The Ambassador Challenge is a new program from Schools 4 Schools in collaboration with out partner organisation in Cambodia, KAPE. It will send year 10s and 11s from Oaktrees partner schools a year long journey to become leaders in their local communities and ambassadors for the Schools 4 Schools program. Students selected for the program will be given 9 months of training and education on Cambodia, global development issues, fundraising, advocacy and personal development. They will then take part in a once in a lifetime, 3 week educational tour of Cambodia, in December 2011. Students will return to Australia, inspired, informed and equipped with the tools they need to become committed and dedicated advocates for change within their own schools and communities.

Applications are open to all Schools 4 Schools seed group members entering years 10 or 11 in 2011. Applications are done online here and close on Friday 18 March 2011. Take a look here for more information!

During the recent election campaign, there was a documentary film produced by well-known business owner Dick Smith entitled the Population Puzzle. It was interesting viewing, with Australian entrepreneur Smith basically claiming that Australia does not have the infrastructure, nor the natural resources, to accommodate a larger Australian population. That old argument of blaming the immigrants seemed to be back in favour, all be it more subtly than in previous epochs.

Although Smith had a point about the infrastructure and resources of Australia not being able to burden a mass influx of immigrants at this current juncture, the most important point to be raised out of all of this, which subsequently wasn’t in Smith’s film, is how the Australian government and Australian public intend to fix these problems. The idea that a land mass as sparsely populated and large as Australia is off limits to people from other lands seeking refuge is quite bemusing. The thoughts expressed in Dick Smith’s Population Puzzle seem to be more than fleeting though, with the processing of immigrants and refugees becoming a prominent discourse in Australian society in recent times. Overall, the coverage provided in the media regarding refugees has been largely negative, which has not always been the case.

So what has changed in recent times for Australians? During the Vietnam War Australian media coverage of refugees seeking asylum from the horrors of combat, torture and human rights violations were framed in a far more positive manner. Australia was portrayed as a neighbourly entity, providing a haven for people in need. Foreigners were welcomed into Migrant Hostels and treated with respect. A far cry from the Detention Centres that asylum seekers find themselves in today. The issues present in these Detention Centres cannot be underestimated, with ‘detainees’ often battling conditions worse than Australian prisoners. Many prisoners at least have access to television, exercise yards, libraries and most importantly, they know when they’re going to get out. Asylum seekers in Australia are not so lucky. According to the government work is being done on providing Detention Centres with the same benefits certain prisoners have. However, at the present stage many asylum seekers are housed in poor desert complexes with little to do but wait and hope. Not too mention the added burden of language barriers, cultural barriers and of course the fact they are never sure if or when they will be allowed to integrate into Australian society.

Though prisons are not pleasant places, and this article is not intended to downplay the punishment of being in jail, the comparison to Detention Centres certainly displays the need for a more defined and transparent approach to the refugee situation in Australia. Firstly, Australia as a wealthy developed nation has an obligation to take a certain quota of asylum seekers in, something which it has not done in recent times, with an incredible low rate of providing asylum to people terrorised by war and oppression compared to other developed Western nations. Secondly, refugees must be treated in a more humane manner. These people are not criminals, they simply want a second chance in life, a chance to live a normal life where they can work and enjoy the presence of a healthy family. Lastly, Australia must not expect smaller nations such as East Timor to carry the load of refugees as they attempt to enter the country. If Australia has been described as not having the infrastructure or resources to accommodate more refugees, then an under-developed tiny island nation on a long road back from a bloody war for independence certainly does not.

So if Australia has a humane, moral and global obligation to admit people seeking refuge from war zones in such nations as Afghanistan, Iraq and Sri Lanka, what happens to the problem regarding infrastructure and resources that Smith and others are so concerned about? There are no easy answers, but creating a better on-shore system to process and house refugees along with building up the infrastructure of secondary cities such as Albury/Wodonga and Mount Gambier to handle the influx of immigrants is certainly a start.

The detaining of asylum seekers in inappropriate, isolated desert and island complexes cannot continue. With the harsh Australian summer conditions imminent, the chance of riots and break outs from disgruntled refugees are sure to sky rocket. The Australian public has already witnessed the recent suicide of a Fijian refugee and changes must be made to avoid more refugees following suit. A start is already being made on this with the United Nation’s refugee branch set to assess the Australian detention facilities. Sure Dick Smith may have to give up part of his backyard in the long run, but it’ll be worth it if we can save thousands from war and oppression. Above all, when thinking about the refugee situation in Australia, just remember – refugees aren’t just boat people; they’re real people.

Written by Dale Brett

Here are some other websites you may be interested in:

• Refugee Info
• Success story of Burmese refugees in Mount Gambier
• UN Refugee Response

FACT: Over 9.5 million people die each year due to infectious diseases –nearly all live in developing countries.

When it comes to getting immunisations, it is not exactly a favourite time of the year.

