Oxfam GB in Indonesia In Action

I received an invitation to attend an event and gathering in Jogjakarta from one of Oxfam Partner, SBIB. Finally they’ve made it after months of planning and a long time discussion! The event was part of SBIB campaigns to make international trade fair.

On the Invitation paper, Its written: “Week of Rice Action”. This title is really appealing to me and I quickly decided to fly to Jogjakarta to attend this occasion. (more…)

It was a bright and sunny morning on Friday, 8th June 2007 when Tata Mustasya, Oxfam Policy & Advocacy officer asked me to join him in a climate change consultation meeting which was held in Yayasan Kehati. 

I thought that was a great idea since climate change is now one of the Oxfam’s main concern. So, I grabbed my things before jumped into a car. As sson as we arrived at Kehati, Mrs. Anida, the Kehati’s programme director greeted us. Once we enter the room, we saw many familiar faces.  They were our colleagues from national and international CSOs.  I took this opportunity to go around and being friendly to everyone.

Tata was responsible to be the facilitator of this meeting. Mrs. Anida of Kehati explained the position of CSO forum which was formed last May 2007. Ari Margiono, Oxfam’s Media, Advocacy & Communication Manager presented the position of Oxfam in connection with climate change issues. Other CSO members were also given the time to explained each position and their expectation toward Oxfam.

In this consultation, Indonesian CSO Forum and Oxfam agreed to keep communicating and to share information and knowledge on climate change issues in preparation toward United Nations Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties 13 (UNFCCC COP 13) in Bali, 3-14 December 2007.

 It was also decided that further collaboration and resource sharing are potential once Indonesian CSO Forum and Oxfam have clearly defined their positions on the COP 13, particularly regarding issues on the impacts of climate change to the most vulnerable ones.

At the end of this consultation, Tata approached me and said that he was happy because the meeting went well and Indonesian CSO forum was being really supportive and keen to share their bright ideas regarding climate change.

This forum was also attended by our colleagues from Oxfam Hong Kong (Lot and Julia) and Oxfam Novib (Sofia).

We waived good bye to everyone and promised one another to meet again in the next consultation meeting. Well, I guess Tata and friends have lot things to do before the UNFCCC COP 13 in Bali. “Good Luck, Mate!”

Couple of weeks ago, Oxfam received an invitation to be one of the exhibitors of British International School Career Fair on 13th June 2007.  This career fair was an exhibition that provided information to students about future careers and higher educatioonal career. Oxfam took this rare opportunity.

 Therefore this morning, I got up early and rushed to clean  up  myself before finally ready to start my day.  “Today is going to be a busy day, “I said to myself.  I drove my car to Bintaro to meet up with my colleagues at the British International School.

 Once I arrived, I hurried to get into the venue where we held the mini exhibition for British Career Fair. I joined up with Laksmi, Ari and our Country Programme Manager, David MacDonald at our counter.

 The Career Fair was opened by the Principal, Mr. Peter Derby-Crook. He thanked us for our participation and effort that we made to make this fair happened.

The exhibition started at 09:10 am. Many students visited our counter and asked many questions regarding Oxfam. David MacDonald could not stop himself from explaining the work that Oxfam does in Indonesia. Some students exclaimed by saying,”You’ve been here for 50 years?? WOW!! That’s cool!”  Two female students from year 10 asked whether they could do something through Oxfam. They wanted to do some voluntary works for the community. We promised to get back to them later, if some good opportunities come up. Many students came at our counter and expressed that they would like to do something for humanity.  It was such a great time to see how these young people eager to help the poor.  

Kelly Milward from year 12 says, “Oxfam is a very good organisation to work with. Oxfam has ben doing a great work for developing countries like Indonesia. I also enjoyed about the information that they have given me today. I don’t get this kind of information from TV. If I had a chance I would like to work in Oxfam.”

 Time moved so fast. We ended our mini exhibition at 12:30. We packed and rushed back to the office. However, we really enjoyed the time at the Career Fair. It was something different for us. It was enjoyable. It was FUN.

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