment and livelihoods. She has been
Solomon Islands media on the progress of the negotiations so that Solomon
working with women from her village to help build their adaptive capacity by
Islanders understand how this global event will affect their daily lives.
developed countries on mitigation and adaptation.
Maylin and Christina took part in press conferences organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and spoke beside Ministers and
giving them skills in accessing markets to sell their vegetables and learning new income generating skills such a floral arranging. She was excited about attending
“I believe that the media has an important role in communicating the complex
Heads of State from other pacific countries outlining their passionate pleas for
the conference because she saw it as an opportunity to tell the world about how
issues associated with climate change adaptation and mitigation and creating an
climate justice, while Gina covered stories like these for media back in Solomon
climate change has the potential to displace people from their homes.
informed and empowered public.”
Islands. The young women attended the Solomon Islands Delegation meetings
“If climate change is not controlled or minimised, it will pull us from our roots –
Gina hoped that by taking part in the conference she will be well equipped to
we will have no place to stay. We will be displaced people, and it will be a big
return to her country and continue climate change reporting.
each day and reported back on the work they had been doing raising the
problem, because who will accept us as refugees?
concerns of Solomon Islands people.
As part of my role at the conference as a media officer for Solomon Islands I was able to assist the women by contacting journalists and preparing them for interviews with regional and international media outlets as well as for preparing for press conferences. I supported the delegation by finding opportunities for opinion pieces and other stories which raised awareness about climate change in Solomon Islands and made the most of the international media’s heightened level of interest in climate change. Being able to work towards highlighting the voice of the Pacific and the voice of Solomon Islands was exciting work. It was also tiring and stressful at times because everyone was working so hard and so intensely on issues vital to the lives of so many people. Late nights, early mornings, deadlines, conference centre food, emotions running high and freezing cold weather all seemed irrelevant when compared to the achievements made by the entire team, especially now with the added benefit of hindsight! While the Solomon Islands and other small island developing states didn’t get all they wanted out of the conference in Copenhagen, it showed what a resilient, strong, and hard working climate change team exists in Solomon Islands. Every member of the delegation was made to feel like a vital part of the team. The Pacific voice was very strong at the conference and the Solomon Islands Delegation were right at the forefront of this united message of survival. Assisting Maylin, Gina and Christina to attend an international forum where their stories were heard was a great privilege. Seeing what they can achieve back home in Solomon Islands will be one of the highlights of the next six months of my placement. For more information on the Australian Youth Climate Coalition go to www.aycc.org.au
3
Welcome to the AYAD Photo Gallery, a chance for AYADs and alumni (RAYADs) to share photos of their experiences in-country. Want to share your photo? Simply email the photo with a caption to info@ayad.com.au By submitting your photos to the AYAD Program you are giving consent for these images to be used for promotional purposes by the AYAD Program (including website, promotional materials and Exchange) so don’t forget to get consent from the people in the photos. From top to bottom, left to right: A young girl enjoys a soft drink outside the St Barnabas School of Nursing, one of the AYAD Program’s Host Organisations in Papua New Guinea-Photo © The Production Hub/ Photographer Matthew Fallon AYAD volunteers ‘jump for joy’ in inner Mongolia – Photo Nicola Scott AYAD assignments encourage the transfer of skills, knowledge and culture. - Photo © AYAD / Photographer Josh Estey The canoe has played an integral role in the Pacific for thousands of years. - Photo © Istockphoto AYAD Louise Wallace worked as a marketing advisor at SABORAS, an organisation that helps build sustainable livelihoods through community development work in Cambodia. - Photo © AYAD / Photographer Dean Saffron In East Timor, AusAID has set up projects to help villagers rebuild their market gardens. - Photo © AusAID / Photographer David Haigh The Australian Government Volunteer Program aims to contribute to poverty reduction, sustainable development and cross cultural understanding. - Photo © AusAID Staff at the World Health Organization in China staying true to their work by exercising twice a day – Photo Nicola Scott Late afternoon rainclouds form over the mountains across Cabali-an Bay in Southern