| 9th
May, 2005
 |
"My
next ambition is to go on a trip over to South Africa
and experience firsthand living in a Third World country
and see for myself the difference Oaktree has made."
|
STEPH
WOOLLARD, 20, writes of why she's involved with youth-run
development agency the Oaktree Foundation...
I have always had a passion for making a difference in whatever
way I can in the lives of those less fortunate. I began my
volunteering with the Oaktree Foundation when it was first
founded in 2003.
Oaktree
presented as a brilliant opportunity to get involved in a
brilliant cause, which is to empower those in the developing
world through education. And it is terrific to work alongside
others who have the same passion, motivation and energy necessary
for making positive change in our world.
My role in Oaktree at the moment is organising and promoting
dinners to be held at universities and primary schools around
Victoria between the 26th August and 4th September.
This
is our major fundraising event - called 'Dinner’s For
Life' - and will be used to fund our current initiatives in
Africa and South East Asia. This year we aim to hold 250 events
across Australia and raise $250,000.
Before taking on this role, I was part of the media team,
where I was involved in calling schools to arrange a many
visits to schools to share Oaktree’s vision and spread
the passion. Hugh Evans along with other volunteers spoke
to schools and the media about Oaktree and his work leading
up to being awarded young Australian of the year.
The main work of the media team is exposing the Oaktree’s
work as much as possible in magazines, newspapers and T.V.
networks. This is essential to the growth and success of Oaktree
as an organization.
My next ambition is to go on a trip over to South Africa and
experience firsthand living in a Third World country and see
for myself the difference Oaktree has made.
I would advise any young person who is interested in providing
youth in the developing world a chance to break free from
the poverty cycle by providing them with educational opportunities.
It is extremely rewarding work for a brilliant cause.
For more information, visit www.theoaktree.org.
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