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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:
Oxfam America
26 West Street, Boston MA 02111 1206, USA
Telephone: (1617) 482 1211; Facsimile: (1617) 728 2594
http://www.oxfamamerica.org
Email:
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