Leyte, Philippines. – Photographer Melissa Bull AYADs work with a range of local organisations across our region to achieve sustainable development outcomes. ElefantAsia, one of the AYAD Program’s Host Organisations, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Asian elephant in Laos. - Photo © ElefantAsia / Photographer Paul Wager The sun disappears behind Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte as a fisherman begins his work. – Photographer Melissa Bull A vendor displays freshly caught fish at the Albay Market in Legazpi City, Philippines. - Photo © Matthew Fallon AYADs enjoy fresh produce available from local markets, including the ever popular coconut. - Photographer Danny Connery AYADs get the chance to experience a change in scenery while on assignment. - Photo © Istockphoto Enjoying the stunning silhouette of the ‘City Temple’ at dawn. - Photographer Kathryn Michie
5 9
The Amazing Race: Dili In-country orientation is a key training element for newly arrived AYADs in every country but as our East Timor AYADs discovered, it isn’t necessarily about sitting in a classroom. Here Intake 26 AYAD Jennifer Ward shares the fun (and controversy) of the Amazing Race: Dili. The midday heat in Dili saps the energy of any crazy malai (visitor) that dares venture out of doors. Noon is a time for sleeping and eating, stealing shade, or sprawling in front of a fan, not for a frenzied race around town. Even the infamous Hashford Harriers save their gruelling runs for the afternoon. But the heat wasn’t an obstacle for the contestants of The Amazing Race: Dili. Soaring temperatures and high humidity was no match for the keen and competitive spirit of Intake 26’s AYADs. After being in the country for one week, we were all keen starters in the race. A by far greater challenge was navigating around town, negotiating prices with taxi drivers and questioning security guards with our limited Tetum, the local language. Thankfully race organiser, the resourceful and well-connected Intake 25 AYAD Jason Weise, had arranged for Timorese English students to assist us in our quest. The day had shifted from a day of pure competition to a chance to practice Tetum, English and make new friends. Joined by Megan (VIDA) and Bruce (Volunteers Service Abroad – New Zealand), seven teams of
Australian/New Zealanders and Timorese students raced around Dili, completing challenges at famous and useful landmarks. Starting from the centre of town the race crossed Dili to the cafes overlooking the sun sparkles skipping over the clear blue water lapping on the city’s edge. Despite the urge to slump in the overstuffed couches lining the balcony and listen to the symphony of UN accents, we were off to the Australian Residential Compound, location of the Australian Doctor, to question the security guards. Contestants were then directed to the main locations across Dili, including the aptly named Landmark supermarket. It was here that controversial, some would say devious, tactics changed the outcome of the race, now known in AYAD folklore as ‘the mikrolet incident’. Mikrolets are the only form of public transport in Dili. They are minibuses which fit a surprising number of people into a very small space. Second placed group Jo/Chris, took advantage of the fact that this local form of public transport will stop anywhere along a road, not at designated stops. Charging up the road to meet an oncoming mikrolet, they overtook the previously first-placed group Lizzie/ Rachel by ‘highjacking’ their mikrolet. The five person race group had to squeeze past the men hanging out the door, stumble though the
seemingly full cabin to seats which materialise out of nowhere and squash next to strangers. The pounding bass that reverberated through the vehicle adds to the general claustrophobia, but for 10 cents a ride it is often the only form of transport many Timorese can afford.
Lizzie/Rachel due to the aforementioned mikrolet incident), resoundingly beating last placed Megan/ Bruce by over an hour. It was also here that we farewelled our new Timorese friends some of whom we would meet up with in subsequent weeks to continue practicing Tetum and English.
The mikrolets headed to Tiger Fuels, the biggest fuel station in Dili. After deciphering the difference between solar (diesel) and besin (petrol) – crucial knowledge for those who buy cars or motorbikes, it was a walk to Hotel Timor to enjoy one of Timor’s main export crops, coffee.
Despite the heat and the controversy, the race was an essential part of Intake 26s orientation. Through the course of the day, as well as providing a snapshot of the main landmarks in Dili, we visited places we may want or need to find in our daily lives in Timor Leste. The day’s experience changed Dili from a place of disassociated landmarks glimpsed in the first week to a connected city. Wandering around Dili also provided a snapshot of TimorLeste’s past. Both at Santa Cruz Cemetery and driving past burnt out houses demonstrated the sadness, suffering and loss. The race offered an opportunity for all of us to reflect how our assignments can contribute to a peaceful and positive future.
