Oxfam
Oxfam is a big international organization
that was established in 1995. This large organization consists of eleven independent,
self-governing organizations from different countries. Oxfam branches are spread over more
than one hundred countries through the eleven local organizations.
The Oxfam International Secretariat, as the name suggests, is a minor team
that acts as the bridge for the eleven members of Oxfam. It is set in Oxford, UK. Aside
from that, there is also a department that manages the issues with the World Bank, the
International Monetary Fund and the United Nations. This is the Washington Advocacy Office
that runs with merely four staff members.
Though from different countries, despite having differences in language,
race, religion, and culture, they share the same goal. That common goal is to cease the
existence of poverty. With this, the countries are determined to work hand in hand,
imposing all kinds of methods and solutions to improve the situation. They work
consistently, internationally to achieve a greater impact for their efforts for justice.
Oxfam realizes that the state of poverty is the lack of power of people to
practice their basic proper etiquette or manipulate any part of their lives. It is a loss
of dignity and freedom. Poverty restricts one from acquiring material goods and basic
facilities and opportunities to living a better life.
In general, Oxfam believes that poverty can be attacked through its root
causes and the structures that perpetuate poverty. To do this, the people and the
governments of the world must have both the will and the action to fight poverty. The
unfair treatment of the poor by the rich can be minimized largely both within countries
and between countries. The poor must be given livelihoods and a chance to involve
themselves in the community and society. They must be allowed to manage their own lives.
They must be given equal opportunities through a fair and just economy and good
educational environment. Those mired in poverty must also be given a way to fight and
speak up for their rights and deserved benefits.
Aside from that, Oxfam believes that natural disasters, the civilian
possession of arms, and environmental destruction worsen poverty. Because of this, Oxfam
also responds to calamities and human conflicts, raising funds from all over the world to
manage emergencies.
All over the world, over the last two to three years, Oxfam raised more
than US$335 million to to help in the elimination of poverty around the globe.
This money is spent in helping other local organizations to reinforce
themselves and consequently also help out in the fight against poverty. Such organizations
may represent the poor to the government or voice out propaganda to the media. That money
is also spent on both urban and rural community development projects so as to allow the
very poor to benefit. The facilities provided are often not major. For example, water and
sanitation facilities are assets necessary for establishing small businesses. Next, they
would give assistance to the people who are discriminated against in society. Oxfam also
offers help to the poor people by building up the people’s ability to see through
confusion calmly.
Oxfam also asks for a definite response and action from communities
internationally.
Together, with the combined efforts put in by Oxfam, the public, and the
victims themselves, as long as we work with a firm mind, and our whole hearts, the plague
of poverty can be extinguished in a matter of time.
Contact Information:
Oxfam
International Office
2nd Floor, Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7HT
Telephone: (44 1865) 31 39 39; Facsimile: (44 1865) 31 39 35
http://www.oxfam.org / http://www.oxfaminternational.org
Email: administration@oxfaminternational.org
Oxfam America
26 West Street, Boston MA 02111 1206, USA
Telephone: (1617) 482 1211; Facsimile: (1617) 728 2594
http://www.oxfamamerica.org
Email: info@oxfamamerica.org
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