Nobody likes getting pricked in the arm, or that weird aching feeling you get for the rest of the day – not to mention if you experience that unfortunate situation of being stuck in line behind someone who cries and freaks out – making you dread the awaiting stab all the more. But no matter how much we hate needles the truth is we should really be counting ourselves lucky that we live in a country which provides us with the opportunity to protect ourselves against disease, an opportunity which people in developing countries are often denied.

FACT: 2.2 Million children worldwide die each year because they are not immunised.

FACT: For the 1.9 billion children from the developing world, one in seven has no access to health care.

Infectious diseases are one of the most challenging issues ofglobal health, accounting for about one quarter of all deaths globally, and nearly two-thirds of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Although safe and effective interventions for many of these diseases exist, many people lack access to the required preventive and treatment care. Furthermore, once people are infected with one disease they become highly susceptible to other diseases, this is known as co-infection. For example, it is common for people with HIV/AIDS to also contract tuberculosis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) frequently highlight that preventable diseases such as malaria and pneumococcal diseases* are indeed ‘diseases of poverty’. Moreover, not only are these diseases the direct result of poverty but infectious diseases are also a contributing factor to poverty –thus perpetuating a cruel ‘feedback loop’. Families and communities are hit hard by these infectious diseases which consequently lead to lost productivity, missed educational opportunities and unmanageably high health-care costs.

Although health inequalities have been noted in countries all around the world, it remains clear that the more socially disadvantaged you are, the worse your health is. Read any of the stats and you’ll find yourself asking why is there so much needless suffering going on, especially when the world has enough wealth to address these problems. Therefore it is our job to keep fighting, keep speaking out and contributing to the task of achieving 6th MDG which aims to stop and reverse the spread of infectious diseases by 2015.

*The pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis. In developing countries, even half of those children who receive medical treatment will die. Every second surviving child will have some kind of disability.

Written by Kate Dockery

www.globalhealth.org
www.globalissues.org
www.who.int (World Health Organisation)

The Queensland Academy of Creative Industries (QACI) & Queensland Academy of Science, Maths and Technology (QASMT)

On Wednesday 21^st July, both schools came together to learn a bit more about the Oaktree Foundation, to fundraise for Oaktree’s international projects, and to have fun on Harmony Day! With Oaktree presentations and lots of exciting games like a ‘gold dig’ and a cookie eating game (to name a few), people were able to learn more about the Oaktree Foundation whilst having an awesome time!

The highlight of the day would definitely be the massive donation rush during the song “Gold Digger”, the two schools managed to raise whopping $800 in just 1 minute! We had such a great day, and can’t wait to see more of QACI and QASMT next year!

Brisbane Girl’s Grammar School

On Friday 30^th July, Brisbane Girl’s Grammar School had an Open Day Lolly Skewer Stall, to fundraise for our partner school, Hlahlindlela. With lolly and marshmallow skewers with chocolate fondue, the school was treated to some yummy delights! The amazing commitment of the seed group students who helped set up, and run the stall throughout the evening, was definitely the highlight of the day!

The fun for the year doesn’t stop there though. During Week 6 Grammar seed group has organised an entire Schools4Schools Week, complete with a Gold Day, Bake Stall, Spider Stall, TV Show screening and an Are You Smarter than an 8^th Grader show! Amazing! We cannot wait to hear how it goes! Good luck Grammar!

Queensland Academy of Health Science

On Sunday 25^th of July, the QAHS held ‘The Beach 2 Beach Fun Run’. This fun run consisted of a massive beach run along scenic Gold Coast views! The community and school families rallied around the students, ensuring the event received sponsorship and lots of donations. The day was so much fun, and we are very proud of our QAHS seed group for all the effort they’ve put in this term!

Still to come at QAHS, the S4S seed group is looking to organise a Griffith University sausage sizzle for hungry uni students during open day!! Following the example of the other academies success with the gold dig, they will organize one during assembly while dancing with a song from GLEE!

Marsden State High School

We can’t pick one event for Marsden – they always have so many running! After a successful pizza day last term, the seed group has decided to organize another one on the 24^th of August. Following that, they will organize a sausage sizzle for their community during the election date! Taking advantage of a general LOVE FOR CHOCOLATE, a choc drive has been going on since last semester and due to its huge success it will continue this term too!! The students are also organising a Christmas Raffle, and can’t wait to get their peers excited during Global Education Month!

In the month of August our Lead Seed is

Ben

From Marsden State High School

Ben spent an entire afternoon seeking sponsorship from the local shops, and did us proud by gaining 3 fantastic prizes to go in his Seed Group’s Christmas Hamper. We’re so impressed, Ben!

Sifiso strongly believes that everyone has the power to change their own lives.  He knows many young people around him who have many challenges to overcome in their lives, but he always encourages them to work through their problems and strive for a better future. Sifiso loves the GOLD program because it equips him to instill this hope into all young people he comes across. He believes that GOLD is creating a generation of young leaders by helping youth create and achieve their life goals.