Stepping out of the air conditioning and wireless internet, we then travelled to one of the most historic places in Dili, Santa Cruz Cemetery. The Santa Cruz massacre on 12 November 1992 was one of the turning points that culminated in TimorLeste’s independence from Indonesia. The white walls of the cemetery hide pink, green and blue tiled graves splashed among the grey headstones. Together with the plastic flowers delicately placed on the graves, the riot of colour contrasted with the sadness of the ghosts of the past. The race continued to a local pharmacy and then to Dili Hospital, where contestants had to prove they knew basic first aid by tying slings before finishing in the lovely Area Branca, the beautiful white sand beach just beyond Dili’s city limits. Team Jo/Chris, won the day (this victory remains contested by team
The Amazing Race Dili could not have happened without the hard work of Intake 25’s amazing AYADs, Jason Wiese, Jennifer Kelly, Katherine Lester and Jess Winnall, Intake 24’s Heidi Michael and VIDA Lisa Mortimer. A big thank you to them and our ICM Caz Dutch for organising a great day!
7
Returned AYAD Fabia Lonnquist discovers that the pacific way (a peaceful, calm approach) is one of the best things she could learn on assignment in Fiji and it’s a trait that has come in handy as she navigates her return to Australia and an opportunity to work with UNICEF Australia with an AYAD Development Internship. I am convinced that there is something magical in the waters of the Pacific – something unexplainable – an intangible element that changes a person forever. Well, that was my experience… After graduating from university, I applied to the AYAD Program with the hope of being able to utilise my studies in International Relations and Communications, and gain some practical experience in the field of International Development. I was very fortunate to be accepted to undertake an AYAD placement with the World Health Organization (WHO) in their South Pacific Regional Office in Fiji, and, as clichéd as it may sound – it was honestly the most rewarding experience of my life!
I learnt that the Australian Government plays an important role in assisting regional development; I learnt that the work of WHO actually saves lives; and I learnt that among the region’s most impoverished communities live some of the most generous, caring and happy people. It never ceased to amaze me how those with so little have so much to give and this is not only an inspiring reality, but something we can all learn from. Although it wasn’t all smooth sailing and there were days of intense frustration (not just when Fiji would beat us on the rugby field) I began to understand that these frustrations were more to do with my outlook and not the situation itself. So with a little bit of patience and a whole lot of flexibility the frustrations eventually became the very things I loved about the place! After experiencing the “Pacific Way” it is no wonder the prospect of returning to Australia wasn’t too appetizing. However, the prospect of an AYAD Development Internship really helped with the re-integration process and enabled me to continue working in the field, just closer to home.
The Pacific Way My Development Internship was with UNICEF Australia (United Nations Children’s Fund) based in the Advocacy department and was under the direct supervision of UNICEF Australia’s Advocacy Manager – Anna Dekker. The internship saw my involvement in various activities within the organisation, the majority of which directly related to UNICEF Australia’s advocacy programs, but some activities were linked to their communication and education departments. During my first week I assisted with the organisation and implementation of UNICEF Australia’s annual fundraising lunch, UNICEF Australia’s Year in Review. In the three weeks that followed I worked on a number of other tasks including research projects in support of UNICEF Australia’s advocacy campaigns and conducting a competitor analysis in which I outlined the forms of advocacy and communication tools of various other child rights focused agencies. I also helped organise a meeting with UNICEF Australia’s Youth Advisory Panel, a group of young Australians that advise UNICEF Australia on their advocacy and education campaigns and the best way to engage young people. The Development Internship had a myriad of outcomes that proved beneficial to me. I gained an understanding of the role of
a development organisation within a developedcountry context and learnt of the role that various stakeholders play: government, NGO, private sector and civil society. I was able to continue with the type of work that I was doing while on my AYAD assignment in Fiji, but this time, the sustainable outcomes were benefiting an organisation on the ‘home front.’ Long-term outcomes include setting up the framework necessary for future advocacy programs in Australia and the research I was involved in will increase the likelihood of their success. One of the greatest resources for me during the internship were my colleagues, some of the most intelligent, accomplished and professional individuals I have come across. The close-knit team environment meant that I had a chance to work with several different people in the office and learnt new skills from each of them. Due to the professional nature of the organisation, I also learnt about office conduct and how to appropriately liaise with various stakeholders. All in all, the Development Internship provided me with a rare opportunity to further develop my skill
set in a professional environment and enabled me to gain a greater understanding of the role that a development organisation plays in a developedcountry context. The expertise and patience of my colleagues in the UNICEF Australia office ensured that I was provided with first-class guidance and was nurtured in a professional sense.
For More Information
The AYAD Program and Development Internships gives young Australians real work experience in their area of expertise. My AYAD and Development Internship journey has inspired me to pursue a career in International Development, it has given me the necessary confidence to pursue graduate studies in International Law and has led to an internship at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Also, since the AYAD Debrief, I have learnt that there are a significant number of Returned AYADs actively promoting human rights, advocating for social justice and working in the international arena, which is really exciting to be a part of. I am sincerely appreciative of having had the opportunity to participate in the AYAD Program, it has impacted on my life in ways I never thought possible and I dream of returning to the Pacific one day!
Or to find more about undertaking a Development Internship with UNICEF Australia, please send an email to unicef@unicef.org.au or call 02 9261 2811.
WHO South Pacific Office: www.wpro.who.int/southpacific UNICEF Australia: www.unicef.com.au
Development Internships support Returned AYADs in continuing their professional interest in the field of development in Australia. Similar to the AYAD Program, Development Internships are designed to mutually benefit both the Returned AYAD and host organisation. For more information go to www.ayad.com.au/returnedayads/development-internships
9
AYAD Melissa Bull gets a lesson in litter in the
dispose of the bag when we got home, so I was completely
we were able to agree that the time spent on the survey
Philippines and helps builds a legacy for local
shocked when the bag went flying out the window to land in
would be the most effective starting point for developing a
communities with the idea that everywhere is
a grassy patch on the verge of the road.
sustainable solid waste management solution in the town.
vision for communities is all part of the job description
I had no idea what to do. I was with my new host
Once we gained approval, my counterpart, Ernesto
for Melissa and her counterparts in San Juan. How’d
organisation, the very same organisation that had requested
Amista, organised our community volunteer interviewers
they do it? Read on as Melissa gives us the low down
my assistance to improve their town’s waste management.
to walk around their barangay, or village, asking the survey
on some dirty business:
The irony was not lost on me and I was speechless. What
questions and filling out the Cebuano dialect version of
clearer sign could there be of the huge task I had ahead of
the questionnaire. Ernesto guided our volunteers through
me?
a training session beforehand so each interviewer had the
someone’s back yard. Turning trash into a healthy
Driving along a bouncing road at high speed all I could do
same level of knowledge about solid waste management
was close my eyes - anything to block out the bedlam of pedicabs and jeepneys we were weaving through, barely
I realised that for me to have any impact in my assignment
and could understand what kind of answers were required
centimetres from collision. Arriving in Tacloban City that
as a Waste Management Officer, I needed to understand
and how they needed to be recorded on the questionnaire.
morning, representatives from my host organization, the
what level of understanding the community has about
Municipality of San Juan, had picked me up and we were
solid waste management. Is it important to them? Does
Over one week, all 18 barangays in the town were surveyed
on our way to my new hometown, a good 3-4 hours drive
the community know where their waste goes? Do people
and, to my surprise, the results of the survey showed that
away.
understand the impacts of poor waste management on the
the level of awareness about solid waste management was
environment and the health of their community?
much higher than I had expected. Thinking back to my first day and the plastic bag of rubbish flying out the window, I
Before we left the city we made a quick stop at Jollibee to pick up some lunch. Jollibee is more popular than
From those first few hours on assignment, I had nothing
realised that my initial assumption was wrong. I thought the
McDonalds in the Philippines. But from the red and yellow
but questions and I knew the answers to these questions
littering was because of a lack of education on the proper
colour scheme, to the fries and burgers, it’s not hard to see
were the key for me to make a sustainable contribution
disposal of waste, but in fact it was more a result of a
where the inspiration for Jollibee came from.
to the community. Of course, getting answers to those
NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitude.
questions wasn’t as straightforward as I hoped. With a lack My new home is called San Juan, and it is in the province
of existing data, I knew we needed to conduct a survey
Throughout my entire stay I would see the NIMBY attitude in
of Southern Leyte, on the other side of the Leyte Mountain
to get a comprehensive idea of solid waste management
action, most commonly when I travelled on the local buses
range from Tacloban City in the Philippines. As we travelled
awareness levels from all socioeconomic groups within the
and watched plastic bottles and lolly wrappers go flying out
up the winding road into the pristine mountains, everyone’s
community. Convincing the town’s council members that
the window. As long as it wasn’t their own village it was OK
stomachs satisfied, I had my first encounter with waste
this was the logical first step was another matter. With a
to litter. It seemed strange to me. Filipino people, in general,
management in the Philippines.