Sifiso’s school and community are located in a semi rural area.  He feels that absenteeism, teenage pregnancy, lack of tables and chairs, and a shortage of library materials are the biggest problems facing Siqongweni. As a GOLD peer educator Sifiso feels he is doing a great deal to address these problems.  Recently he ran a lesson delivery with other students at Siqongweni. The session was called “Why do we date sugar Daddies and Mamas?” In Sifiso’s community it is a common occurrence that younger girls will date older men who have money to provide the girls with things like mobile phones and nice clothes which are desirable for teenagers. This is one of the causes of teen pregnancy and contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Sifiso felt that he was able to reach the students that attended the class, and he felt they really learned a great deal in the session.

Sifiso is a proud citizen of South Africa and sees much hope for the country’s future. Sifiso loves that South Africa is a rainbow nation which is a home to native South Africans, Indians, white people and all kinds of others. He would like all people who visit his country to appreciate its special qualities and unique history. He feels that if all the nation’s citizens are able to work together to address the challenges, the future will be bright.

The message that Sifiso would like to share with all young people of the world is that “there is no end to human potential, and we all have so much to learn!”

You are educated on the issues; you have learnt the facts; you know the stories… So get out there and start spreading the word! Change begins with you!

Global Education Month is where you, as educated ambassadors, begin spreading the word on these issues and educating others on how their actions can have an impact!

This is your opportunity to get creative in promoting the issues! How can you get these issues heard? In what ways can you attract attention and allow your peers to understand the situations of those living in developing countries?

Word-of-mouth is a powerful advocacy tool. When you are passionate for a cause, it emanates through you and reaches out to others.

This “HOW TO” Pack is designed with tips and advice to get you thinking of ways in which you can begin spreading the word: with your family, friends, school and wider community!

Hear from your peers on how young people can create change and what it takes to be a leader:

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Schools 4 Schools was founded on a mission to “Provide life changing educational opportunities for young people in developing communities and create a generation of global citizens among young Australians through dynamic school partnerships”. 

We encourage students to be provoked and challenged by the issues they learn and discuss. Through weekly Seed group sessions, insightful speakers at conferences and personal accounts such as those told by Phakamani during the GOLD speaking tour, students are empowered with the knowledge on the ways in which they can create change.

Phaka

Exciting news!!! The S4S team has selected Phakamani Ndlovu, a facilitator at Kwabazothini High School, in the Valley of 1000 hills to travel to Australia for the GOLD Speaking Tour. The selection process was heartbreaking for us. Over two weeks we interviewed seven GOLD facilitators from various implementing organizations. The applicants were truly inspiring to us. Each facilitator came from a different background and had a different story to tell. It was so hard for us to chose between facilitators, and even harder to call up unsuccessful applicants to tell them they were not going to Australia. I wish so much that we could have just sent all of them!

So our final choice was Phakamani (Phaka for short) and he is an amazing young person. Phaka is 21 years old and turns 22 on the 9^th of June – he will be in Australia for his birthday! Phaka finished high school in 2006 and has completed various courses since then, such as IT training, adult basic education, radio programming and sound engineering. Phaka has worked so hard to get to where he is today. His father abandoned his family when he was young. And while his mother has always supported the family, she had to move out of their family home to work in Durban as a domestic worker to earn money for the family.

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During their teen years, Phaka and his brothers lived by themselves. They were forced to grow up quickly to look after themselves at home and study hard at school despite their circumstances. Phaka told us that he and his brother were very helpful around the school grounds and often helped with cleaning the toilets. The school principal was so grateful for their help that he organised a bursary for them through the Hillcrest Advice Bureau. This allowed Phaka to complete grade 8 to 12 at school.

When I look at Phaka and his truly positive outlook on life, it is hard to believe that the troubled past he speaks of belongs to him. Phaka has so much compassion for others and is always wanting to give. When he finished high school, he became a caregiver for school age orphans and vulnerable children around the Valley of Thousand Hills through an organization called Valley Trust in Bothas Hill. This experience made him realize just how much he loved working with and supporting youth.

Phaka has been a GOLD facilitator for one and a half years now. He joined GOLD because he wanted to support young people in his community in tackling HIV/AIDS. He told us that since being involved in GOLD, he has seen big changes in his community’s attitude and behavior towards HIV/AIDS. Teenage pregnancy has dropped, use of protection and awareness of the issue has increased, and stigma is being challenged.

Just Chillin

Phaka aspires to be a motivational speaker for youth in South Africa. He dreams of working for his own organization which will be focused on youth development. Many young people he knows were not able to finish schools for various reasons including poverty and teen pregnancy. He hopes that his organization will be able to help these people and offer them the education they missed out on. Currently we are training and preparing Phaka for his trip to Australia. It is great fun working with him and learning more about him.

Phaka is extremely excited about his trip to Australia!  He is looking forward to working with young Australians, and learning about our culture. He tells us that through the speeches he will deliver, he hopes to “tear down the perceptions of poverty and show we can uplift youth through education.” We are also very excited for Phaka to travel to Australia, and for him to meet a whole bunch of school students and Oaktree volunteers! Check out the video below which is sure to get you pumped for the arrival of Phaka on Australian shores.