limited timeframe they wanted us to begin working on the
are exceptionally house-proud and every morning I would
solid waste infrastructure and programs immediately. But
be woken at 5am by the sound of native brushes scraping
I had noticed everyone in the car placing their take-away
how could we get started if we didn’t know what needed
across the concrete to sweep up the leaves and rubbish
food rubbish into a plastic bag. I assumed they would
to be addressed? By discussing this aspect of project work
of the previous day. But where the waste goes after its
21
Australian partner organisations
Previous page - Waste pickers scavenge through the municipal waste as it is unloaded at open dumpsite in San Juan. This page - Ernesto Amista, Municipal Waste Management Officer, integrity checks waste awareness surveys being conducted in the villages by local volunteers.
collected was another story. As long as the waste
pilot program in the barangays be extended to
The AYAD Program works with a diverse range of
• Aceh Research Training Institute
wasn’t in ‘my backyard’ then it could be disposed of
all areas after we agreed it had been a success?
Australian Partner Organisations who provide support,
• Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
in the ocean, the river, the rainforest or wherever.
Would people continue to segregate their waste or
enthusiasm and expertise to projects in all our partner
• Adventist Development and Relief Agency
would they return to their old habits and make the
countries.
• AIDS Council of New South Wales.
A list of priority actions was presented to the town
segregated collection unnecessary?
councillors and soon we were beginning our first
• ANZ Bank
Australian Partner Organisations (APOs) are
• Asia-Pacific Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS
improvements to solid waste management in San
I am still in contact with my counterpart on a regular
Australian government departments, non-government
• Asia-Pacific Journalism Centre
Juan. Firstly, education and awareness campaigns
basis, and also with my Filipino host family who I lived
organisations (NGOs), educational institutions and
• ATSE Crawford
about segregation of waste – what is biodegradable
with throughout the duration of my stay. From the
private companies that have or wish to establish links
• Attorney-General’s Department
waste and what is non-biodegradable waste? Then
emails and phone calls we have shared since I left,
with organisations working in development in Asia, the
• Austcare
the implementation of segregated waste collection in
I have heard some really encouraging things about
Pacific and Africa.
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation
the town’s urban area began. Biodegradable waste
solid waste management in San Juan. Change at a
was collected and taken to the newly established
community level is a slow process but I am hopeful
The benefits of being an Australian Partner
• Australian Football League (Oceania)
Municipal Composting Facility where it was processed
that we have made the first, occasionally unsteady
Organisation are many and varied including building
• Australian Foundation for Asia and the Pacific
and matured into compost. To complement the
steps towards a cleaner, safer town. I also recently
new partnerships in our region, providing an amazing
• Australian Human Rights Centre
existing waste collection, we also started a pilot
found out that the councillors of the Municipality of
professional development opportunity for staff and
• Australian Mekong Resource Centre
program in one of the rural barangays providing
San Juan had passed a resolution to adopt me as the
making a positive contribution to development.
• Australian National University
several waste collection stations along the main road,
‘special daughter’ of San Juan!
allowing residents to place their segregated waste
• Australian Development Gateway
• Australian Orangutan Project
If you are interested in learning more about partnering
• Australian Red Cross
into large bins for collection by the municipality waste
In early 2010 I am planning to return to San Juan
with the AYAD Program please contact the AYAD
• Australian Rugby Union
collectors instead of separating it at home.
to visit my friends and family, and to find out if the
Partnerships Team at apo.ayad@austraining.com.au
• Australian Sports Commission
solid waste management initiatives I assisted the
or (freecall) 1800 225 592.
• Australian Youth Climate Coalition
On the last day of my assignment, I reflected
Municipality of San Juan to develop have really
on what I had achieved in cooperation with my
become examples of sustainable development. I have
The AYAD Program would like to thank our current
• Bahay Tuluyan Philippines Australia
host organisation and I wondered if it would be
a feeling I may be pleasantly surprised when I find out
active APOs for their involvement and support:
• Baptist World Aid Australia
sustainable. There were so many more initiatives that
the answer.
• Ba Futuru Australia
• Be A Hero Australia
we could implement in the town but that wasn’t the
• Birds Australia
questions nagging in my mind. Would the composting
• Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation (Australia)
facility continue operating after I left? Would the
• Box Hill Institute of TAFE • Brisbane Institute of Strength Based Practice • Burnet Institute
• Cardno Acil Pty Ltd
• Football Federation Victoria
• Merri Community Health Services
• The Fred Hollows Foundation
January
• CARE Australia
• Foundation for Developing Cambodian Communities
• Murdoch University
• Transparency International
11-27 Info Sessions (across Australia)
• Caritas Australia
• Foundation for Development Cooperation
• Netball Australia
• Triathlon Australia
• CBM
• Friends and Partners of East Timor
• Oceania Athletics Association
• UNAA
• CBM Australia – Nossal Institute Partnership
• Friends of Venilale
• Opportunity International Australia
• UNHCR
• Central Queensland University
• George Institute for International Health
• OT Australia
• UNICEF Australia
• Centre for Refugee Research UNSW
• GHD Pty Ltd
• Oxfam Australia
• UNIFEM Australia
• Charles Darwin University
• GK Ancop Australia
• Pacific Asia Tourism Pty Ltd
• Union Aid Abroad (APHEDA)
• Charles Sturt University
• Griffith University
• Permaculture Research Institute of Australia
• UniQuest Pty Ltd
• ChildFund Australia
• Habitat for Humanity Australia
• Philippines Australia Studies Centre
• UnitingWorld
(tbc)
Info Sessions (across Australia)
• CLAN (Caring and Living as Neighbours)
• Hassall and Associates
• Plan International Australia
• University of Adelaide
(tbc)
AYAD Forum
• University of Melbourne
30
Intake 29 (October 2010) Assignments
Online
• Commonwealth Ombudsman
• Health Communication Resources Inc.
• Public Interest Law Clearing House
29
Intake 28 (July 2010) Assignments Online
February 19-21 State Representative Workshop (Adelaide) March 21-26 Intake 27 Pre Departure Training April
• Constitutional Centre of Western Australia
• Hope Worldwide
• Queensland Institute of Medical Research
• University of NSW
• Contemporary China Centre
• Humane Society International
• Rainforest Rescue Ltd
• University of Queensland
• Credit Union Foundation Australia
• iEARN Australia
• Reef Check Australia
• University of South Australia
• CSIRO
• Institute of Sustainability and Technology Policy
• Riverine Landscapes Research Lab
• University of Tasmania
• Deakin University
• International Centre for Eyecare Education
• Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW)
• University of Technology Sydney
• Department of Agriculture and Food (WA)
• International Cricket Council East Asia Pacific
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians
• University of Western Australia
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace
• International Development Law Organisation
• Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
• University of Western Sydney
• International Fund for Animal Welfare
• Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
• URS Sustainable Development
• International Rugby Board
• Royal Life Saving Society Australia
• Vets Beyond Borders
These details are correct at time of printing. Please
• International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Save the Children Australia
• Victoria University
check www.ayad.com.au for the latest
• Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• International Women’s Development Agency
• Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association
• Wetlands International – Oceania
• Department of Primary Industries (NSW)
• Interplast Australia and New Zealand
• Scouts Australia
• Women With Disabilities Australia
• Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QLD)
• Interserve Australia
• Southern Cross University
• World Bank Group
• Earth Systems Pty Ltd
• James Cook University
• Speech Language & Learning: Educational Therapy
• World Vision Australia
• Engineers Without Borders
• Jane Goodall Institute Australia
• Environmental Defenders Office NSW Ltd
• Land Equity International Pty Ltd
• St George Hospital Renal Department
• WSPA
• Federal Court of Australia
• Luminaide
• Susila Dharma Australia Inc.
• WWF - Australia
• FIBA Oceania
• Manly-Manado Inc.
• TAFE Queensland
• Youth Challenge Australia
• Flinders University of South Australia
• Marie Stopes International Australia
• TAFE South Australia
• YWCA of Australia
Relations
• Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Consultancy
• World Youth International Australia
May 8-9
Debrief (Melbourne)
June (tbc)
Intake 28 Pre Departure Training
(tbc)
State Representative Workshop (Canberra)
information.
WHAT IS AYAD? The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Program supports skilled young Australians (18-30) on short term assignments in developing countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa.
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS The AYAD Program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Australia Freecall : 1800 225 592 Telephone : +61 (8) 8364 8500 Managed by Austraining International Pty Ltd Level 1, 41 Dequetteville Tce, Kent Town SA 5067 www.ayad.com.au
www.ausaid.gov.au/ youtham